Friday 30th January

Co-headteachers’ welcome

There is nothing more important within our Simon Balle community than all we do to support our young people to feel safe and to belong. We know that where this is achieved – which, of course, is aspired to for 100% of our students and their families – young people have the very best of opportunities to achieve and to thrive, academically and holistically, and to be prepared as ‘tomorrow’s citizens’, ready to be successful in the next stage of their education and lives when they leave us. We invest in our positive, calm and unique culture and ethos at Simon Balle each and every day, because together – students, families, staff and leaders, governors and trustees – we are best equipped to support and challenge our young people to be the best they can be. We make no apologies for having high expectations, always supported in a multitude of ways. 

An important part of this is in our ongoing work to proactively promote a culture in which bullying is never accepted, and indeed, always addressed. You will have seen a letter from Mr Pooley in the autumn term whereby this year we are using the ‘United Against Bullying School Alliance’ to underpin our analysis and actions. A huge thank you to you all, as surveys in the autumn term have had a very high return rate – this ensures that our understanding of student experiences are accurate, and that we can target our next steps – as we are never complacent – with precision. More will follow in a standalone letter, but we would like to celebrate the following headlines here: 

• 200 responses from parents/carers, sharing that 91% of parents agree or strongly agree that their child is safe at school; 85% of parents feeling that their child truly belongs with us; 85% of parents knowing how to report any bullying concerns. 
• 110 responses from staff (teaching and support staff), sharing that 98% of staff agree or strongly agree that students have a sense of belonging with us, 99% that students feel safe. 95% feel confident in understanding how to prevent and respond to bullying. 
• 761 responses from students, Years 5 – 13. 86% say that they always get on well with their teachers; 87% say that there is never any physical bullying; 91% say that they are never treated meanly online. 

We are always open to learning and to improving, thus we commit ourselves to: 

• Further and clear communication with parents in relation to how we strategically define bullying and our approach to educating and dealing with bullying. 
• Whole-school assemblies, Spring term 2026, to support students in fully understanding our restorative practice and communication: for example, with the defined stages in place to support both victims and perpetrators. 

In particular, please do support us with our upcoming Children’s Mental Health week! We are raising vital funds for Herts Mind Network, ensuring that mental health support is available to everyone in our local community. Our theme – 12 -reminds us that we don’t need to fix everything at once. Whether it’s 12 minutes of mindfulness, 12 reps of an exercise, or checking in on a friend at 12 o’clock, small efforts added together make a huge difference. Much more to follow in terms of our specific plans!

A huge thank you for everything you all contribute to ensuring that Simon Balle is a happy and safe environment for all of our young people. Our partnership between home and school is so valued. When students belong and thrive, the world is opened to them in relation to academic, and ambitious, possibilities of every kind.

Year 9 Preferences

It was wonderful to see so many families on Wednesday for the Year 9 Preferences evening. The rooms were buzzing with excitement,  there were lots of great questions being asked and the teachers were delighted to share their passion for their subjects. It was encouraging to see the year group thinking seriously about their futures, considering careers and looking ahead to the next stage of their education.

Next Steps: Please ensure you complete your forms following your guided pathway. If you have any questions regarding the process, or the pathway you are guided to, please email: y9preferences@simonballe.herts.sch.uk

You can also view the Preference Information Booklet 2025/26 and the assembly presentation slides on the Year 9 Google Classroom or click the following link to see just the information booklet: Year 9 Preference Booklet 2025/26

Submission Process To ensure all choices are entered correctly, I need to check the forms personally with each student. Therefore:

• Forms must be handed directly to me (Miss J Green) in my office.
• Please do not hand forms to form tutors or other staff.
• I am available before school, at break, lunch, or after school.

Deadline: Monday 23rd February (This is the first day back after half term).

You are also welcome to hand your form in any time before this date. Any necessary follow-up meetings regarding preferences will be arranged in March.

Thank you,

Miss J Green 

Head of Year 9

Staffing

We are writing to inform parents and carers across our all-through community that we are delighted to welcome Mrs Patrick, who will be joining us as SENCo from the start of the Summer Term 2026. Mrs Patrick is an experienced SENCo, having worked both within school settings and the Local Authority, and we are very much looking forward to her becoming part of our Simon Balle All-through team welcoming her breadth of knowledge and expertise in this important area of school life. 

As many of you in our Larch community will already be aware, Mrs Raven, Primary SENCo, will be going on maternity leave at the end of this half term. She will return next academic year further reinforcing and widening the expertise in our all-through SEND team once again.

Over the course of this week, Miss Mizon, Assistant Headteacher, and Mrs Raven, Larch SENCo, will be in contact with parents of children with SEND in our Larch community to organise meeting times with Mrs Patrick. They will also share details of an upcoming coffee morning where parents will have the opportunity to meet members of our all-through SEND team, including Mrs Patrick.

We look forward to welcoming Mrs Patrick to our Simon Balle All-through community and wish Mrs Raven the very best with her forthcoming maternity leave.

Please click here for our latest Careers Opportunities blog, which includes: 

• Government Social Research: 2026 degree apprenticeships
• Buzzacott: 2026 accountancy and business apprenticeships
• Virtual work experience with Google

SEND

If you would like to speak to a member of our all-through SEND team, please schedule a virtual appointment of up to 15 minutes by using the following link: Virtual SEND Team Appointments

Big Schools’ Birdwatch

On Monday 26th January, a team of secondary school students took part in the Big Schools’ Birdwatch which is a nationwide research project that helps the RSPB to monitor how British wildlife is doing throughout the country.

We observed the wildlife on the school playground, school field and woodland. We saw a variety of common species such as the blue tit, robin, black-headed gull, carrion crow and jackdaw. We also saw some more unusual birds such as the song thrush, redwing and pied wagtail. Two grey squirrels were spotted chasing each other around a tree and we enjoyed seeing a fresh white carpet of snowdrops in the woodland. 

Our results were submitted to the RSPB to be added to their national data. Well done to the birdwatching team!

Calling our Larch bakers!

The House Leaders are launching a Valentine baking competition. Please bake a Valentine treat, take a photo of it and email your photo to Ms Cannon. The winners will be announced in the House Leader assembly after half term. The deadline to enter is Monday 23rd February. Please email your photos (with your child’s name and class) to: cannonh@simonballe.herts.sch.uk. Many thanks and good luck!

Please enjoy our Musical News 8 – so much to celebrate!

Harry Potter Quiz

We have the annual Harry Potter quiz for secondary school students in the secondary library on Thursday 12th February.

Larch Wet Play Games

We always aim for the children to go outside during break and lunch, however in particularly poor weather conditions children spend time in their classrooms to play with their friends. If you have any spare games at home that you would be happy to donate for children to use during indoor play, please drop them to the Larch office. Please ensure any games dropped off have all parts, are in good condition and do not have any electrical parts requiring batteries. This could include card games such as Uno and Top Trumps, Lego and other traditional board games that can be played at tables.

Parent Staff Association

Spring Music events – bar support needed

Spring is a busy time for the secondary music community with the Concert Orchestra’s Music Prom on 13th March followed by Big Band on 14th and in April the Brass and Wind evening on 25th.

The PSA likes to support these wonderful evenings by running a licensed bar.  Are you able to help? Sign up here.

Annual General Meeting advanced notice: 18th March

An AGM (Annual General Meeting) is a meeting held once a year where we come together to review what has happened over the past year, including finances, reports, and key  decisions. It is also a chance to elect committee members and discuss plans for the year ahead. We plan to hold our AGM on Wednesday 18th March in the secondary library, meeting at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

Good attendance at the AGM is important because it ensures decisions represent the wider all-through community and that we can meet our legal requirements. The more people who attend, the stronger and more democratic our organisation becomes. Please consider attending our AGM, even if you do not wish to be elected as a committee member. We need a minimum number of attendees in order for the AGM to proceed.

Register your interest via the sign up link.volunteersignup.org/WT7KY

Dates for your diary

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

• W/b 2nd Feb: Y10 assessment week
• Wed 4th and Thurs 5th Feb: Y11 pathway meetings
• Wed 4th Feb: Y11 performance clinic
• Fri 6th Feb: Y10 ELSA careers day
• Mon 16th – Fri 20th Feb: Half term holiday
• Thurs 26th Feb: Y13 student consultation evening (in person)
• Mon 2nd Mar: Y11 core mocks start
• Wed 4th Mar: Y13 student consultation evening (in person)

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead 

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

Friday 16th January

Co-headteachers’ welcome

As we set our New Year resolutions, I will admit to being personally guilty of seeing them falter by mid-January. Reflecting on why, it is usually because the goals were unmanageable or lacked a concrete plan. In education, we often speak of clarity and consistency; sustainable progress is built on realistic steps and a clear sense of purpose—values we strive to model for our students every day.

With the new term underway, our oldest students have now submitted their UCAS applications. While a milestone, this is only one of several vital pathways we support. The apprenticeship route continues to grow rapidly, offering exceptional opportunities across diverse industries. We are proud of our local reputation for excellence in apprenticeship guidance, recently highlighted when our Assistant Headteacher was invited to speak at a national event on the expanding landscape of vocational opportunities.

Careers education remains a cornerstone of our all-through curriculum. Recent highlights range from a live court trial experience for the Sixth Form to a series of visits from industry leaders. This term, our focus is to embed career links into every subject, helping students understand not only what they are learning, but why it matters in the professional world.

Underpinning these achievements is a culture of aspiration, confidence, and leadership. A unique strength of our all-through setting is the way older students mentor their younger peers. As Robert Ingersoll wrote, “We rise by lifting others.” This ethos is visible daily, and we are working to further embed leadership opportunities across all year groups via the School Parliament.

As we settle into the term, I wish everyone a purposeful start to 2026—one built not on grand resolutions, but on the small, meaningful steps that move us forward together.

Celebrating Our INSET Day: Strengthening Our Community and Practice

Our whole-school INSET day on Monday 5th January was a valuable opportunity for staff to come together, reflect, learn and grow in preparation for the Spring Term. Warmly welcomed by Senior Leaders who set the tone by leading a meaningful session on our school’s culture and ethos, we took this INSET Day as an opportunity as a staff team to remember the values and expectations that unite our community and support every child to thrive in a positive, inclusive environment.

Following this, colleagues participated in the first of two training sessions delivered by Trauma Informed UK. A trauma-informed approach recognises that many children experience stressful or harmful life events that can affect behaviour, wellbeing and learning. A trauma-informed school seeks to support all pupils by prioritising strong, trusting relationships, emotional safety and compassionate responses over punitive measures. These approaches are grounded in research from psychology, neuroscience and education and aim to promote healthier school cultures where every child and adult feels valued and understood.

The training emphasised how vital it is for all staff to continue to understand the impact of trauma, to use relational skills and to contribute to a supportive culture where children can feel safe, connected and ready to learn. It also highlighted the importance of supporting staff wellbeing as part of a holistic approach to school life.

Later in the day, staff worked in their departments and phases to review the Autumn Term, share reflections, and set clear aspirations and action plans for the Spring Term. These focused discussions ensured that our ongoing development is purposeful and closely aligned with our school development priorities.

We’d like to share our thanks to all staff for their engagement and dedication as we saw yet another example of how their ongoing engagement and commitment to professional growth benefits our whole community.

United Against Bullying – Survey Update

Thank you to everyone who completed the United Against Bullying survey before Christmas. We received an excellent level of engagement, with over 200 responses from parents and carers, 700+ from students, and 150 from staff.

Your feedback has been invaluable in helping us better understand our community’s experiences and in shaping an action plan to ensure every student feels that they belong and are safe at school.

We will be sharing further information shortly, including clear guidance on how to report bullying concerns and our whole-school approach to preventing and responding to bullying.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us create a positive and inclusive school environment.

Preference timeline for Year 9 students and parents

W/C 19th January 2025 – Subject leads to present information about their subject to students during drop down sessions in the hall 

Monday 26th January – Preference letters to be sent to all Year 9’s stating their pathway in advance of preference evening 

Wednesday 28th January – Year 9 Preference evening starting at 6pm. Presentation in the main hall followed by a ‘Preference fayre’ at which all departments will be present. 

Monday 23rd February  – Deadline for preferences to be submitted (please note this is the first day back to school after the half term break)

Early March onwards  – SLT interviews to be conducted

PE and Sport

New Year, New Goals – Get Active This January!

January is the perfect time for a fresh start and a great opportunity to embrace a more active lifestyle! At Simon Balle, we’re encouraging all students to make a New Year’s Resolution to move more – whether that’s joining a new club, being active with friends at lunch time, or taking part in one of our fantastic extra-curricular sports activities.

Our extra-curricular programme offers something for everyone – from competitive team sports to recreational clubs designed simply for fun and wellbeing. Taking part in physical activity not only improves fitness, but also boosts confidence, reduces stress, and helps build friendships across the school.

Here is our jam packed extra curricular programme for this half term: https://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/sport/secondary-sport/

Let’s make 2026 the year we all choose to move more, feel better, and live healthier!

London Mavericks Netball Masterclass 

Last half term our most talented netballers from Years 8–10 were given a fantastic opportunity to take part in an exclusive netball masterclass led by London Mavericks. The session provided an inspiring insight into the high-performance environment of elite netball and challenged our students to take their game to the next level.

The focus of the masterclass was on attacking play, specifically dominant drives and creating effective space on court. From the very first drill, the intensity was high, with students demonstrating great energy, teamwork and determination. It was fantastic to see how quickly they were able to apply new skills and concepts into match play scenarios, a real testament to their coachability and commitment.

Coach Amy was extremely impressed with the standard of play and the level of talent across all three year groups. She praised the players’ work ethic, willingness to learn, and enthusiasm throughout the session.

Opportunities like this are invaluable for our students, allowing them to experience professional-level coaching and develop both their technical and tactical understanding of the game.

A huge thank you goes to Coach Amy and the London Mavericks for delivering such an engaging and high-quality session. We can’t wait to see how our students continue to build on what they learned as the season progresses. We are looking forward to the Netball Super League returning in the new year and aim to get tickets to watch some of London Mavericks’ games!

Feedback from the Cricket Master class

Before Christmas students were lucky enough to have some master class sessions from Coach Becky who is part of the Hertfordshire cricket set up and is an amazing advocate for girls cricket. 

Year 7, 8 & 9 were all given an hour session which helped develop their bowling and batting skills. The girls were given some new tactical ideas and some great new drills that we can continue to use in lessons. The students were engaged, focused and competitive and Becky was so impressed with how they developed throughout the session. 

At the end of the day the PE staff were lucky enough to have a CPD session with Becky on how we can develop our cricket knowledge and skills making for a fantastic scheme of work in the summer term. 

Festive Badminton

The secondary phase got into the festive spirit the week before the holiday with our first ever Festive Badminton event and what a brilliant way to end the term!

Over 130 students took part across the secondary bringing plenty of energy, smiles and festive cheer. From homemade T-shirts and creative christmas outfits to some seriously impressive badminton skills.

Huge well done to everyone who got involved and an extra shout out to our winners:

• Year 7 winners: Dominic K and Oscar G
• Year 8 winners: Rowan M and Bradley P
• Year 9 and 10 winners: Tom S and Mason K 
• Sixth form and Staff: Miss Newman and Mr Goodwin

Art news

Creative Arts Digital Suite Grant

We are delighted to announce that our school has been awarded a substantial grant from the Wolfson Foundation to create a state-of-the-art Digital Arts Suite, marking a major step forward in enhancing creative learning for our students.

This innovative new space will provide students with access to industry-standard technology, specialist software, and high-quality digital resources—empowering them to explore a range of digital skills and techniques. The suite will support both GCSE and A-Level pathways, enabling young artists to develop advanced technical skills, refine their creative voice, and build portfolios that reflect real-world practice in the creative industries.

The grant forms part of our wider commitment to expanding opportunities in the arts and ensuring students have the tools they need to succeed in an ever-evolving digital landscape. With the new Digital Arts Suite, students will benefit from enriched lessons, greater independence in their creative projects, and increased exposure to contemporary digital arts processes.

We look forward to opening the space next year and celebrating the extraordinary work our students will create. This project represents not only a major enhancement to our arts curriculum, but also a vibrant new hub for imagination, innovation, and creative discovery.

The Wolfson Foundation is an independent grant-making charity with a focus on research and education. Its aim is to contribute to civil society by supporting high-quality projects in science, health, heritage, humanities and the arts.

Since it was established in 1955, the Wolfson Foundation has awarded over £1 billion (£2 billion in real terms) to around 14,000 projects throughout the UK, all on the basis of expert review.

Subway Arts

We’re thrilled to welcome back the Subway Art Project, supported by Cllr. Rachel Carter and Hertfordshire County Council. This year’s display features a selection of artwork submitted by 2025 GCSE Art students from Hertford’s secondary schools. We are incredibly proud of the three students whose pieces have been chosen for exhibition in the London Road Subway—a space many of our students walk through each day on their way to school. A celebration of aspiration, community, and pride.

Life Drawing Workshop

Last friday our 6th form art students participated  in a  life drawing workshop which was a valuable and eye-opening experience for them.  It allowed them to develop their observational skills, improve their understanding of human anatomy, and work more confidently with proportion and form. The session encouraged focus, accuracy, and creative risk-taking, as well as respect for the professional studio environment. Overall, the workshop enhanced their artistic ability and gave them a deeper appreciation of drawing from life, which they can apply to future coursework and creative projects.

History

We’re pleased to share that Isabella, 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, Isabella secured a position on the programme and will be undertaking a series of supervisions in History including a residential placement. 

Congratulations to Isabella on this outstanding achievement!

Drama

A busy end of term in the drama department with a GCSE visit to Alexandra Palace to watch A Christmas Carol, Year 10’s performed their own piece of devised theatre for a year 3 audience and we took 42 Drama Club members (and  our sixth form leaders) to see the Beauty and the Beast pantomime at the Beam Theatre. A festive and theatrical end to term!

Simon Balle Business @ The Frost Fair

This year saw a fantastic presence from the Business Department at the Frost Fair—our strongest yet and a real testament to the subject’s growing popularity. Students from the Year 7 Make £5 Grow enrichment programme and Year 12 CTEC Business course showcased an impressive range of activities and products, all of which had been thoughtfully planned and professionally delivered.

Collectively, our business students raised approximately £380 for the PSA. But far more important than the final figure was the experience: developing confidence, embracing enterprise, and learning what it truly means to think like an entrepreneur. It was inspiring to watch students throw themselves into the challenge—showing the initiative, enthusiasm and resilience that every successful businessperson needs. Many were even applying pricing strategies on the spot, responding to demand and working hard to attract customers throughout the day.

In the months leading up to the event, students developed and refined their ideas, created marketing materials, and forecasted their costs, revenue and profit. Along the way, they gained invaluable skills in teamwork, communication and problem solving. Perhaps the biggest compliment of all came from a Year 7 student who asked, “Can we do it again in Year 8?” Well… you never know!

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 Local offer – SEND Strategy 2026 – 2029 Consultation Link and Feedback opportunity

The latest DSPL3 Newsletter for Parents – Autumn 2 is attached including details of their upcoming coffee mornings. 

Safety advice from the Fire Brigade

Please see the attached advice from the Fire Brigade about staying safe around frozen water.

THE DANGERS OF FROZEN WATER

Click here for our latest Careers Opportunity blog which includes:

• Hospitality opportunities 
• Law opportunities 
• Cyber & Cryptography event

Parent Staff Association

Spring Music events – bar support needed

Spring is a busy time for the secondary music community with the Concert Orchestra’s Music Prom on 13th March followed by Big Band on 14th and in April the Brass and Wind evening on 25th.

The PSA likes to support these wonderful evenings by running a licensed bar.  Are you able to help? Sign up here.

Annual General Meeting advanced notice

An AGM (Annual General Meeting) is a meeting held once a year where we come together to review what has happened over the past year, including finances, reports, and key decisions. It is also a chance to elect committee members and discuss plans for the year ahead. We plan to hold our AGM during the spring term, please look out for more information. 

Good attendance at the AGM is important because it ensures decisions represent the wider all-through community and that we can meet our legal requirements. The more people who attend, the stronger and more democratic our organisation becomes. Please consider attending our AGM, even if you do not wish to be elected as a committee member. We need a minimum number of attendees in order for the AGM to proceed.

Register your interest via the sign up link.volunteersignup.org/WT7KY

Dates for your diary

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

• W/b 19th Jan: Y8 assessment week
• Tues 20th Jan: Young Voices
• Wed 21st Jan: Y11 student consultation evening (face to face)
• Tues 27th – Fri 30th Jan: Y10 Business Studies trip
• Wed 28th Jan: Y9 preferences evening
• W/b 2nd Feb: Y10 assessment week
• Wed 4th and Thurs 5th Feb: Y11 pathway meetings
• Wed 4th Feb: Y11 performance clinic
• Fri 6th Feb: Y10 ELSA careers day

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead 

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

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)

Friday 21st November

Co-headteachers’ welcome

As we head into the long-awaited and well-deserved extended weekend, it feels like the perfect moment to pause and reflect on just how much learning and skill development has taken place during this busy autumn term. From our youngest learners taking their first confident steps in new routines to our older students deepening their understanding and preparing for the next stages of their education, the sense of purpose and progress across our school has been wonderful to see.

Last week, I had the pleasure of giving a tour to Sue Collins, CEO of the Alliance Schools Trust. Welcoming external visitors always provides a valuable opportunity for fresh perspective and feedback on our all-through community. Sue spoke warmly about the calm, purposeful learning she observed across the school and was struck by the politeness and respect shown, both towards staff and between students. One of the highlights was visiting the music department, where we saw Year 4 pupils learning enthusiastically right alongside Year 13 students. The only possible downside was that I may have joined in a little too enthusiastically with the singing lesson!

That same sense of focus, respect and engagement was evident again this week during a learning walk, where it was wonderful to see our curriculum in action across so many subjects. In English, students were exploring Where the Sky Falls and Brighton Rock, focusing on building paragraphs through stems, vocabulary, and structure, while next door Year 10 were analysing model answers with real focus. In French, Year 8 students were identifying missing details in sentences and practising their spoken language with growing confidence. Over in maths, Year 7 were rounding to powers of ten and working on place value with decimals, showing great concentration and perseverance. In history, Year 9 examined the causes of the First World War and how these were interconnected, engaging in thoughtful discussion about which event was the true ‘trigger’. In the Larch, a phonics learning walk across all Reception groups showed the incredible progress made in both reading and writing from only 2 months ago. That love of reading was highly evident in Year 5, where every child, at the time of my visit, was deeply engaged in accelerated reader chosen texts – just at the right level to motivate and to challenge. 

As Co-Headteachers, it is a real joy to walk around and witness the skill of our teachers and the curiosity, effort, and love of learning shown by our students. The level of challenge and ‘hard thinking’ we see in classrooms reflects our shared ambition for every learner. That ambition is reflected in our outcomes too: in 2023/24, Simon Balle All-through School A-Level students made the most progress of any school in the entire county and this year, we’ve beaten even those exceptional figures. Our Year 11 students have also just completed their taster day, exploring post-16 subjects and college life, another important step in raising aspirations and helping them plan for exciting futures ahead.

I always enjoy taking time to listen to our School Parliament and to see the superb leadership shown by our Sixth Form Presidents, as they chair discussions and make decisions that genuinely shape our school. From naming our old gym ‘The Mangrove’ to voting on the new food pod, now up and running and helping to ease the queues at lunch and break, their ideas are thoughtful, practical, and full of pride in our community. Students are currently choosing this year’s charities and sharing ideas on how to further improve our facilities, including the toilets! I’m beginning to think our School Parliament could give Sir Keir Starmer’s Cabinet a real run for their money.

Student voice is such an important part of who we are; it helps us understand what life at Simon Balle feels like for our young students and how we can continue to move forward together. Over the coming weeks, as Co-Headteachers, we will be speaking to a wide range of students about every aspect of school life, getting “back to basics” to celebrate what we do well and to identify the next steps in our journey. Alongside this, we are proud to be working with the Anti-Bullying Alliance to ensure that our culture of kindness and respect remains central to everything we do. Our annual feedback is consistently positive, but we also welcome external perspectives to help us make sure that no stone is left unturned in our shared goal of providing a happy, safe, and thriving school for all.

To conclude this newsletter, it feels fitting to reflect on how our community came together for a truly poignant Remembrance Service, centred on the theme ‘Hope for a Peaceful Future’. It was deeply moving to hear so many of our young people take part in readings — from our youngest pupils to our sixth formers, each speaking with such composure, respect, and empathy. The music provided by our wonderful Music Department added great depth to the occasion, and the courageous playing of The Last Post by one of our talented students created a powerful moment of stillness across the whole school. It was a reminder of the strength of our community, the importance of remembrance, and our shared hope for a kinder, more peaceful world.

PE updates 

Updated Extra-Curricular Programme

Our updated extra-curricular sports programme for this half term is now live! We have a wide range of clubs running before school, at lunchtime, and after school which are open to all students, whether for performance or participation. Everyone is welcome to get involved, stay active, and enjoy the many physical, mental, and social benefits of regular exercise.

Please find attached the link to the extra curricular timetable: https://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/sport/

Dance Workshops

This week, students from across both the Primary and Secondary phases took part in our exciting dance workshops – Primary on Monday 10th November and Secondary on Wednesday 12th November. It was fantastic to see so many students getting involved, showing creativity, teamwork, and talent across all year groups. We were delighted to welcome professional external coaches who led the sessions, inspiring our young dancers to express themselves and develop their confidence through movement.

For our Primary students, the workshop served as a fantastic taster ahead of the Primary Dance Festival taking place in the spring term. For our Secondary students, it was a great opportunity to be inspired and to consider showcasing their talents in Simon Balle’s Got Talent later in the year.

Upcoming Netball Masterclass

We are thrilled to announce that our talented netball athletes will soon have the opportunity to take part in a special Netball Masterclass, led by a coach from the London Mavericks. This session will provide an incredible chance for our players to develop their skills, learn from an elite-level coach, and continue their sporting journey with inspiration and enthusiasm.

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. Christmas Dinner will be available to purchase via ‘Parent Portal’ between 17th November and 1st December. Please navigate to the ‘School Shop’ – Catering – Christmas Dinner Sec or Prim 25- add to basket – Pay.

This year the cost of tickets will be £4.75 for secondary students and £4.50 for primary students. there will be no other food available to purchase at break or lunch on Tuesday 16th December.

Full details are in the letter sent to parents last week

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

Musical News 4

There is so much to celebrate – student exam success, assembly performances and concert success. Please read all about it here

Team Music

Online safety

Please take a moment to read through these smartphone safety guides.

Online Safety Handout (iPhone)

Online Safety Handout (Android)

Apps of Concern

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.

So far this term the SEND team have met with parents of Year 8 and 10 students as part of consultation evenings to reflect on the start of term and Year 11 about as part of assessment clinics at the end of the Summer term. These conversations have been really useful to speak about adjustments in place for students and celebrate progress. 

Secondary Dinners Only – Parentpay – Helpful Tips to Manage your Account

Parent Staff Association

For a full round-up of news from the PSA, please click here to see their newsletter.

2nd December – Larch Bring a Bottle Day

Larch families are invited to make a bottle donation on Tuesday 2nd December, to support the Frost Fair. In exchange, children may wear ONE festive accessory with their uniform. This may be a hair accessory, festive hat, jumper, socks. Please note, this is NOT a non uniform day. Accessories only please. Bottles (alcoholic, soft drinks, beauty products and more)  may be dropped off at collection points in the playground and by the Larch office. Please ensure donations are in date and sealed.

W/C 1st December – Year 7 House Hampers

To support the Frost Fair, Year 7 are invited to bring in items in their House colour to make up a hamper during form time, to represent their form. These will then be entered into our fabulous Winter Raffle.

There is a form prize for best hamper.

House Hamper Flyer

6th December – Frost Fair

Frost Fair 25 will take place on Saturday 6th December with a new time of 1.30-5.30pm.

We hope to share some exciting news with you soon so watch this space!

In the meantime, please take a look at the volunteer sign up link and help us to fill the slots! To help with planning, we can share the timings for the Larch dance and choir performances as follows: Dance 2pm and 3.30pm. Y2/3 choir 2.30pm and Y4-6 4pm

After having to cancel some of the areas last year due to not having enough volunteers, we are making a plea for help.  We really need your help this year to make it a successful and enjoyable event for all.

Thank you in advance, we appreciate each and every offer of support. Please share this link with classes/forms/friends…

volunteersignup.org/8HQY3

Dates for your diary

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

• Mon 24th Nov: Y11 creative mocks begin
• Mon 24th Nov: A level politics conference
• Fri 28th Nov and Mon 1st Dec: Occasional days – school closed
• Tues 2nd Dec: Y11 mock exams
• Wed 3rd to Fri 5th Dec: Y12 Geography trip
• Thurs 4th Dec: Y9 student consultation evening
• Sat 6th Dec: Frost Fair
• Thurs 11th Dec: Christmas jumper day
• Mon 15th Dec: Secondary Carol Service
• Tues 16th Dec: Secondary Christmas lunch (tickets on sale now)
• Tues 16th Dec: Larch Carol Service
• Wed 17th Dec: larch Christmas lunch (tickets on sale now)

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead

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

Friday 7th November

Laurel Education Trust (LET) CEOs’ welcome

We do hope that all families, staff, governors and trustees had a restful half term. After an incredibly busy eight weeks in Autumn 1, it was certainly time to connect with loved ones and begin to adjust to the changing seasons, clocks and light / darkness. 

As CEOs, it has been a great privilege to welcome Mill Mead to join in partnership with Simon Balle as the newly founded Laurel Education Trust. Last half term, our partnership was focussed on staff training, with our inaugural INSET day, and plans are already in place for our continued connection between staff bodies: the benefits related to our outward facing leadership, always ready to learn; the sharing of best practice; and cost efficiencies too. We make no apologies for always putting the students at the centre of all we do, and therefore the main focus of Autumn 1 was teaching and learning: both the Larch and Mill Mead benefitting from subject specialists from our secondary phase teaching Spanish, French, PE and music. Learning walks in both primary schools were a joy as children were seen to be building relationships with new staff and simultaneously being challenged with ambitious and relevant curricular that are progressive and sequential, building all the way to Year 13! 

During Autumn 2, we are delighted that the schools within our Trust will connect for a number of important events:

• In music, 37% of Mill Mead Primary School are now learning an instrument, a great increase on last year. A huge thank you to Mill Mead parents for embracing some new teachers joining the brilliant instrumental team, and for engaging with consistent systems including Involve. Our Trust choirs (Years 4 – 6 choir at Simon Balle) are working towards Young Voices in January 2026 (a magnificent performance at the O2), and this half term sees both choirs combining with older musicians for a LET recording of ‘When I grow up’ – we will look forward to sharing with all. 
• Our remembrance ceremony is always important and poignant at Simon Balle, and this year will be no exception as we mark the 80th anniversary of VE day. On Tuesday 11th November, Mill Mead and the Larch will gather together first; followed by the secondary phase; all with readings, music, and the traditions of laying poppy wreaths and silent reflection, with explicit links to our Trust value of respect. 
• Year 4 and Year 12 have enjoyed collaborating year on year in an important charitable event raising money for Herts Young Homeless in a festive Santa Dash! We look forward to Mill Mead joining us this year, with an educational workshop in November, followed by a new route being planned for our sixth formers across Hertford, and festive fancy dress and hot chocolates to be shared.

We know that the day to day education at both schools will not have changed significantly since the LET launch, and this is quite deliberate as our Trust leaders recognise and value the great strengths and individuality of both Mill Mead and Simon Balle. That said, we believe passionately in our partnership and we look forward to the half term ahead!

‘BusEc’ Students in New York

Another incredible trip to the Big Apple for Simon Balle Business and Economics students — and another trip of a lifetime success for the school!

Fifty Year 13 students experienced first-hand why the USA is the world’s largest economy — and why New York State alone would rank as the eighth richest country in the world if it stood on its own. New York City is a bustling, vibrant hub of global trade and commerce, and it was easy to see how valuable this experience was for our Business and Economics students.

They explored the towering landmarks of this financial powerhouse, including the Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building, and learned how visionary founders built and expanded this great city into a global centre of finance. Students also discovered how the development of the railroads and national infrastructure helped connect a growing nation, fuelling America’s rise to economic dominance. However, they also reflected on how this same financial heart was targeted in the tragic events of September 11th, 2001 — a sobering reminder of the city’s global significance.

The Simon Balle Business and Economics Department is committed to preparing our young people for the future, and this trip perfectly supports that mission. It gave students the opportunity to see both sides of modern finance, technology, and progress — the inspiring and the challenging. One thought-provoking example came from a billboard they spotted in Times Square reading, “Stop hiring humans — AI employees are here.” This controversial campaign by AI company Artisan sparked lively discussion among the students about ethics, employment, and the future of work.

The trip wasn’t all serious reflection, though! Students had a fantastic time exploring the city, with three celebrating their 18th birthdays while abroad. As always, they were excellent ambassadors for Simon Balle — polite, enthusiastic, and impeccably behaved. The New York team couldn’t have been prouder, and their conduct is a testament to the dedication of every member of staff who helps shape them into kind, caring, and confident young adults.

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, using the following booking link: Booking link.

Following on from Open morning the SEND team have been running ‘talk and tour’ visits for students where there are additional needs. Visiting school during the day has provided parents and potential students with an insight into how secondary schools look when lessons are taking place and ask specific questions ahead of making an application. 

Services for Young People are running a number of sessions for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Details can be found on the attached flyer Broxbourne SEND projects September 2025.pptx.pdf 

A local group has been set up specialising in supporting girls and women to live well with ADHD. They meet regularly for creativity, connection, walks etc. For further information please see the attached flyer Sparksquadflyer.pdf

English Literature Students in Stratford upon Avon

‘Not for an age, but all time’

14 Year 13 English Literature students were fortunate to visit the birthplace of  English Literature’s most iconic name: William Shakespeare. The two day visit afforded them the opportunity to see the sights of the place where Shakespeare’s life began and ended, his birthplace and his tomb with its enigmatic inscription. 

They also had the privilege of two bespoke study sessions led by an erudite and entertaining professor at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. The sessions focused on the A level set text , ‘Othello’, but raised many questions about the nature of the tragic genre and prompted discussion of Shakespeare’s choices and their relevance to our society. Our students’ contributions were highly impressive, showcasing their knowledge and critical thinking.

A highlight of the trip was a visit to the RSC for a production of ‘Measure for Measure’ which is classified as a comedy, but shares many dark undertones of our set text. The production highlighted the relevance of Shakespeare’s themes today, starting with a montage of powerful men who have been accused of corruption. The set in which the action played out was contemporary and corporate, emphasising the theme of private and public faces. The ambiguity of the ending provided fodder for a lively discussion for the long walk back to the Youth Hostel.

Travel to school

We would like to remind parents and carers that students should not be driven to the school site. There have been several incidents in the last half term whereby students are being dropped in Mangrove Road, either right outside the gates, or on sections of the road where there is no footpath. This creates a hazardous situation for all road users, and causes delays for those with a legitimate reason for driving to the school site. The White Lodge gate is a one-way road, and is designated as exit only: driving in through this gate or parking here is dangerous. We would also encourage pedestrians to use the designated footpaths and crossings when moving through the school site. Finally, we must point out that the disabled bays in front of the Larch are reserved for students with the most severe mobility issues, and you will be asked to move if you occupy these spaces.

The Old London Road car park is an ideal site for dropping and collecting students. It is only an 11 minute walk from the school, and parking there significantly reduces congestion on Mangrove Road. Old London Road is also far more accessible than Mangrove Road, making it better for those parents that need to drive.

For younger students that need escorting to school East Herts District Council operate a scheme whereby you can extend the 30 mins free parking to an hour, giving parents plenty of time to walk up to school and then back to the car. If you would be interested in applying for one of these permits, please speak to Mrs Harding in the Larch office.

Poppy Appeal

Poppies are available to purchase at both school offices and the student services desk. Donations can be cash or via a QR code. We will be holding our annual remembrance day service on Tuesday 11th November. Break time will be slightly later than normal for our secondary students, so please make sure they have eaten breakfast in the morning, and that they have a coat in case of bad weather.

Musical News!

Please read our Musical News 2 here! There are plenty of upcoming events to suit a variety of musical preferences and so many students to celebrate!

2nd December – Larch Bring a Bottle Day

Larch families are invited to make a bottle donation on Tuesday 2nd December, to support the Frost Fair. In exchange, children may wear ONE festive accessory with their uniform. This may be a hair accessory, festive hat, jumper, socks. Please note, this is NOT a non uniform day. Accessories only please. Bottles (alcoholic, soft drinks, beauty products and more)  may be dropped off at collection points in the playground and by the Larch office. Please ensure donations are in date and sealed.

Train to Teach at Simon Balle All-through School

Simon Balle is proud to be a placement school for Initial Teacher Training at Alban TSH who offer flexible, highly-personalised, school-based routes into teacher training. This includes: tuition fee paying, assessment only and Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship for a wide range of secondary courses as well as primary (5-11 and 3-7). There is also the opportunity to gain PGCE status in addition to QTS. Alban TSH is an experienced provider of teacher training and has established partnerships with many outstanding schools in the region. Get in touch with the team teaching@albantsh.co.uk to find out more or contact Mr Finch at Simon Balle for further information.

Library News

Uniform reminder

As we head further into autumn and winter can we remind you to make sure that students come to school wearing appropriate clothing. A coat is an essential item once the colder, wetter weather sets in. Please remember to clearly label items so that they can be reunited with their owners when they are inevitably misplaced around the site. It might also be worth taking the time to check that students are still in possession of all the equipment they started the year with, and that shoes and uniform are in good condition.

Funded Courses for Parents

Park Run

We’re thrilled to announce that our school is joining the Parkrun Primary School community! This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to get active, have fun, and develop a lifelong love for running and fitness.

Junior parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. Junior parkrun is 2k, dedicated to 4-14 year olds and their families and friends of all ages, every Sunday morning at 9:00 at Hartham Common. Junior parkrun is positive, welcoming and inclusive, there is no time limit and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome to come along!

You can register for parkrun for free here – www.parkrun.org.uk/register/

Hertfordshire County Council Admissions Consultation

Hertfordshire County Council is running a consultation on the proposed admissions arrangements for the school year 2027/28 and is seeking responses from parent/carers, schools and community groups.

The proposed changes are:

1. Retain the remainder of the county council’s existing admission arrangements for 2027/28, including PANs, Relevant Areas and schemes of coordination.

The consultation period runs until 7 December 2025. Please visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions2027 for more information and to respond online.

If you have any queries, please email admissions.consultation@hertfordshire.gov.uk or call 01992 555876 (Kellie Gilbertson-Hoy) or 01992 555840 (Rebecca Pendry).

Parent Staff Association

Joules Outlet Sale – 7th November

On Friday 7th November, the Joules Outlet team will set up a pop up shop at Simon Balle.  This is a fantastic opportunity to start your Christmas shopping, all at bargain prices with up to 70% off high street prices. Sale preview tickets are £8 and will allow early entry at 6pm into the sale room.  General sale tickets are just £6, doors open at 6.30pm.

Tickets available now.  Please share with friends and family, we need to sell 150 tickets in order for this event to be successful.

Winter Raffle

Our raffles are highly anticipated but sourcing donations is becoming increasingly difficult.

Can you gift a Star Prize? If you are able to donate anything, from spa days to gift sets, we would love to hear from you.  Please complete this short form: https://forms.gle/ataYNKzwx228nbVm8

20 raffle tickets will be sent home to all students in November.  Tickets can be bought in advance via our website now, please check in regularly to view the updated prize list.

https://pta.events/winterraffle

W/C 1st December – Year 7 House Hampers

To support the Frost Fair, Year 7 are invited to bring in items in their House colour to make up a hamper during form time, to represent their form. These will then be entered into our fabulous Winter Raffle.

There is a form prize for best hamper.

House Hamper Flyer

6th December – Frost Fair

Frost Fair 25 will take place on Saturday 6th December with a new time of 1.30-5.30pm.

We hope to share some exciting news with you soon so watch this space!

In the meantime, please take a look at the volunteer sign up link and help us to fill the slots! To help with planning, we can share the timings for the Larch dance and choir performances as follows: Dance 2pm and 3.30pm. Y2/3 choir 2.30pm and Y4-6 4pm

After having to cancel some of the areas last year due to not having enough volunteers, we are making a plea for help.  We really need your help this year to make it a successful and enjoyable event for all.

Thank you in advance, we appreciate each and every offer of support. Please share this link with classes/forms/friends…

volunteersignup.org/8HQY3

Dates for your diary

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

• Mon 10th Nov: Y9 assessment week
• Mon 10th Nov: Y13 Science trip
• Mon 10th Nov: Y12 mock interview week
• Tues 11th Nov: All-through Remembrance service
• Thurs 13th Nov: Y13 English trip
• Mon 17th Nov: Y7 assessment week
• Wed 19th Nov: Sixth Form Experience Day
• Fri 28th Nov and Mon 1st Dec: Occasional days – school closed
• Tues 2nd Dec: Y11 mock exams
• Wed 3rd to Fri 5th Dec: Y12 Geography trip
• Sat 6th Dec: Frost Fair

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead

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

Friday 10th October

Co-headteachers’ welcome

As we move into the seventh week of the autumn term, amidst the tensions and uncertainties we see in wider society, I’ve found myself reflecting on one of the fundamental purposes of our school: to provide a genuine sense of belonging. Schools are not only places of learning; they are communities where young people feel known, valued, and connected. That feeling of belonging is what underpins confidence, curiosity, and the willingness to take on new challenges.

Our recent Year 9 Battlefields Trip is a powerful example. While it is one thing to teach the First World War in school, it is another entirely to walk the battlefields, stand in the trenches, and see the photographs, artefacts and personal stories at the Passchendaele and Flanders museums. Visiting Tyne Cot, Essex Farm and Langemark offers moments for reflection, and the wreath-laying ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres is profoundly moving, something I hope will stay with our students for years to come. We have a Trips Committee that works carefully to plan a balanced programme across year groups, ensuring the right blend of educational value and enrichment. Please do visit our website to see the wide range of trips taking place across our all-through school: Trips and Visits – Simon Balle School.

That same sense of belonging and shared experience can be seen every afternoon on our playing fields and in our sports hall. On one night alone, we’ve seen Year 11 boys showing teamwork and composure on the football pitch (including a memorable penalty!), girls’ teams excelling in the Year 8 and 9 national cup, and others practising their technique with great focus on the astro. The teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship, both in victory and defeat, are wonderful to see. Sport plays a vital role in developing confidence, promoting health and fitness, and building friendships across year groups. It is also a reminder of the strength of our all-through community, with teachers collaborating across phases and younger pupils already developing a love of physical activity. Our youngest students in the Larch are thoroughly enjoying dodgeball, tag rugby, football and netball, all made possible by our fantastic new sports centre, which is already making a real impact.

Just as we want our students to feel a sense of belonging within school, we also want them to feel connected to the wider community of Hertford. On Monday, our Larch students will attend All Saints Church for our annual Harvest Festival. In keeping with tradition, students and staff have generously donated food items which will be distributed to three local food banks, supporting families within our community. Any final donations will be gratefully received. Events like this remind our young people that belonging extends beyond the school gates, it’s about contributing, showing kindness, and recognising our place in the wider world.

Finally, we are concluding our tours for prospective families, and it is our students who continue to be the best ambassadors for Simon Balle. There is nothing more powerful than seeing young people who hold doors open for others, say “please” and “thank you” naturally, and move calmly through quiet, purposeful corridors. These daily moments, in classrooms, on trips, on the sports field, music events, drama and art reflect a community where students feel they truly belong.

Applications for Sixth Form – Sept 2026

Our Sixth Form Open Evening on Wednesday 8th October was a fantastic success, with a great buzz across the school as prospective students and their families explored life at Simon Balle Sixth Form. The evening began with talks in the hall, giving visitors an insight into what life in our Sixth Form is really like, followed by the opportunity to visit subject areas, meet teachers, and discuss the next steps in their educational journey.

This year, we were thrilled to showcase our new subjects: Criminology, Music Production and Performance, and Early Childhood Development, providing even more choice and exciting pathways for our students.

We continue to champion our core values and why Simon Balle Sixth Form is the right choice for your child. Here are three reasons you should consider Simon Balle Sixth Form:

1. Academic Success
   Outstanding teaching and learning is at the heart of our success. Students are challenged throughout their Sixth Form journey, supported by experienced subject specialists across all areas—a standard that is becoming increasingly rare. Our passionate staff care deeply about every student’s individual journey, helping them reach their full potential.
2. Personal Development
   At Simon Balle Sixth Form, we aim to develop the whole child. Students benefit from our enrichment programme and a wide range of opportunities to grow as well-rounded individuals. Your child’s Sixth Form journey is about More Than Just Great A Levels, preparing them for life beyond school.
3. Destinations
   Following two years of lessons, homework, exams, and even our colour runs, our students go on to secure places with top universities and employers across the country, demonstrating the value of a Simon Balle Sixth Form education.

The Open Evening highlighted why Simon Balle Sixth Form continues to be a destination of choice for students seeking academic excellence, personal growth, and strong future opportunities.

We are delighted to say that applications are now open (If you are currently a student at Simon Balle All-through School, you do not need to submit a formal application. Pathway meetings will be arranged in school with a member of the Sixth Form team to discuss your next steps. If you are a prospective student interested in joining Simon Balle Sixth Form in September 2026, please register your interest by entering your details via Applicaa.)

You can read more about our Sixth Form here.

World Mental Health Day 2025

“Mental health is just as important as physical health.”

This week, we joined people around the world in marking World Mental Health Day — a day dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the importance of mental well-being.

The global theme, “Access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies,” was explored through assemblies focused on finding calm in chaos. Students reflected on how to stay grounded and resilient even during challenging times.

Throughout the week, we reminded students of practical ways to support their mental health, as well as the range of support available both within school and in the wider community.
More information and resources can be found on our website:
Wellbeing and Mental Health at Simon Balle

In addition, students from Years 5–13 have been completing wellbeing surveys via our BounceTogether platform. These surveys help our pastoral teams gain valuable insights into students’ wellbeing, allowing us to provide tailored support or interventions where needed.

Together, we continue to build a school community that values kindness, resilience, and positive mental health for all.

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 using this Booking link.

Library News

The Great European Bake Off

Well done to the following people who baked cakes for the Great European Bake Off on Friday 26th September in the secondary school library. We were very impressed with all of the entries! There were 32 entries altogether.

Laura, Stephanie and Vanessa, Tegan, Lily, Clara, Robson, Jude, Summer, Chloe, Noah, Freya and Isabelle, Dorothea, Alba and Bella, Emily and Ava, Maisie, Joshua, Oscar, Darcey, Hannah and Grace, Lusio, Albert, Aaron, Maisy and Belle, Felix, Emily and Isabelle, Rory and Alex, Daisy, Darcey, Brody and Emilio, Flori and Natalia, Sofia, Giorgio, Amy and Remy-Olive, and Miss Tridgell.

Well done especially to those who wrote their recipes in foreign languages!

Thank you to everyone who came to vote! We had a total of 248 votes!

Congratulations to the secondary winners!

• The cake that best linked to the European Day of Languages theme: Number 26 – Emily (7R) and Isabelle (7R)
• The tastiest looking cake: Number 28 – Daisy (7M), Darcey (7L), Brody (7M) and Emilio (7N)
• The best decorated/best presented cake: Number 9 – Summer (10N)

Well done to everyone who baked cakes for the Great European Bake Off in the Larch library on Wednesday 1st October. We were very impressed with all of the 44 entries! 

Congratulations to the Larch winners!

• Best link to the European Day of Languages theme: Entry 31 – Harrison 
• Tastiest looking cake: Entry 32 – Willow
• The best decorated/best presented cake: Entry 14 – Felix

Poetry Mash-up and Poetry Writing Competition

The author Alice Hemming kindly visited the secondary school library on Tuesday 7th October to do a poetry mash-up and to launch the poetry writing competition. This year’s theme is ‘play’.

The poetry writing competition is open to students in years 3-13.

Tuesday Chess club 

After the very successful taster session last week, the new Tuesday Chess club is officially starting in the secondary school library on Tuesday 14th October.

Generation Hertford Careers Event

On Tuesday 7th October, we were delighted to take all our Year 10 students and 35 of our Year 13 students to the Generation Hertford careers fair at the Beam Theatre, organised by the Careers Enterprise Company. The event aimed to inspire students as they explore potential career paths and consider their future options.

The fair featured over 30 employers and education providers, including local businesses, colleges, universities, and vocational training organisations. This provided an invaluable opportunity for our students to speak directly with representatives from a wide range of industries, ask questions, and gather first-hand insights into the skills and qualifications needed for their chosen pathways.

It was fantastic to see so many of our students actively engaging with the exhibitors. Many of the employers commented on how impressed they were by the students’ curiosity, thoughtful questions, and enthusiasm.

We hope that this experience has given our students a deeper understanding of the opportunities available to them and will help inform their decisions as they plan for the future

Please click here for our latest Careers Opportunities blog.

Bitesize Difficult Conversations online workshop

Parent Staff Association

Win £50 for your class or form!

Kings Group is sponsoring our Frost Fair but we need your help.

They will pay £10 for every address that agrees to display a board, subject to a minimum of 25 sign ups.  Sign up by 1st November and the class or form with the most uptake receives £50 for the class/form teacher to spend on their class/form.  This applies to classes and forms across the all-through.

If you have multiple children at the school, why not as a friend or family member to also take a board.  For more information or to sign up, see Kings Google Form

Joules Outlet Sale – 7th November

Save the date!  On Friday 7th November, the Joules Outlet team will set up a pop up shop at Simon Balle.  This is a fantastic opportunity to start your Christmas shopping, all at bargain prices with up to 70% off high street prices. Sale preview tickets are £8 and will allow early entry at 6pm into the sale room.  General sale tickets are just £5, doors open at 6.30pm. Book your tickets today!

Sign up to help with the event and receive free entry!

John Williams Candlelight Concert – 18th October

Join us at All Saints Church, Hertford, on Saturday 18th October for an enchanting candlelit evening of John Williams favourites, performed by a string trio. Music includes: Jurassic Park movie theme, hits from Star Wars including Cantina Band and Imperial March, E.T theme, Indiana Jones theme and more!

1st Sitting: Doors open at 4.15pm, concert starts at 5pm. 2nd Sitting: Doors open at 6.30pm, concert starts at 7pm.

Book via our link and £2 of each ticket sale will generate us commission. 

Volunteer Register and Class/Yeargroup Reps

Simon Balle PSA can not function without a good number of helpers from both phases of the school, to support our all-through events.  Please consider registering to be an occasional volunteer and we will reach out when help is needed.

We value each and every volunteer and are always grateful for any help.

Volunteer Register

We are looking for a number of people to help us share information with classes and yeargroups.  This role is suitable to all, but especially to those who wish to offer support but can not necessarily commit to volunteering at events.

If you are interested in becoming a Representative, we would love to hear from you.

Visit our Reps sign up link and we will be in touch.

Simon Balle School Autumn Disco

We’re delighted to announce that our Autumn Discos will be taking place on Friday 24th October! This is a fantastic opportunity for students to celebrate the season with music, dancing, and plenty of fun with friends.

Timings:

Years 1–3: 4:15 – 5:30 pm

Years 4–6: 5:45 – 7:15 pm

Year 7: 6:00 – 8:00 pm

 Book your tickets here.

Drop-off: All primary students should be dropped off at the main Larch Hall doors.

Collection: Years 1, 2, 4 & 5: From the main hall doors.  Years 3 & 6: From the back of Larch Hall, near the Trim Trail.

Year 7: Drop-off and collection will take place at the main Secondary Hall, next door to the Café.

All funds raised from the event will go towards enriching your child’s education, helping to provide activities and resources beyond the standard education budget.

We look forward to an evening filled with fun, community spirit, and plenty of autumn sparkle!  Fancy Dress is optional.

Hertford library

Meet the Author Event at Hertford Library on Saturday 1^st November at 2pm. Suitable for ages  5+.

Dates for your diary

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

• Thurs 2nd – Fri 3rd Oct: Y9 Battlefields trip (ABL)
• Sat 4th Oct: Circus
• Tues 7th Oct: Y13 Geography trip information meeting (1800-1830)
• Wed 8th Oct: Sixth Form Open Evening (1730-1930)
• Thurs 9th – Fri 10th Oct: Y9 Battlefields trip (MNR)
• Mon 13th Oct: Larch Harvest Festival
• Mon 13th-Tues 14th Oct: Y13 English trip
• Tues 14th and Wed 15th Oct: Larch student consultation evening (face to face)
• Wed 15th Oct: Y10 student consultation evening (virtual – booking via Involve, details to follow)

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead

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

Friday 26th September

Co-headteachers’ welcome

Our Simon Balle All-through Open Day is, quite simply, an absolute highlight of the year. Not only is it a wonderful opportunity for us to be able to share what is so special and distinctive about Simon Balle for prospective families looking to begin with us in either Reception or Year 7, but also a great day to feel collective pride in our community as a whole. Saturday was a day in which we saw so, so many students giving back to our community. Whether in classrooms representing departments, in the sports hall or on the astro, playing music at multiple places around the site, or simply helping prepare the site on Friday, we value every contribution made. Our tour guides – both in the Larch and the secondary phase – demonstrated so brilliantly what Simon Balle can offer, academically and within our curriculum, and in our wide-ranging enrichment offer from clubs to trips and more. Parental feedback about our tour guides was so positive, both as families left site and through many emails received today: we heard, time and again, that students are proud to belong to Simon Balle, that they model our values in their interactions with all, and that they, quite literally, ‘sell’ the school in the way they describe their experiences. There were genuine tears from parents on Saturday as they would love their child to join us here. One parent said, 

“Visiting today truly brought your school values to life – our student guide was confident, respectful, and clearly proud to be part of such a warm and inspiring community. We left feeling extremely excited about the future here.” 

And so, a real moment for all of us so committed to Simon Balle – students, parents, staff, governors and trustees – to feel proud and to build from here as the year proceeds. A huge thank you to everyone. Our ‘open’ events continue with sixth form open evening on Wednesday 8th October and secondary and Larch tours to follow. 

Our home/school partnership, for every year group from Reception – Year 13, is so important at this early stage of the year. We thank you for engaging with us, in attending information evenings across so many year groups, where we aim, as ever, to ensure a clarity of information and a warm welcome. Slides are always subsequently shared, so please do not hesitate to be in touch with us with any questions at all (initially through class teacher or form tutor email addresses). Please remember that now is the perfect time to build great habits for the term and year ahead: whether this be the daily reading expectations which can be nurtured and celebrated or the organisational expectations for using google classroom to check and complete home learning, we thank you for supporting our students to thrive. In older year groups we are proud to see that investment and commitment to learning on a daily basis – with independent work and revision always celebrated here. 

Finally for this newsletter introduction, we simply had to mention enrichment, as it has been quite some start to the year! As students begin Year 7, they have attended a ‘University Fresher’s Fair’ style event, where they see for themselves the huge range of clubs and opportunities on offer. They have signed up with excitement, making friends, and discovering passions. Time and again, we continue to see the spark of curiosity ignited in these moments. Across year groups, across the all-through, a learning walk before school, at lunchtime and after school shows every department showcasing opportunities and students engaging and benefiting from all on offer. There are just too many to mention individually but every department in every phase is connecting with our young people and inviting them to join – we know that when students belong, they will demonstrate happiness, excellent attendance and thrive. Please do ask your children this weekend what clubs they are committing to, and encourage them to sign up if they have not already. We are here to ensure that 100% of our community is receiving an enriched curriculum offer, one which we have been proud to celebrate with all this fortnight.

Sixth Form Open Evening – Wednesday 8th October

We are delighted to invite all Year 11 students and their families to our Sixth Form Open Evening on Wednesday 8th October, from 5.30pm – 7.30pm.

This important evening is an opportunity to:

• Explore the wide range of subjects available in our Sixth Form.
  
• Meet teachers and current Sixth Form students.
  
• Hear about the ethos, opportunities, and successes of Simon Balle Sixth Form.

There will be two main presentations in the Hall, at 5.45pm and 6.45pm, giving families the chance to choose a time that suits them.

Further details about life in the Sixth Form can also be found on the Sixth Form section of the school website: Sixth Form at Simon Balle.

Please click here for our latest Careers Opportunities blog, which includes: 

• STEM Careers Events for Students

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, using the following Booking link.The DSPL3 Newsletter for Parents – Autumn 1.pdf has details about courses and coffee morning organised by DSPL3.

Click here to read about Spark Squad: Sparksquadflyer

Click below to read about free autumn term parenting groups:

Science, Chemistry

Outstanding Success in National Cambridge Chemistry Challenge

The Science Department is proud to announce that several of our students have earned awards in a prestigious national Chemistry competition designed to stretch and inspire the most enthusiastic young scientists.

Set by a team of experienced teachers and university chemists, the competition is aimed at Year 12 students and takes them significantly beyond the A-level syllabus. It encourages participants to think about Chemistry in the way they would at university: analytically, creatively, and with a deep curiosity.

This year, the competition was particularly demanding, with only 9.8% of entries achieving a Gold award, 22.4% earning Silver, and 28% receiving Bronze. We are therefore especially proud of our students for performing so strongly on a national scale.

We would like to congratulate the following students on their fantastic achievements:

• Soham D – Gold
• Finley H – Silver
• Isabel W – Silver
• Isla N-S – Copper
• Charlie H – Copper

Well done to all who took part, you have demonstrated exceptional talent, commitment, and a real passion for science.

Parents and Carers Connections and Key Dates

It has been fantastic to see so many of you attending the various information, connection, and curriculum evenings during the first few weeks of term. Building strong connections and working in partnership with you is something we are especially proud of.

To support this collaboration, we have planned a range of sessions throughout the year, which will be delivered both internally and externally. We will share individual sign-up details closer to each event, but we wanted to give you advance notice of the key dates so you can plan ahead.

Autumn Term 

• Supporting links
  • Online delivery ‘Managing difficult conversations’ KS3 
  • Monday 20th October 7.15pm to 8.15pm.
• Building healthy relationships 
  • Mr Brown delivering Connections 
  • KS2 Monday 24th November 9-10am 
• MHST Coffee mornings 
  • Focus on Anxiety and Mental Health (Primary) TBC 

Spring Term 

• Building healthy relationships 
  • Mr Brown delivering Connections 
  • Y6,7&8 
  • 26th Jan (Hall)
• Supporting links
  • Face to Face delivery ‘Understanding ASD / ADDD’ 
  • Monday 2nd March 7pm to 9.30pm
• Building healthy – relationships
  • Mr Brown delivering Y9,10,11 
  • 9th March (Hall)

Summer Term 

• Supporting links
  • Face to Face delivery ‘Understanding the Teenage brain 
  • Monday 18th May 7pm to 9.30pm
• Building healthy relationships
  • Mr Brown delivering All through
  • 29th June (Hall)  

Involve – new tool for booking student consultation evening appointments

Families that have been with us for some time will be aware that we have experimented with a number of online platforms over the years. There is a continual need to balance user-friendliness and effectiveness with the financial cost of the services offered. Involve, the system currently used by the Music department for parents and students to keep track of performances and instrumental lessons will soon be expanded to include PE department fixtures and clubs. Involve will also be used for booking appointment slots for student consultation evenings. Those of you who have not used Involve for either Music or PE will receive login details and instructions ahead of the student consultation evening for your year group (you will log in with the same email address you currently use for logging into Arbor).

Hertford, Ware & District Foodbank

We will be partnering with Hertford, ware & District Foodbank to support their Harvest Festival Appeal. The wishlist is attached below.

The number of people facing crisis within our local community is still high. During the last year, the Hertford, Ware & District Foodbank provided over 3110 emergency food parcels to people who couldn’t afford the essentials, over 1100 of these went to children.

If you are able to donate any of the items on the list, there will be collection points at the main reception desk (Elm Sports Centre), the Student Services area (secondary) and the Larch office.

Harvest Appeal Wish List Pdf

Poetry Workshop – Hertford Library

Please see the attached flyer from Hertford Library

Hannah Copley Workshop YP

936 (Hertford & Ware) Air Cadets – Open Evening

Aged 12 – 17, in at least year 8? Interested in adventure, flying, and making new friends? Come along to our Open Evening on Monday 30th September, 19:30hrs at 936 Squadron HQ.

You’ll hear a short presentation, meet our cadets, and see what we get up to – from flying, shooting and fieldcraft to sports, DofE, camps, leadership, and more.

Come and find out what life as an Royal Air Force Air Cadet is really like – we’d love to see you there!

Dates for your diary

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

• Thurs 2nd – Fri 3rd Oct: Y9 Battlefields trip (ABL)
• Sat 4th Oct: Circus
• Tues 7th Oct: Y13 Geography trip information meeting (1800-1830)
• Wed 8th Oct: Sixth Form Open Evening (1730-1930)
• Thurs 9th – Fri 10th Oct: Y9 Battlefields trip (MNR)
• Mon 13th Oct: Larch Harvest Festival
• Mon 13th-Tues 14th Oct: Y13 English trip
• Tues 14th and Wed 15th Oct: Larch student consultation evening (face to face)
• Wed 15th Oct: Y10 student consultation evening (virtual – booking via Involve, details to follow)

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead

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

Friday 12th September

Co-headteachers’ welcome

We hope everyone had a wonderful summer break, a chance to rest, recuperate and spend valuable time with friends and family. The start of term is always a special moment, particularly as our Year 11 and Year 13 students joined us in August to collect their exam results. It was wonderful to share in the excitement of so many students, proud to celebrate their achievements with friends, teachers and loved ones, while also looking ahead with confidence to the next stage of their journey. Just before the summer, our fantastic Year 6 pupils also received excellent outcomes, giving them a strong foundation as they now begin their secondary education with us. These successes, from EYFS through to Sixth Form, highlight the strength of our all-through journey and how we live out our strapline of “creating tomorrow’s citizens today.”

As we begin the new academic year, we know that many students, and indeed staff, feel a mix of nerves and excitement about what lies ahead. We look forward to supporting one another, ensuring that the year ahead is successful, rewarding, and filled with opportunity. We are immensely proud to see the hard work and dedication of our students rewarded in this year’s formal examinations. Their achievements reflect not only individual perseverance but also the shared commitment of our school community to high expectations, resilience, and success.

Building on this success, we see our older students as shining examples of “creating tomorrow’s citizens today”, demonstrating both academic excellence and the wider values we strive to instill across the school. Our Sixth Form provision remains a significant strength, with outcomes continuing to exceed national averages. This year, 61% of A-Level grades were awarded at A*–B, with 41% at A*–A or Distinction*- Distinction. Impressively, 21% of students attained the highly valued benchmark of AAB or higher, with our average A-Level grade being a B and our vocational outcomes at Distinction-. Our value-added score of +0.49 demonstrates outstanding progress, equivalent to half a grade above national expectations. These results mark a three-year upward trajectory, underlining the ambition, consistency and quality of our Sixth Form. Destinations remain excellent, with 85% securing their first-choice university, 46% moving on to Russell Group institutions, three students gaining Oxbridge places and three embarking on degree apprenticeships.

Beyond exam results, we are committed to providing more than simply educational outcomes. Our Sixth Form enrichment programme continues to thrive, encouraging students to balance hard work with wider opportunities through sport, mentoring, community engagement and independent projects. EPQ results were particularly impressive, with 69% achieving A*- A grades, showcasing the depth of research, independence and aspiration our learners demonstrate. This year we have also created a new social area in the Sixth Form, helping to provide the right balance of study and down time as our students prepare to be “more than just great A levels.” For our current Year 11 families, a date for the diary is our Sixth Form Open Evening on Wednesday 8th October – a fantastic opportunity to explore how our provision can support the next stage of learning.

At Key Stage 4 (GCSE), outcomes this year are equally exceptional and reflect the strength and consistency of teaching and learning across the school. While there are no official Progress 8 scores nationally this year due to the absence of Key Stage 2 exams during Covid, our own calculations using baseline testing from Year 7 show that students made excellent progress. Attainment 8 has again risen and remains significantly above the national average, with a large proportion of students securing the very highest grades. We are so proud of these outstanding results, which not only reflect our historic standards but also demonstrate a clear three-year improving trend, reaffirming Simon Balle’s reputation for both high attainment and exceptional progress. Together, these achievements underline our deep commitment to supporting every learner and ensuring all students reach their full potential.

Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome prospective families to our Open Morning on Sat20th September, where future Reception and Year 7 students will be able to see first-hand the strength of our provision and the opportunities that lie ahead at Simon Balle. This event is always a great celebration of our school, as our whole community comes together to showcase the amazing learning, enrichment and culture that make Simon Balle so special.

So to conclude, it has been a joy to welcome students back this September. They have returned with high aspirations, smartly presented and ready to learn. Across our all-through school, we are proud to see students experiencing a rich, ambitious curriculum alongside an engaging enrichment offer – proof that academic excellence and a love of wider learning go hand in hand. Our staff INSET at the start of term focused on the 3Cs – Culture, Collaborate and Celebrate, which will guide us in the months ahead as we nurture a positive environment, work together to achieve the very best for our students, and take time to recognise success along the way. The year ahead promises to be busy and exciting, and we thank you, as always, for your continued support in ensuring our students thrive.

Home learning

At Simon Balle All-through School, we are proud to guide students on a continuous journey from age four through to eighteen. We believe education is transformational – equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and character to thrive and make a positive contribution to society.

Our broad and progressive curriculum reflects this vision, and home learning plays an important role in supporting it. Home learning extends learning beyond the classroom, helping students to develop focus, self-discipline and resilience. It encourages them to think critically, embrace challenges with a growth mindset and build the persistence needed to succeed both at school and in the future.

Most importantly, home learning directly supports academic progress by consolidating knowledge, deepening understanding and fostering independent study skills.

With this in mind, we wanted to draw parents’ attention to our recently updated Home Learning Policy which has been amended to ensure it continues to reflect our values and to provide students with the best possible foundation for success.

Open Morning

We are looking forward to holding our annual open day on Saturday 20th 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 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. 

• Saturday 20th September 0830-1230: All-through Open Morning 
• Wednesday 8th October 1730-1930 – Sixth Form Open Evening
• Wednesday 26th November 0900-1015- Primary Open Morning

Simon Balle All-through School Mini Farm

Over the summer holidays, the mini farm underwent a huge transformation. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our amazing site team, Miss Ponder, Mrs Kirk, and all the parent volunteers and students who joined our working party. Your hard work has helped create a truly special space for our school community.

As part of these changes, our beloved chickens have been rehomed to create a new calming space that is accessible for all. While we will certainly miss them, we’re pleased to share that they are thriving in their new home, and we look forward to receiving regular updates on how they’re doing.

The area that once housed the chickens has been thoughtfully refreshed — now featuring a new green space, purpose-built enclosures, and a layout that supports the wellbeing of all our animals and students. This redesign also allows for a safe and enriching space for Pippin and paves the way for some exciting additions, including a delivery of new outdoor furniture.

With the new school year underway and so many exciting changes to the farm, we’re delighted to welcome our new Year 5 Farm Leaders: Suguna, Grace, Rebecca, Iris, Skylar, Rosa, Toby, Ben, George and Izaak. They have already shown fantastic dedication, helping to settle in our new animals while demonstrating many of our school values, including responsibility and kindness. We are so proud of the way they’ve stepped into their new roles with such enthusiasm and care.

Perhaps the most exciting news for our students is the arrival of our newest farm friends: two adorable lop rabbits and two curious guinea pigs. The children are eager to get to know them, and we look forward to seeing this revitalised space bring joy, learning, and connection to all.

Stay tuned for more farm news throughout the term!

Simon Balle’s Careers Programme is more than just guidance – it’s a journey. From early curriculum integration to tailored post-18 support, our comprehensive CEIAG framework equips students with the knowledge, confidence, and resilience to pursue meaningful futures. We’re proud holders of the Quality in Careers Standard and committed to meeting the highest benchmarks in career education. Discover how this transformative programme supports each year group and shapes tomorrow’s citizens today.

Learn more at: Simon Balle Careers

Explore year-by-year activities: Careers Programme by Year Group

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.

The Hertfordshire SEND Local Offer lets parents and young people know what special educational needs and disabilities services are available in Hertfordshire and who can access them.

Information and signposting is also available via DSPL3. Developing Special Provision Locally (DSPL) 3 – Families and they have a Facebook page which is updated with information on events locally. 

Please see the attached flyer for Super 1s cricket – a weekly offering of free of charge cricket session for young people with special educational needs and disabilities giving them the chance to be active, meet new people and learn new skills. We also run lifestyle workshops throughout the year. Super 1s All Hubs WINTER

Safeguarding

Two important updates from #WakeupWednesday: What Parents & Educators Need to Know about VPNs and Top Tips for Recognising and Managing Stress

PE at Simon Balle – 2025/26

We are really excited about the year ahead in PE at Simon Balle. One of our main aims is to inspire every student to enjoy the benefits of being active. Regular physical activity has so many positives: it helps to improve physical health and fitness, supports good mental wellbeing, reduces stress, and builds confidence. Just as importantly, PE is about enjoyment, teamwork and having the chance to try new activities in a safe and supportive environment. This year, we encourage all students to get involved – whether it’s through lessons, clubs, or simply being more active day to day.

Alongside promoting healthy, active lifestyles, we are also committed to supporting performance sport. Our new sports hall, which has recently been completed, provides an excellent venue for both training and competition. This facility will allow us to host more fixtures than ever before and give our students the chance to test themselves against other schools. We are proud to provide pathways for those who want to push their performance further, whilst continuing to welcome everyone to participate, no matter their level of experience.

A special welcome goes to our new Year 7 students. This is the perfect time to get involved and try out something new. Our wide range of clubs will begin in the week commencing Monday 8th September, and we would love to see as many students as possible taking part. The sport extra curricular timetable can be found via this link: https://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/sport/secondary-sport/

Enrichment

We are proud to offer a wide range of clubs and activities to suit every age group, from Key Stage 1 right through to Sixth Form. Whether pupils are interested in sports, music, drama, art, STEM, drama, or exploring new hobbies, there is something for everyone to enjoy. These clubs provide fantastic opportunities for students to develop new skills, build friendships, and pursue their passions outside the classroom. By taking part, students can grow in confidence, discover hidden talents, and make the most of their time at school.

The range of clubs we offer across the all-through are available to view here:

https://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/whats-on/extra-curricular-provision/

Library news

There’s lots happening in the library this month. Please click on the links below to find out more.

Absences

All holiday requests must be sent through Leave of absence request

Absences or lateness for the Larch Centre  – notify or call at L Simon Balle

Absences or lateness for the secondary – notify or call S Admin

Privacy notices

Please take the time to read our privacy notices for parents/carers and students.

Catering

It has been a brilliant start to this autumn term and academic year for our catering partners, Accent, with whom we are proud to work. During the summer holidays, Accent invested in making fantastic improvements to all areas of our all-through school: from the Little Kitchen in the Larch to the main canteen in the secondary phase and to the sixth form and staff cafe. Not only have all areas had brilliant makeovers so that food continues to be presented in highly appetising ways, but the newly installed screens in each area ensure that menu choices are clear and that allergen information is easily accessible. Please visit our website here to view all new menus, including our popular meal deals.

Exciting times continue in the next fortnight as a brand new pod is being installed in the main secondary phase playground, providing further choice and reducing queues for all. We continue to receive highly positive feedback from our students of all ages in relation to Accent meals, and we were struck by this particularly last week with the return to school and with so many new students joining us in Reception, Year 7 and Year 12.

We continue to value student voice, and our all-through parliament will have an important focus on reviewing these changes and improvements in the coming weeks. Thank you to Accent – we are looking forward to the term and year ahead.

Involve – new tool for booking student consultation evening appointments

Families that have been with us for some time will be aware that we have experimented with a number of online platforms over the years. There is a continual need to balance user-friendliness and effectiveness with the financial cost of the services offered. Involve, the system currently used by the Music department for parents and students to keep track of performances and instrumental lessons will soon be expanded to include PE department fixtures and clubs. Involve will also be used for booking appointment slots for student consultation evenings. Those of you who have not used Involve for either Music or PE will receive login details and instructions ahead of the student consultation evening for your year group (you will log in with the same email address you currently use for logging into Arbor).

Hertford, Ware & District Foodbank

We will be partnering with Hertford, ware & District Foodbank to support their Harvest Festival Appeal. The wishlist is attached below.

The number of people facing crisis within our local community is still high. During the last year, the Hertford, Ware & District Foodbank provided over 3110 emergency food parcels to people who couldn’t afford the essentials, over 1100 of these went to children.

If you are able to donate any of the items on the list, there will be collection points at the main reception desk (Elm Sports Centre), the Student Services area (secondary) and the Larch office.

Harvest Appeal Wish List Pdf

Get Your Old Bikes Rolling Again!

Community Bike Drop Returns to Hertford Rugby Club on Sunday 14th September.

Nearly three years ago, something amazing happened at Hertford Rugby Club. Our brilliant local community came together and donated a whopping 165 bikes. Thanks to the fantastic team at Herts Disability Sports Foundation (HDSF), those bikes were lovingly refurbished and rehomed across Hertfordshire.

Some became a child’s very first taste of cycling freedom. Others helped adults commute to work, reducing car use and giving our planet a well-deserved break. The impact? Healthier people, a greener environment, and a stronger, more connected community.

Now, we’re doing it again and we need you. Got an old bike gathering dust in your shed, garage or garden? Don’t let it rust away, let it ride again. Join us on Sunday 14th September, from 9am to 1pm, at Hertford Rugby Club, Hoe Lane, Ware SG12 9NZ for our second Big Community Bike Drop. Every bike donated will be refurbished and given a second life – whether it’s helping a child learn to pedal or helping someone get to work.
So dust off those wheels, pump up those tyres (if you can), and bring them along. Let’s make this another two-wheeled triumph!

For further information please contact Lucy Hunter: lucy_hunter38@yahoo.co.uk

Together, let’s keep our community rolling.

Parent Staff Association

Volunteer Register and Class/Year group Reps

Simon Balle PSA can not function without a good number of helpers from both phases of the school, to support our all-through events.  Please consider registering to be an occasional volunteer and we will reach out when help is needed.

We value each and every volunteer and are always grateful for any help.

Volunteer Register

We are looking for a number of people to help us share information with classes and yeargroups.  This role is suitable to all, but especially to those who wish to offer support but can not necessarily commit to volunteering at events.

If you are interested in becoming a Representative, we would love to hear from you.

Visit our Reps sign up link and we will be in touch.

Happy’s Circus – 4th October

We are very excited to share that Happy’s Circus will be visiting Simon Balle on Saturday 4th October.  Tickets will soon be made available to the wider community and with over half sold already, we encourage Simon Balle families to secure theirs as soon as they can.

Gates will open at midday and visitors are invited to browse the external stallholder offering, grab something from the bar and BBQ then soak up the pre-show atmosphere.

More information can be found on our website, click on the link below.

Buy your tickets today!

Volunteers needed, sign up here!

Joules Outlet Sale – 7th November

Save the date!  On Friday 7th November, the Joules Outlet team will set up a pop up shop at Simon Balle.  This is a fantastic opportunity to start your Christmas shopping, all at bargain prices with up to 70% off high street prices. Sale preview tickets are £8 and will allow early entry at 6pm into the sale room.  General sale tickets are just £5, doors open at 6.30pm.

Watch this space for more information.

Volunteers needed, sign up here!

John Williams Candlelight Concert – 18th October

Join us at All Saints Church, Hertford, on Saturday 18th October for an enchanting candlelit evening of John Williams favourites, performed by a string trio. Music includes: Jurassic Park movie theme, hits from Star Wars including Cantina Band and Imperial March, E.T theme, Indiana Jones theme and more!

1st Sitting: Doors open at 4.15pm, concert starts at 5pm. 2nd Sitting: Doors open at 6.30pm, concert starts at 7pm.

Book via our link and £2 of each ticket sold will generate us commission.

Dates for your diary

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

• Mon 15th Sep: Y8 expectations evening
• Wed 17th Sep: Y1 Y3 Y5 curriculum meetings
• Wed 17th Sep: Y9 expectations and Battlefields trip information evening
• Thurs 18th Sep: Y13 expectations evening
• Fri 19th Sep: Early finish (secondary) for those helping on open morning
• Sat 20th Sep 0830-1230: All-through Open Morning
• Wed 24th Sep: Y7 welcome evening
• Wed 24th and Thurs 25th Sep: Y11 performance clinics
• Thurs 25th Sep: NCY trip information evening

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead

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

Friday 11th July

Co-headteachers’ welcome

In this final newsletter of the academic year, it is a great privilege to reflect upon an exceptionally positive year at Simon Balle. We are so grateful to every single one of our students and parents/carers for all that you have done to contribute to our community, academically and holistically. As Co-headteachers it has been brilliant to lead and to attend just so many events at this time in which our young people truly shine – from sports presentation evening to Larch and secondary sports days; from the Saffron hall music extravaganza to transition parent events at Year 7 and Reception. At the time of writing we eagerly look forward to the Slice of Summer on Saturday, our all-through Art exhibition across the weekend, and our formal awards ceremony on Monday 14th July. From class celebrations to assemblies and within all of these events, our aim is that every student ends the year with a great sense of pride and achievement. 

Student outcomes at every key stage will be celebrated at appropriate points from here, with the primary phase outcomes released first. And what a week it has been with the release of our KS2 SATs results, which are exceptional. Our web page will be updated in due course with all details, but some highlights are shared here: 

• The percentage of students achieving at age-related expectations in reading, writing and mathematics combined is 84% (the national average was 61% last year)
• The percentage of students achieving at greater depth in reading, writing and mathematics combined is 31% (the national average was 8% last year)
• The average scaled score achieved at Simon Balle this year is 110 in maths and 110 in reading (the national average was 104 in maths and 105 in reading last year) – this means that our average achievement is at a greater depth level
• In maths, 96.9% of students achieved age-related expectations, with 42.2% achieving at greater depth
• In reading, 90.6% of students achieved age-related expectations, with 54.7% achieving at greater depth

A huge well done to all of our Year 6 students who are receiving their SATs results this week. We all look forward to celebrating with, and supporting, our students receiving GCSE and A level results this summer. 

All that remains is for Mr Moss and I to wish you all a wonderful summer break when we get there. As exciting a year as this has been, we recognise the need for our whole community to rest, spend time with loved ones and recharge, ready to go again in September 2025! As ever, we must thank you all for your continued support and partnership. 

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

A note from the Governors and the Trust

As we come to the end of another busy year, it has been wonderful to witness the tremendous amount of work happening at Simon Balle. In our roles it is a privilege to understand the profound impact that Simon Balle has on so many young people. The Trust and Governing Body are always impressed by the numerous initiatives and the extra effort made to ensure our curriculum is accessible to all, and that there is something here for every student.

The Trust and Governing Body closely monitor the progress students make across various categories, and we are pleased to report that student data continues to be strong. This success is not possible without your support, for which we are extremely grateful!

Maintaining existing spaces fit for purpose for school life is a constant challenge. There is much to do in keeping everything shipshape, and this couldn’t happen without the dedicated efforts of Michael Tweed and the site team. It has been fantastic this year to see the new, long-awaited sports hall come to life in the form of the Elm Sports Centre. This facility has received great community feedback and will be an asset for the school and wider community for many years to come. 

Given the recent news about the funding challenges faced by schools, we want to reassure you that, although we face similar challenges, we are managing the school (and wider trust) within the limits of the funding we receive. We are reassured by the student progress data, information on interventions and impact, student voice, parent voice, and incidental conversations within the community that the school represents fantastic value for money. To put this in context, we receive very roughly 30% of what a fee-paying school would (stressing this is NOT our aspiration), yet the school delivers exceptional results, pastoral support, and extracurricular enrichment. Attention is given to ensure that each and every child can engage in school life and thrive here.

As the year closes, we are excited to embark on a new chapter by welcoming Mill Mead School into the Trust at the beginning of next year. This offers advantages to both schools in terms of curriculum breadth and the ability to make our funding go further.

As we look forward to the new academic year, we remain committed to providing the best possible education and support for all our students. Thank you once again for your continued support, invaluable to our school community. We wish you all a restful and enjoyable summer break.

Mrs Jo Brown (Chair of Trustees), Mr Adam Cooper (Chair of Simon Balle governing body) and Mr Will Davies (Vice chair of both the Trust Board and Simon Balle governing body)

Welcome to Year 7: ​ready to ​grow, ​ready to ​belong, ​ready to ​shine.

As always, it has been a real joy to engage in the Year 6 into Year 7 transition process as we prepare to welcome the latest cohort into our secondary community. Our transition programme is both thorough and personal with every feeder primary visited and staff taking time to speak with each student to ensure we fully understand the needs, passions and strengths of everyone.  For us, transition is not a day, a week, or even a month – it’s an 18-month launchpad for the next seven years and beyond. 

As you can tell, we take great pride in ensuring we do our very best at such a significant milestone in their educational journey, and it has been especially exciting to see the strong sporting interest, deep reading culture and musical talent already shining through. Indeed, the enthusiasm, curiosity, and kindness already shown by the students have been heartening and we are confident they will thrive in their new environment. This warm welcome extends to our families too – we were delighted to see such a strong turnout at the Welcome Evening last week. It was a wonderful sign of the commitment from home, and we know just how vital that home-school partnership is in supporting every child’s success. 

​With transition day yesterday and over 90% of ​students signed up for our summer school, engagement is already incredibly high​ and there is plenty on offer before September. ​​This includes the range of activities on our transition webpage, which includes key information for parents and a wide range of resources to support a smooth and positive start. 

​We​ are proud to walk alongside our new students and families as they begin this exciting new chapter​ and look forward to welcoming you all fully in September.

Welcoming our youngest new children to begin their 14 year journey!

We were delighted to welcome our new Reception children and their families to our school community during our recent Transition Day. It was a joy to see the children exploring their new environment with curiosity and enthusiasm, meeting their teachers, and beginning to build relationships with their new classmates. The day was carefully planned to help the children feel safe, supported, and excited about starting school, and their smiles and laughter throughout the visit were a wonderful sign of things to come.

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the parents and carers who attended the reception welcome information meeting. Family involvement and interest play a vital role in helping children settle into school life, and we greatly value the home school partnership. We’ve received lots of positive feedback, with many parents commenting on the warm, welcoming atmosphere and how confident their children felt after the visit. We’re so pleased with how smoothly the transition has begun and look forward to an exciting and successful year ahead as we begin this journey together.

Sports Presentation Evening

Our Sports Presentation Evening was a fantastic occasion to come together and celebrate the outstanding sporting achievements of our students over the past academic year. The evening was a true reflection of the passion, dedication, and talent that runs throughout Simon Balle as an all-through school.

From individual accomplishments to team successes, we recognised students who have not only excelled in performance but also shown commitment, leadership, and sportsmanship throughout the year. The variety of sports represented on the evening highlights the diverse opportunities available at Simon Balle, and the breadth of talent we are fortunate to have across all age groups.

With participation in a wide range of leagues and competitions, our students have continually risen to the challenge and represented the school with pride. Their success is a credit to their hard work and the continued support from staff, families, and our wider school community.

Thank you to everyone who made the evening such a memorable event. We are excited to see what the next year of sport will bring.

Please scan this QR code to read our Sport Review of the year

Year 12 history and politics trip to Berlin

The recent Year 12 trip to Berlin was an enriching and memorable experience for all involved, offering students an unparalleled insight into Germany’s complex political and historical landscape. Over four days, students explored key sites as part of a curated and expert-led tour that deepened their understanding of the country’s 20th-century history.

Highlights included a thought-provoking visit to the Stasi Prison, where students learned about life under East Germany’s secret police and the chilling extent of state surveillance. At the East Side Gallery, Checkpoint Charlie and the documentation centre on Bernauer Straße, they saw the extent and impact of the Berlin Wall, the symbol of a divided city, country and continent for almost three decades.

The group also toured the Reichstag, seat of the German parliament, gaining an appreciation for modern German democracy while standing in a building steeped in historical significance. The virtual reality experience at the Fernsehturm offered an immersive perspective on Berlin’s transformation, past and present, and a guided tour around Sachsenhausen concentration camp brought home the cruelty and savagery of crimes committed during the Third Reich.

Throughout the trip, students engaged with the key themes of German history—from the democratic experiments of the Weimar Republic, through the horrors of the Nazi regime, to the tensions and tragedies of the Cold War. Our tour guide Frank was able to take students to lesser-known sites as well as infamous landmarks of historical significance, forcing them to think deeply about the nature of totalitarianism, democracy, and the physical and psychological impact of a century of turmoil on a city and its inhabitants.

Y6 Sheringham trip

Year 6 recently enjoyed an exciting and enriching residential trip to Sheringham, where they deepened their understanding of coastal geography in a hands-on and memorable way. The trip, closely tied to their Geography curriculum, began with an engaging coastal management lesson delivered by our very own resident Geographer, Mr Ayres. Pupils then put their knowledge into action through a creative longshore drift sand art competition and an imaginative sandcastle building challenge, incorporating real-world coastal defence features.

We were particularly impressed by the high standard of field sketching on the first day, as well as the teamwork and enthusiasm shown when measuring groynes along the shoreline and competing in the evening quiz. It was a fantastic way to celebrate their final weeks in Year 6 – full of learning, laughter, and lasting memories.

Y3 Gaudi mosaic workshop

Year 3 were very excited about the prospect of their Gaudi work being on display well after they leave Simon Balle in year 13. Wrens and Robins really enjoyed their workshop creating our collaborative piece for the Gaudi garden that they worked out will take over 10 years to complete. Reminiscent of Sagrada Familia, each mosaic piece being completed by year 3 students will create.

Catering Update and Summer Works

Thank you very much to everyone who has already responded to the catering questionnaire. Your feedback is extremely important and conversations have begun in earnest on how we can adjust our service to implement as many of your suggestions as possible. If you haven’t completed the questionnaire yet and would like your voice to be heard, the Google form is still open and can be accessed on the link at the bottom of this segment.

We are very excited to announce that during the summer holidays over £100,000 will be invested in the all-through school’s catering infrastructure: from new ovens to deliver a wider menu, to a complete refurbishment of the secondary canteen and cafe, to a brand new outdoor catering kiosk. All of the improvements and renovations are based on requests from parents and students and we can’t wait to re-open in September.

This is only the first step in the transformation of the catering provision at Simon Balle and we will continue to liaise with students, parents and staff in the new year through questionnaires and working groups to further refine and finesse the offer and ensure the continual improvement of the provision.

Link to the parent questionnaire

Please click here for our latest Careers Blog

Apprenticeship Information Evening – Year 12

On Tuesday evening, we welcomed students and parents to our Apprenticeship Information Evening – a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the wide range of apprenticeship options available after sixth form.

The evening began with a presentation covering what apprenticeships are, the different levels on offer, how they compare to university, and how to search and apply. We were also delighted to welcome a parent of a former student currently completing a degree apprenticeship, who gave invaluable insight into how families can support their children through the process.

In the second half of the evening, four of our amazing alumni returned to share their experiences of life on a higher or degree apprenticeship. From engineering to finance and digital roles, they spoke honestly about their journeys and answered questions from current students and parents. The evening also featured a mini apprenticeship fair, giving attendees the chance to talk one-to-one with the alumni and gain first-hand advice.

The event was incredibly well received, and we are proud to be supporting students in exploring all their options and taking confident steps towards their futures.

Year 9 Team Building with the Royal Navy Attract Team – Wednesday, 9 July

On Wednesday 9 July, Year 9 welcomed the Royal Navy Attract Team for some, hour‑long team‑building workshops. After a lively icebreaker to warm everyone up, students were grouped into teams of 3–5 and challenged to build a tower using a kit—to meet some fixed criteria (6 foot tall, free standing and the wheels at the top).

It was brilliant to see the students working together with the variety of towers that emerged, some wobbling, others impressively stable.

This activity brought the Royal Navy’s core values of communication, respect, discipline, and teamwork into sharp focus:

• Effective communication – each plan had to be shared clearly and adapted to finish the build in time.
• Respect for every idea – the importance of listening and adapting not just shouting down other peoples ideas.
• Discipline and problem‑solving came into play when towers began to wobble, requiring quick thinking and change in design.

All the students stayed fully engaged throughout, visibly supporting one another and showing encouraging teamwork. Beyond the fun and competition, participants gained a stronger understanding of how the Royal Navy operates in the contemporary world—revealing that leadership isn’t just about command, but also about collaboration, adaptability, and valuing diverse perspectives.

Well done to everyone involved—and special thanks to the Royal Navy Attract Team for bringing these valuable skills to life!

Slice of Summer and Art Exhibition tomorrow

The wait is over! Tomorrow (Saturday 12th July) is our annual summer fundraising event and art exhibition.

National Schools Chess Championships

On 24th June, Mr. Gregory and Mrs. Glover accompanied four children from the Larch – Angus, Oscar, Orson and Alec to the Primary Team Chess Challenge 2024/25 (part of the National Schools Chess Championships). The team qualified for this National Final, held at Nottingham University, having won a regional tournament hosted at SBAS back in March.

The standard of chess at the tournament was astonishing – there were teams from many of the top schools in the country, with players who had reached the finals of the individual British Championships, one team with a FIDE Master, another coached by weekly visits from a Grandmaster etc. etc.! The children competed brilliantly and gave their very best, gaining a few well-earned wins and always modelling incredible sportsmanship, respect and resilience. A unique and memorable experience we hope they will treasure.

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 using the following Booking link.

Have your say on SEND in Hertfordshire – a message from the Hertfordshire SEND Partnership:

Hertfordshire’s SEND Summit is taking place this September, and we want to ensure that the voices of families are at the heart of it. Your experiences and ideas will help shape the event and our future SEND Strategy.

The survey includes questions about your experiences of SEND – both to highlight what is working and what requires further improvement, what you think should be discussed at the summit, and what changes would make the biggest difference to your family.

Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey and share your views.

Your feedback will help us improve support for children and young people with SEND across the county. Thank you for being part of this important conversation.”

Library News

Results of the Short Story Writing Competition

Well done to everyone who entered the writing competition. We received an excellent number of entries and we were very impressed with everyone’s imagination and creativity! All entries were marked anonymously.

Well done to the runners-up: 

• Rafael 7B
• Charlotte 8A

Congratulations to the winners: 

• Noah G 7N
• Megan  7M
• Charlie 5 Mallards
• Isla 7A

Author visit

The author, Stewart Foster, came to visit years 6, 7, 8 and 9 on Wednesday 2nd July and he spoke about his inspiration behind the stories in his books including some unexpected and rewarding friendships along the way.

Speakers’ Corner

Well done to Lorcan, Bowen, Rafael, Alex, Austin and Yuko for finishing off the term with your entertaining and informative Speakers’ Corner presentations on Dr Who, ducks, and Star Wars.

Foreign Language Friday Food Fiesta

For the last Foreign Language Friday of the year we held our celebratory food fiesta. Students had the opportunity to try different food from Italy, France, Spain, Germany and Japan and they ordered the food in the 5 different languages. Mrs Everett’s delicious homemade Italian pasta salad was a particular highlight!

Larch staffing changes

As we come to the end of a fantastic academic year, we would like to make you aware of some changes. Mrs Brewer will be leaving us to pursue an exciting new career, and Miss Ross is off to university in September – we thank them both for everything they have done and wish them the very best of luck in their new adventures. Looking ahead to September, we’re delighted that Miss Preshous will be joining our new Badgers class as a full-time Teaching Assistant. She has already spent time getting to know the children and will be a wonderful addition to the team. Miss Muir will also be joining us in the office and will be supporting in Rabbits class at times as well. Although Mr Leonard will no longer be part of our KS2 Explorers team, he will begin his teacher training to become a PE teacher right here at our school, and Mrs Pedder will also be starting her teacher training with us in September. We’re very excited to support them both as they begin their journeys into teaching.

Open morning

We are looking forward to holding our annual open day on Saturday 20th 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.

• Saturday 20th September 0830-1230: All-through Open Morning 
• Wednesday 8th October 1730-1930 – Sixth Form Open Evening
• Wednesday 26th November 0900-1015- Primary Open Morning

Summer Holiday Workshops at the Herts Haven Cafe

Dates for your diary

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

• Sat 12th July: Slice of Summer
• Tues 15th July: House reward trip
• Wed 16th July: Y7 PRE and Y12 Parliament trips
• Thurs 17th July: Music tour departs
• Fri 18th July: last day of term (early finish – 1210)
• Thurs 14th Aug: KS5 results day
• Thurs 21st Aug: KS4 results day
• Tues 2nd Sep: First day for reception (half day), Y7 and Y12 (new applicants). Academic review day for Y13
• Wed 27th – Fri 29th Aug: Summer school
• Wed 3rd Sep: All years in school. Individual photos for Y7, 9, 11 and new Y12
• Thurs 4th Sep: group photos for Y7, 11 and 13
• Fri 5th Sep: individual photos for Larch
• Wed 10th Sep: Y12 expectations evening
• Wed 10th – Fri 12th Sep: Y5 trip
• Sat 20th Sep 0830-1230: All-through Open Morning

Wishing you all the best for the summer holidays

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