Friday 21st March

Co-headteachers’ welcome

It has, quite simply, been a magnificent and magical March to date! Whilst our classrooms from Reception to Year 13 remain a-buzz with the joy of learning across our broad and ambitious curriculum, it is our privilege and pleasure to be writing to you in this newsletter with a spotlight on three subjects: science, music and PE. Please do look forward to future newsletters placing a similar spotlight on other areas – we have so much that we are proud to share with you all. 

Last week was British Science Week, and, at Simon Balle All-through School, it was a week full of enrichment and experiences to remember. Whether your passion is chemistry, biology or physics, or all three, there was so much to engage our budding scientists. To give just a flavour, the explosive nature of ‘Fizz Whizz Bang’ inspired all; rat dissections were both informative and intriguing for many; the Great Science Bake off added a fantastic twist to enrich student experiences; and Bernoulli’s principle was simply off the scale (you will have to ask the students and/or google for yourself!). Quizzes and species hunts, amidst the usual busy and thriving science department lessons, made this a week to remember. Particular thanks are offered to our science ambassadors in the sixth form: they had a starring role in generating engagement and interest across Simon Balle, including excellent work supporting Year 6-8 enrichment after school on Wednesday. How fortunate we are to be a part of an all-through school where STEM is prioritised, where academic achievements in science are simply outstanding, and where enrichment in weeks like this ensure that science is fun, relevant and meaningful for every student. Thank you team science!

It is tricky to do justice in words to the exceptional opportunities and experiences in Team Music this fortnight (and always). Their musical newsletter is linked below and we encourage you to visit this for not only more information, but also recordings, videos, sound-bites, photographs and a great window into music at Simon Balle All-through School. We are so proud of our musical community which is thriving, inclusive and always innovative. An incredible ⅓ of our whole school are learning an instrument; statistics like this exceed the national comparison by an unbelievable margin. Recent highlights include our Larch celebration concert on Wednesday with 130 Larch musicians involved. 130! We are so appreciative of parental support which leads to committed musicians (from strings to wind/brass to large choirs of every age) so clearly enjoying music-making at such a high standard. We must never take this for granted! Our unique all-through school of course leads to experiences and concerts a-plenty where young look up to older peers. Many, many students and their families will attest to the joy of the concert in school last Saturday. Inspired by a disco prom at the Royal Albert Hall last summer (yes, you read that right!), team music reached standards arguably higher than ever before! A transformation of the secondary hall with professional lighting and disco balls inspired musicians to perform a concert off the scale from ambition, vision and collaboration – strings, singing, rhythm section and wind/brass. At Simon Balle, Mr Taylor and his team are always seeking new ideas and new ways to inspire – we are so appreciative and know that this is just so unique! We are looking forward next to the Celebration of Wind and Brass – entitled ‘Postcards – Travels from across the world’, and we wish good luck to the 56 musicians who have a music exam in 2 weeks time. All of the above is achieved through commitment – staff, young people, and you all as their families – please keep ‘nagging’ for practice as, with this, great things happen here, every day.

You will not have missed the excitement building as our sports hall nears completion. The Elm Sports Centre at Simon Balle All-through School will open very soon, and the state of the art facilities will benefit every one of our young people from Reception – Year 13. Please look out for communication related to the experiences on offer as we launch and build. In the meantime, PE at Simon Balle All-through School is alive and thriving! We cannot do justice to the breadth of sports nor student achievements in just a summary here but daily opportunities are leading to students representing Simon Balle with pride, demonstrating our values, and showcasing advanced sports skills. Just a flavour includes Year 7 district netball success; Year 11 footballers securing a spot in the district finals; Year 8 through to the semi-final football county plate and netballers winning in their district netball tournament; Years 5/6 footballers on Wednesday went through to the final of the Hope Cup for the third year in a row whilst simultaneously the Year 7 team were victorious in their semis heading into the final too; and amongst this all we have had Years 3 – 6 athletes at district athletics, preparing for Larch cross country, and all following incredible secondary trips out following the Years 8 and 9 sports tour in Spain and the ski trip at half term! Wow!

Exciting Learning Across the Larch!

Our students have been engaged in fantastic learning experiences this term! Year 6 has been working hard on their mock SATs, putting their knowledge to the test, while Year 5 has continued their inspiring careers talks, welcoming parents from our community to share their experiences. Year 4 has been learning about apartheid with guest speakers, linked to Journey to Jo’burg, and aiming high for a perfect 25/25 in their times tables. Year 3 has been busy with food technology at Pizza Express and honing their journalism skills by reporting on The Iron Man, who has been spotted munching on the village’s cars! Year 2 is focused on improving their reading, eager to explore new texts, and Year 1 has been out and about searching for signs of spring as part of their science lessons—enjoying welly walks in the sunshine. Meanwhile, Reception has been getting creative, exploring How to Catch a Star and coming up with their own beautifully illustrated “how-to” books. So much to celebrate!

On the pastoral side, we’re excited to introduce new Drawing and Talking Therapy sessions, helping students explore and understand their emotions in a supportive setting.

And finally, our dedicated staff have also been working hard on progress reports, ready to celebrate the fantastic achievements of our students with parents as we wrap up the Spring term!

Thank you Simon Balle. To students, families, staff, and governors/trustees, we are proud to lead this exceptionally positive school with an environment and ethos where a sense of belonging is shown above and whereby great things happen each and every day. 

Music

We are delighted to share our Music Newsletter with you, featuring Big Band Evening, incredible exam results & much much more! 

Please click Team Music to read!

Year 8 MFL Trip to Málaga and Granada

Our Year 8 students had an unforgettable time on their trip to Málaga and Granada, where they immersed themselves in Spanish language and culture. Highlights of the visit included a paella cooking class, a language lesson, and a guided tour of the breathtaking Alhambra Palace and the historic city of Granada. Students also enjoyed an energetic flamenco lesson, embracing the rhythm and passion of this traditional dance. Despite a few rain showers, they made the most of every opportunity to practise their Spanish in real-life situations. They were a credit to the school, demonstrating enthusiasm, curiosity, and excellent behaviour throughout the trip. ¡Bien hecho, Year 8!

Sports Tour 2025 Malaga

The PE department took 105 students on a Sports Tour to Malaga at the beginning of March. We had 4 boys football teams, 2 girls football teams and 3 netball teams. The football teams received training sessions delivered by Malaga FC Academy coaches and Netball training was delivered by a professional coach. 

Netball

The netball squad put on an excellent display during the sports tour, showing great skill, resilience, and sportsmanship throughout. From the first training session, the coach was impressed by the girls’ attitude and work ethic, highlighting their politeness and dedication. The focus was on ball skills and moving onto the ball, followed by team practice for the evening matches.

That evening, we traveled to Gibraltar to face strong local teams. The B and C teams showed outstanding determination, developing as a squad, while the A team narrowly lost by one goal, fueling their motivation for the next day. Despite the rain disrupting our schedule, the team adapted brilliantly, taking part in a gym session and recovery swim (which felt like an ice bath!). They also bonded through team-building activities, creating their own team names and netball chants.

Returning to Gibraltar for the final matches, the teams displayed tenacity and versatility, implementing tactics and strategies effectively. Competing against established club teams was a challenge, especially with limited time together, but the players stepped up in both attack and defense. The A team finished with a fantastic win by five goals.

Every player was a credit to the school, demonstrating teamwork, resilience, and a passion for the game. Well done to all!

Football

The sports tour was an unforgettable experience for our 82 footballers, providing them with the opportunity to test themselves against strong Spanish club sides. The trip commenced with a visit to a top-tier training venue, where each team was introduced to their professional coach, who would lead their training sessions throughout their stay in Marbella. During an intensive two-hour coaching masterclass, players honed their skills in isolated drills, semi-competitive scenarios, and fully competitive match situations.

On the first evening, each team faced their Spanish counterparts at various high-quality pitches—some of the finest the students had ever played on, with many remarking, “These are the nicest pitches I have ever seen.” The matches provided a valuable learning experience, demonstrating the physical and tactical demands of Spanish football. Despite the challenge, all teams showcased resilience and adaptability, with the Year 9A team securing our first international victory with a well-earned 3-1 win.

Day two saw us return to the training venue, where each pro coach had tailored personalized training programs based on their team’s performance from the previous night’s matches. This strategic approach played a key role in improving each team’s performance in their second round of games. As the teams grew in confidence, their teamwork flourished, resulting in excellent linking play and well-placed goals—even against opponents significantly larger than them. A standout moment came from the Girls’ B team, whose determination and grit held their Spanish opponents to a 1-1 draw before securing victory in a tense penalty shootout, marking our second international win.

Overall, the tour was a remarkable experience, fostering skill development, teamwork, and resilience. The players returned home with valuable lessons, unforgettable memories, and a sense of pride in their achievements on the international stage.

We also had the chance to visit Marbella town for some shopping and explored the local area including the beach. We also went on a Dolphin Cruise in Gibraltar on which we were very lucky to see dolphins swimming in their natural environment! We also had some fun bowling and enjoyed a Sports Tour Presentation Ceremony during our last evening in which we celebrated lots of success across the week. 

We would like to say how proud we were of all of our students and how behaviour was impeccable throughout the week. I’d also like to extend a huge thank you to the staff who helped to make the tour a memorable one for our students. These are: Miss Newman, Miss Baker, Miss Quinton, Mrs Dovey, Mr Moses, Mr Morgan, Mr Rouse, Mr Goodwin, Mr Dear and Mr King. 

Mrs Castle – Tour Leader

Please click here for our latest Careers Opportunity blog which includes opportunities for:

Science

Year 7L created amazing models of specialised cells as part of their unit on Cells.  There was a lovely variety from both plant and animal cells being made! Students were tasked with this for homework and to use materials at home along with information such as adaptations and functions for their specialised cell.

Larch Spurs coaching session

We are delighted to be welcoming Tottenham Hotspur Football Club to run some sessions with children in KS1 and KS2 in the next coming weeks and to inspire our children. Spurs have asked us to send out the below leaflets ahead of the sessions with them.

Next Gen Spurs info flyer

Library News

Simon Balle’s Got Talent 2025 – auditions and date of the show

Mr Dear, Miss Rooke and Ms Cannon are holding auditions for students between years 7-12 to audition for the talent show – the auditions will be held in Mr Dear’s classroom (Q1) on Wednesday 26th March. All are welcome to audition!

The new date for the talent show is Monday 28th April – more details to follow!

SEND

Virtual Appointments

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

SEND – Exams & Revision

For additional information, support and guidance for students in preparation for exams and during exams – please click on the Youngminds link below:

Youngminds – SEND Exam/Revision Tips

Courses for Parents and Carers

Details of courses that may be of interest to parents can be found here Courses & Training Parents – Mar.docx

Parent Staff Association

Spring Meeting – Tuesday 29th April, 7pm

Join us for our first meeting as a new committee.  Get to know our new team: Co-chairs – Leah Wood and Chloe Merrick,  Treasurer – Mike Cohen and interim Secretary – Hayley Fairbrother. 

Everyone is welcome, you do not have to be a committee member to attend.

Head to the secondary library for 7pm where we will be reviewing recent fundraisers and discussing upcoming events such as the Slice of Summer and exciting autumn plans. We look forward to meeting you.

Register your attendance via this link: volunteersignup.org/WT7KY

Spring Meet 

Slice of Summer – Saturday 12th July, 12-4pm

Volunteers

Our all-through VolunteerSignUp link is now open!

Each Larch year group is being invited to run a game, that’s only four volunteers per year!

Secondary phase students and families – we need your help too.  Take a look to see how you can get involved.

Sign up to a volunteer slot BEFORE Friday 2nd May to benefit from FREE entry and FREE tokens to redeem anywhere at the fair, on a PSA operated area. 1 token per volunteer, per slot.

This offer is open to all staff, parents, carers and students of the all-through community.

Inflatables Offer

This year, we are offering £10 wristbands that give the user unlimited use of the inflatables during the Slice of Summer.  We have a limited number of wristbands available.  To purchase, or find out more, please visit the PSA website.

Raffle

We need your help to make our Raffle a big success! 

If you have any unwanted gifts or new items that you would be happy to donate, we would be incredibly grateful. Or, if you run a business and would like to contribute a product or service, we would love to showcase your generosity!

Every donation helps us raise valuable funds for the school, and we truly appreciate your support.

We are aiming to open our Summer Raffle ticket sales via our website after the Easter break.

psa@simonballepsa.org.uk

Dates for your diary

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

• Fri 21st – Sun 23rd Mar: Model United Nations conference
• Tues 25th Mar: Y12 UCAS trip
• Wed 26th Mar: Rock Gig
• Thurs 27th Mar: Y7 student consultation evening
• Tuesday 1st Apr: Y8 student consultation evening
• Wed 2nd – Fri 4th Apr: Y7 Bawdsey Manor trip
• Friday 4th April term ends (normal school day)
• Tues 22nd April: INSET day (no students on site)
• Wed 23rd Apr: Summer term starts
• Mon 28th Apr: SBAS talent show

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead

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

Friday 7th March

Co-headteachers’ welcome

We hope everyone had a wonderful and relaxing half-term break. It is wonderful to hear stories of progress from the slopes as students and staff return from the half-term ski trip, with many making in just one week the kind of progress that would take me five! This week, our students embarked on the sports tour, and next week, Year 8 will head to Spain to practice their Spanish language skills and immerse themselves in the local culture. This week too we welcomed Year 7 parents to prepare for the ever-popular PGL trip to Bawdsey Manor; exciting times for all. We take great pride in the wide range of opportunities we provide, from sport, art, music, and drama to enriching academic experiences, such as our Year 13 Psychology students visiting a mental health hospital and museum, where they engaged with two excellent speakers.

Beyond these experiences, it is the voice of our students that truly shapes our school. The primary phase held a fantastic book swap this week, and it was truly uplifting to hear the excitement as students carefully chose their books, discussed ones they had already read, and eagerly recommended favourites to each other. The buzz and passion for reading were incredible, reflecting exactly the kind of enthusiasm we hope to inspire in all our students. This same enthusiasm extends to the way our students influence and help shape their school environment.

At Simon Balle All-through School, students are at the heart of everything we do, and their voices play a crucial role in shaping our agenda and future direction. We are passionate about ensuring that the student voice is meaningful and results in real change. Recent consultations have included:

• A wellbeing survey focusing on resilience and mental health, working in collaboration with the Mental Health Support Team (MHST).
• School Parliament discussions on artificial intelligence, computing in the curriculum, and lunchtime club offerings.
• A previous School Parliament decision to remove Generation Juice in favour of bottled drinks, alongside the introduction of an Ecovend bottle recycling bank.
• A counter-bullying survey conducted across all year groups.
• A safeguarding health check, reviewing key areas such as staff-student relationships, corridors, unstructured time, queues, changing rooms, and toilets.
• The promotion of our ‘Tell Us’ app in response to student feedback, leading to posters around the school and a dedicated assembly.
• Ongoing discussions with our primary students about their rewards system in the primary phase.
• MCR Volunteering & Mentoring Scheme: 76 students are actively involved in our MCR (volunteering mentoring scheme). Student Feedback showed:
  • 95% of students felt their mentor improved their confidence.
  • 98% of students reported that their mentor encouraged them to be the best version of themselves.

These examples highlight the power of student voice in shaping our school community. From the experiences they have outside the classroom to the changes they influence within it, our students play an active role in shaping their school experience. Their voice is not only heard but acted upon, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring that every student feels valued and empowered.

It is a testament to our students, staff, and school community that we continue to be a top choice for those moving from Year 6 to Year 7. This year, not only did we have 653 students apply for a place at our school, but 100% of those who were allocated had Simon Balle All-through School as their first choice. This reflects the strong reputation of our school, the exceptional opportunities we provide, and the inspiring environment our students help create every day.

Ski Trip

An Unforgettable Ski Trip!

Our recent ski trip was nothing short of spectacular! From the moment we arrived in the breathtaking mountains of Bormio in Italy , our students embraced every challenge with enthusiasm, determination, and a fantastic attitude. Whether they were beginners finding their balance on the slopes or advanced skiers pushing themselves to conquer steeper runs, each student demonstrated remarkable resilience and courage. It was inspiring to see them embody our school values, supporting one another, stepping out of their comfort zones, and celebrating their progress along the way.

We were also incredibly fortunate with the conditions—crisp mountain air, bright blue skies, and perfectly groomed slopes made for an unforgettable experience. The stunning scenery and excellent snow created the ideal environment for learning and fun. Beyond skiing, students showed teamwork and camaraderie, making new friendships and creating lasting memories. It was a week filled with achievement, adventure, and plenty of laughter. Well done to all the students for their fantastic efforts—you made the school proud!

Anyone who is interested in next year’s trip please keep an eye out for the information that will be sent in the next few weeks.

Please click here for our latest Careers Opportunity blog which includes opportunities for:

• Lloyds Banking Group
• Insight into BDO (world’s 5th largest accountancy firm)
• Samsung live virtual careers lesson

Step into the NHS Competition

We are excited to share that Simon Balle All-through School will be taking part in the Step into the NHS competition for KS2 and KS3 pupils! This fun and inspiring challenge will encourage the students to discover the wide range of careers within the NHS, helping them discover jobs they might not have considered before. National winners will receive prizes, and their work will be showcased in their local community. Further details for KS2 and KS3 competitions will be emailed to parents.

Attendance Update

We want to thank parents and carers for ensuring that students attend school as much as possible. Whilst there will always be illnesses which will require time off, building up resilience in our young people is so important. We know the strong links to both increased attainment and wellbeing that strong attendance can have. There has been a small drop off in attendance since Christmas but hopefully in line with the better weather recently we will see this rise again as we head towards the summer term. 

Please see the following table for an update on attendance across our all-through school.

Please note that there has been a small amendment to the attendance policy so that we fall in line with DfE guidance of submitting fixed penalty notices for persistently absent students. Our rate of persistent absence (students who attend less than 90% of the time) is significantly stronger than the national average with 10% compared to national averages of 18.6% and we hope to move towards single figures in the next term.

World Book Day

The recent Book Swap and Paired Reading initiatives for World Book Day were a resounding success, fostering a deeper sense of community and enthusiasm for reading throughout the school. The Book Swap, which saw students from Reception to Year 6 exchanging books, was a hit as children eagerly brought in their favorite stories to share and discover new ones. It was heartwarming to see so many books being donated and enjoyed by others, giving students a chance to refresh their reading collections while encouraging a love for literature. The event not only allowed for a fun exchange of books but also promoted sustainability by reusing and recycling literature within the school.

In addition, the Paired Reading sessions between different year groups were incredibly beneficial for all involved. The older students took on the role of mentors, reading with and to their younger peers, helping to boost their confidence and reading skills. These sessions also helped to create lasting bonds between different year groups, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment across the school. Both initiatives have proven to be excellent ways of encouraging reading, building relationships, and creating a vibrant school community, and we look forward to seeing even more success in the future!

Library News

Science

The Science department is thrilled to announce a special competition category focused on improving the health of indoor air!

The scientists from UCL need your creativity and insight! We invite you to come up with a new idea or invention aimed at enhancing air quality in indoor public spaces – like classrooms, libraries, cafés, or cinemas. Consider whether the air in your chosen space is healthy and clean. What changes can you propose to make it better?

Further details have been emailed to all students in year 7-13.

Music

We are delighted to share our Music Newsletter with you! Please click Team Music to read!

Primary Uniform

Thank you for your continued support with children coming into school with the correct uniform. Some reminders:

• Jewellery: One pair of stud earrings only
• Plain black school shoes- no trainers. 
• Bottle green hair accessories only- no other colour
• Plain green tights or plain green or white socks
• Moderate hairstyles, e.g. no shaved lines

Further uniform information on our website

Writing in the Larch

The recent changes to our writing curriculum, particularly the introduction of new literary canon texts, have sparked a renewed enthusiasm for writing across all year groups. By incorporating a diverse range of classic and contemporary texts, students are not only gaining exposure to rich, high-quality literature, but they are also drawing inspiration from these works to improve their own writing. The texts have prompted deeper discussions in class, encouraging critical thinking and enhancing vocabulary, while sparking creativity in student writing. As a result, we’ve seen significant improvements in both the quality and originality of students’ work. The enthusiasm for storytelling and self-expression is more evident than ever, with students showing greater confidence in crafting their own pieces and a growing appreciation for the power of language. The impact of these changes has been incredibly positive, with many students demonstrating impressive progress in their writing skills.

SEND

Virtual Appointments

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

SEND – Exams & Revision

For additional information, support and guidance for students in preparation for exams and during exams – please click on the Youngminds link below:

Youngminds – SEND Exam/Revision Tips

Hertfordshire County Council SEND News

Please use the link below for information on Hertfordshire’s Local Offer, events and News

Hertfordshire’s Local Offer – SEND News

DSPL3 News

DSPL3 have collated a list of upcoming courses for parents and carers.  

Courses & Training Parents – Feb

Hertfordshire County Council is creating a new plan to support children and young people over the next 5 years. By answering the questions in this survey, you can tell HCC what you think is important to help them decide what to focus on.

Complete the survey – open until 16 March. 

If you have any questions or need the survey in an alternative format please contact: p&d.team@hertfordshire.

Parent Staff Association

Spring Meeting – Wednesday 29th April, 7pm

When you attend a Simon Balle Parent Staff Association (PSA) meeting, you can expect a warm welcome and a friendly atmosphere. It’s a great opportunity to meet the new committee, hear about upcoming events, and share ideas on how we can support the school community. Whether you’re a regular attendee or new to the PSA, this is the perfect time to get involved! It’s also a fantastic way to build a relationship with the school, meet other parents and staff, and gain insight into the day-to-day operations of Simon Balle. No commitment is required—just come along, see what we do, and find out how you can help in whichever way suits you. Head to the secondary library for 7pm. We look forward to meeting you!

Register your attendance via this link: volunteersignup.org/WT7KY

Slice of Summer – Saturday 12th July, 12-4pm

Can your company sponsor our summer fair? We would love to hear from you.

Are you able to donate a star prize to our Summer Raffle? Please get in touch!

Would you like to be a stallholder? Register your interest via our Stallholder Register.

Are you keen for this event to be a success? Join our Volunteer Database and we will be in touch with an opportunity.

Have you got an idea?  Tell us more!

sliceofsummer@simonballepsa.org.uk

Thank you

We recently supported the Music Department’s incredible Big Band night.  We would like to extend our thanks to Leah, Lou, Kate, Sarah and Alix for giving up their time to organise and run the bar.

Can you support the bar at an upcoming music event? Volunteer today!

Dates for your diary

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

• Mon 10th Mar: Y11 core mocks start
• Mon 10th Mar: Y9 assessments start
• Mon 10th Mar: Y8 MFL trip to spain departs
• Mon 10th Mar: Y12 work experience week starts
• Wed 12th Mar: Y12 performance clinic
• Sat 15th Mar: Singing and Strings event
• Wed 19th and Thurs 20th Mar: Y10 Geog field trips
• Fri 21st – Sun 23rd Mar: Model United Nations conference
• Mon 24th Mar: SBAS talent show
• Tues 25th Mar: Y12 UCAS trip
• Wed 26th Mar: Rock Gig
• Thurs 27th Mar: Y7 student consultation evening

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead

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

Friday 14th February

Co-headteachers’ welcome

Perhaps Mr Moss and I are repetitive when we say this, but it has been an unprecedentedly busy, yet very positive, fortnight. Despite the winter weather, we are incredibly grateful for ongoing parental partnership which has related to trips away and in planning/preparation, many of which are written about below; the Year 9 preferences process; Year 11 parents’ evening and performance clinic meetings; music concerts from Year 3 woodwind starters to Big Band; and a series of very muddy sports matches with students of all ages representing Simon Balle. Thank you for all! 

The main purpose of our welcome this week relates to the power of role models within our all-through school. There are simply countless examples where younger students look up to older and the influence of peers provides something very special indeed. What is particularly magical is that activities where students of differing ages come together is so clearly of mutual benefit to both leader and learner. Here are a few examples to illustrate and celebrate and to thank all:

• Year 9 boys refereeing for our Years 5/6 Hope Cup football where we are through to the next round! Both boys on Friday clearly remember taking part in this competition themselves (as do we!) and are pleased to give back. Thank you Jack and Dylan. 
• Headteacher awards monthly where students of all ages come together and listen with patience to the varied reasons for nominations, across academic and community endeavours. Older students delight in younger achievements; younger children look up in awe to their future opportunities. It is a very special ethos for us as co-headteachers. 
• Music rehearsals almost daily where sixth form ambassadors kneel at the feet of beginner musicians, pointing out note by note and providing reassuring smiles. Our Larch strings and wind/brass are so well supported by playing alongside those with experience, and student voice tells us that hearing performances from the secondary ensembles provides great inspiration for the need to keep up that all-important practice!
• All-through parliament meetings, chaired by our sixth form presidents, are an excellent model of democracy in action. All ages from Year 5 up have a voice, and respect and listening skills are shown with consistency by all. Learning from the younger students is tangible as they practise oracy skills, note taking and more. Decisions made reflect our community from age 4 all the way to 18.
• The impact of tutoring and mentoring is highly evident at Simon Balle. At multiple times across the week, seeing 1:1 relationships blossom is inspiring indeed. Peers explaining tricky content to one another can often achieve that ‘lightbulb moment’, and confidence being developed through those that have recently known how it feels to revise and prepare for exams is so powerful too. Friday morning is a special time in the week when the Larch is flooded by sixth formers wanting to give back, demonstrating advanced skills in supporting across the curriculum and pastorally too. With consistency, our younger learners love reading to sixth formers, and are delighted when they support out at break time or within sports. 

This list is in no way exhaustive! Indeed, the curriculum itself is designed to build in leadership responsibilities, including, for example, KS3 and KS4 PE. Year 12 students have been advising Year 11 on the best ways to think about subject choices for their sixth form studies, and just a few years below, Year 9 have benefitted from the views of those already in KS4. Our student leaders at all ages are valued. And, coming up soon with World Book Day we know that within the Larch Years 4, 5 and 6 will be looked up to by Reception and Year 1 – the love of reading shared and enjoyed. 

It seemed a good opportunity to shine a spotlight on the wonderful way that our students help one another. Collaboration such as this is undoubtedly a valued part of developing as tomorrow’s citizens and one in which we as staff are grateful and proud of all. 

As we head into half term, we would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all they continue to give. Whatever half term brings, from our ski trip off this afternoon to continued academic studies for many, we hope that all will find time to rest and to enjoy time with loved ones. Please do come back ready for an exciting Spring 2!

Celebrating academic success

There is always a delay in the official reports of academic success from the previous academic year as the national picture builds and checking exercises take place. So, whilst the summer of 2024 feels a long time ago, it is apt indeed that with the publication this month of all attainment and progress data, across five phases of our all-through school, that we do not miss the opportunity to celebrate. Our academic results are outstanding indeed. 

• 95% of children achieving the expected standard in the national phonics screening check in Year 1 – significantly above national (93rd percentile)
• 75% of children achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics in KS2 SATs – significantly above national (80th percentile)
• Progress 8 – GCSE – + 0.45 – significantly above the national (83rd percentile) (this is mirrored for a wide range of categories across P8 and across individual subject areas)
• A level Average Points Score (APS) – significantly above national (92nd percentile)

Of course such results only happen with the consistency of exceptional learning in every year group and as contributed to by every student, family, staff member and leader. A huge thank you to all, and let us continue with exciting steps towards our 2025 results. We are proud of all that has been achieved, with the highest of aspirations for every member of our community. 

Music aptitude consultation outcome

Year 11 Sixth Form Experience Day

On Wednesday 5th February, our Year 11 students took part in our Sixth Form Experience Day, designed to give them a real insight into life as a Sixth Form student. Instead of their usual GCSE lessons, students immersed themselves in the Sixth Form environment, helping them make informed decisions about their next steps.

Throughout the day, students attended three Sixth Form lessons, experiencing a variety of engaging and challenging sessions. Highlights included a chemistry escape room, creating a sports brand in BTEC Sport, and exploring general election manifestos in Politics, among many other exciting activities.

They also learned about our enrichment programme, with current Sixth Formers sharing their experiences and the wide range of opportunities available beyond the classroom. Additionally, students received guidance on finalising their subject choices, ensuring they feel confident in their next steps.

This was a fantastic opportunity for Year 11s to experience the Sixth Form community firsthand, and we hope it has inspired them as they plan for the future.

Year 11 Next Steps Day – Preparing for the Future

On the same day, a group of our Year 11 students recently took part in Next Steps Day, an invaluable opportunity to explore their post-16 options and gain the skills needed for their future pathways. Whether they are considering further education, apprenticeships, or employment, the day was designed to provide them with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions.

Students attended CV writing workshops, where they learned how to create a strong and professional CV to stand out to future employers. They also took part in apprenticeship sessions, gaining insight into the exciting opportunities available outside of traditional A Levels.

A highlight of the day was the college visits to Oaklands College in St Albans and Welwyn Garden City, where students explored the fantastic courses and facilities on offer. Additionally, we welcomed VLUK, who delivered an engaging talk on their specialist sports, business, and creative courses.

Click here for our latest Careers opportunity blog, including:

• Webinars for students interested in Law, Marketing, Media
• PwC Virtual Experience Day
• Warner Bros Apprenticeship virtual event
• Opportunities from employers and universities
• Apprenticeships and Work Experience in Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths

In partnership with our local Careers Hub our school is participating in the annual Hertfordshire Parent/Carer Apprenticeships and Technical Education Pathways Survey. It doesn’t matter whether you have strong views or have little knowledge of apprenticeships to be able to complete this survey. Some of you may have completed previous years surveys – some questions have been added or slightly amended since last year. All completed surveys are completely anonymous, and responses will be collated directly by Amazing Apprenticeships who have been commissioned to complete the survey across Hertfordshire. If we receive more than 50 responses our school will receive its own individual report which will be incredibly helpful for us in planning future careers activity for both students and parent/carers. Please click here to complete the survey (it should take approx 5 minutes to complete): Parent/Carer Apprenticeships and Technical Education Pathways Survey.

National Apprenticeship Week 2025

From 10th to 14th February, we will be celebrating National Apprenticeship Week, with this year’s theme, ‘Skills for Life’, highlighting how apprenticeships help individuals develop valuable skills for their careers and enable employers to build a future-ready workforce.

Throughout the week, students will take part in a variety of activities during form time, using resources from Amazing Apprenticeships, and will explore different apprenticeship opportunities within their subject lessons.

We are also delighted to welcome back two former Simon Balle students who are currently in their first year of degree apprenticeships at Barclays and BCAL Consulting. They will be speaking to Year 12 and Year 13 students about their experiences and the degree apprenticeship process.

For parents and carers who would like to explore apprenticeships further, here are some useful resources:

Simon Balle Apprenticeships Hub: Visit here
Amazing Apprenticeships Parent and Carer Hub: Click here
Choice Magazine (January 2025 Edition): Read here

Apprenticeships offer a fantastic pathway into a wide range of careers—be sure to get involved and find out more!

Business Convention 2025 – Disneyland Paris

165 of our Y10 & Y11 GCSE Business students had a trip of a lifetime to Disneyland Paris. The students attended and were so engaged in the Business convention, which gave an insight into how Disney operates and markets its brand. We were also treated to an inspirational talk on how to make a Business a success. 

Students got to make the most of the magic that comes with Disney, demonstrating resilience on the rides and taking in some amazing shows. We also got to visit Paris and take in the sights on a boat cruise, ending at the lit up Eifel tower. The students were an absolute credit to the school and made some great memories with their friends.

Sustainability Studies

As one of their rotation subjects, years 7 and 8 study ‘Sustainability studies’ for 10 weeks with Mr Dear or Miss Gibson. Year 8 look at the wider world, and how as a global community we can work together towards a more sustainable and green planet. Project work includes creating a sustainable clothing brand with research into different materials and production practices, and creating a menu for a ‘sustainable restaurant’, avoiding ingredients and food items that have a negative impact on the environment. 

Year 7 look closer to home, collecting data on how we as a school community can become more sustainable. This work has proven to be massively successful and beneficial to the school, as the litter pick data has highlighted patterns and trends and informed decisions on bin placement around the site. As part of this research, year 7 student David had the opportunity to interview our CFO Mr Walsh on how we are working towards being as sustainable as possible. Some questions included:

“How do you make sure that the school uses energy efficiently?”

“All of our new buildings are being equipped with technology and architectural features that work towards being more sustainable. Our new MFL building and incoming Sports Hall have both been designed with sustainability in mind, with air-flow technology in place to regulate air circulation and temperature control. We also have a large number of solar panels which generate electricity, although we are constantly looking for ways to improve our efficiency and environmental impact”

“How does the school manage recycling?”

“We have recently added several more bin stores around the school which house both general waste and recycling wheelie bins. These additions have decreased the amount of waste we send for incineration, as we have made it as easy as possible for everyone on site to find recycling points. We are now able to recycle far more of our waste, whilst we also manage our food waste in a responsible manner, sending our waste food to be turned into natural bio-fuel. We also try where possible to reuse rather than recycle – as part of a ‘circular economy’, we look to move on items such as furniture and clothing to new homes as well as accepting second-hand equipment and furniture to give them a new lease of life, rather than sending perfectly usable items to landfill.”

It’s fantastic to see our students so engaged in attempting to make our school environment a  cleaner and greener place, and it’s exciting to think about all the future developments on our school site as we move towards a sustainable future.

Pedal for purpose 

As part of Children’s Mental health week we decided to cycle for the charity, Mind Hertfordshire network. Our students and staff showed fantastic resilience and kept the static bikes moving from 10am to 4.30pm, covering a total of 185 miles across the 3 bikes. 

Thank you to Everyone Active and the Mind Hertfordshire network team for your support on the day. We not only have started to raise vital funds that will be doubled but also raised awareness of this wonderful charity. If you would like to support and donate then please follow this link https://12milesfor12charities2025.heroes.help/campaigns/Simon-Balle-School

Library news

Another busy few weeks in the library with:

• Newsday Tuesday on Tuesday 4th February.
• Book Battles on Wednesday 5th February.
• Foreign Language Friday on Friday 7th February.
• Our annual Harry Potter Quiz on Thursday 13th February. 
• The library rewards trip to the Bishop’s Stortford College Festival of Literature on Friday 14th February.

Newsday Tuesday

Newsday Tuesday takes place in the secondary school library on the first Tuesday of the month. This month we looked at what’s coming in the year ahead, and we discussed issues such as fake news and the aftermath of natural disasters such as flooding and wildfires.

Book Battles

Book Battles takes place in the secondary school library on the first Wednesday of the month. So far this year we have used our general knowledge to play Scattergories and our speaking and performance skills to sell our favourite books to the audience.

The Harry Potter Quiz

Simon Balle’s Got Talent 2025 – date for the diary!

Following on from the success of the secondary talent show last year, our Y12 House Leaders are organising another talent show! The date for this year’s secondary show is Monday 24th March, 6-8pm. Tickets will be available to purchase before the show soon!

Community and Kindness at Simon Balle

We are excited to launch a new school community and kindness project as Simon Balle All-through School. The initiative will be organised by a team of  student ambassadors from years 5-9 and overseen by a team of Year 12s. The team will be organising various events to promote kindness and strengthen community both within the school and in the wider community.   

Our first project called Simon Balle in Bloom is aimed at creating a beautiful and green space for our students to enjoy. To bring this vision to life, we kindly ask for your support in donating plants and pots and other gardening equipment, please see the attached poster for more details. Your contributions will help us foster a love for nature, teach students about plant care, and create a welcoming environment for everyone. Whether it’s a small potted plant or a larger decorative pot, every donation will make a difference. If you’re able to contribute we will be running the donation for the weeks commencing 24th February and 3rd of March; students will be informed on where to drop donations . Thank you for your generosity and support!

Kind regards,

The community and Kindness Team

School Nursing Newsletter

Please find attached the Winter Term newsletter from the school nursing team

Newsletter 2025 Teen final 05 02 25 (003)

Supporting Links – Parenting workshops

We are pleased to announce that we are working closely with supporting links to provide parents and carers with a variety of workshops. In the Summer term we have organised some face to face sessions but in the meantime, I have attached the following flyers:

• 1 hour Bitesize workshops
• Workshops for parents of children with suspected or diagnosed ASD and/or ADHD.

 Please see the attached flyer with courses for you to sign up to if appropriate.

Supporting Links ASD & ADHD Workshops Spring2025 (1)

Supporting Links UNIVERSAL workshops BITESIZE programme 2025

Carpark

During half term the contractors will be working on another section of the car park. This will mean that the section between the entrance and exit gates will be closed and fenced off. This means that the number of spaces will be reduced again, and we will be restricted to using the exit gate as our only means of entering and exiting the car park. Extra vigilance will be required by all users of the site. 

We remind you that only those granted access to the car park should be driving onto our site: all other drop-offs and pick-ups should be conducted from an alternative location, such as the London Road car park near the fire station. Adding unnecessary extra vehicles to the car park and failure to follow signage (like the no entry signs by the White Lodge) increases the risk of accidents. We are also concerned that at times staff are being prevented from accessing the car park when they arrive for work: access routes (including gates to the staff car park) should not be blocked at any time.

Lost property

If any primary or secondary student has misplaced an item of clothing or equipment, please encourage them to pop into the school office to have a look through our extensive collection of lost property. This is also a good time to remind you to make sure that everything is labeled with the student’s name.

PSA News 

The PSA held its AGM and committee meeting last week that was really well attended. We celebrated the amazing events, initiatives and phenomenal monies raised by the PSA last year. We are so fortunate to have such hard working, passionate and dedicated volunteers that make such a positive impact on our community. 

We want to say thank you to Jo Duggan and Ruth Wing who have stepped down as co-chairs. Your service and commitment has been inspirational and you leave the PSA in a position of strength. Both were awarded Spirit of Simon Balle Awards for consistently demonstrating our school values. We would also like to thank Laura Pearson and James Curtis for their incredible commitment and service to the PSA. 

We are pleased to announce that Chloe Merrick and Leah Wood are the new Co-chairs and Mike Cohen is the new Treasurer.  Hayley Fairbrother has also volunteered for the role of  Secretary. Thank you to all who have filled the positions and for the PSA for your continued support and effort. As you are all members of the PSA please do look out for opportunities to volunteer or support.

Dates for your diary

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

• Monday 24th Feb: start of Spring 2 term
• Thursday 27th Feb: staff and sixth form quiz afternoon
• Saturday 1st Mar: Secondary Big Band evening
• Monday 3rd Mar: Sports Tour departs (Y8/9)
• Tues 4th Mar: Y13 student consultation evening
• Mon 10th Mar: Y11 core mocks start
• Mon 10th Mar: Y9 assessments start
• Mon 10th Mar: Y8 MFL trip to spain departs
• Mon 10th Mar: Y12 work experience week starts

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead

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