Week in Pictures
From the Headmaster’s Study
Dear Pupils and Parents,
As the school year draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you sincerely for everything you have contributed to our community throughout the year. Your support, encouragement and commitment have helped make this another exceptional year for the school.
It was a great privilege to speak to all our pupils, and to so many parents, at Speech Day yesterday. The occasion provided a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary range of activities, achievements and personal growth that have taken place across the school. We were delighted to welcome back former pupil and British Olympian rower, Matthew Aldridge, who delivered an inspiring address. Matthew spoke warmly about the stable foundations that a Ballard education provided for him and reflected on how many of the lessons he learned here continue to support him through t he demands of elite sport and the successes he has achieved since leaving school.
One of the most striking messages from Matthew's speech, echoed by our Co -Chairs of Governors, was the importance of accepting and embracing change. Regardless of our age or stage in life, change is inevitable. Nothing remains still for long. If we can approach change with confidence, optimism and a willingness to seize new opportunities, we will emerge stronger, more resilient and be tter prepared for the future.
As we look ahead to September, there will naturally be changes for all pupils as they move into new year groups. They will me et new classmates, including some who are joining Ballard for the first time, and they will work with new teachers, each bringing th eir own approaches, ideas and expectations. These transitions are an important part of school life and provide valuable opportunities for growth, independence and new friendships. Please be assured that, as always, our staff will be there every step of the way to support pupils in settling quickly and confidently into these new routines. Our shared aim remains unchanged: to ensure that every da y at school offers opportunities for progress, development and achievement, but above all, enjoyment.
As the summer holiday begins, I would like to wish every member of the Ballard community a restful, restorative and happy bre ak. Thank you once again for your partnership and support throughout the year. Take care, enjoy the summer.
Mr Turner
Headmaster
TRIPS WEEK@ Ballard
More photos of our residential trips may be viewed via the links in the bulletin
Year 10 – Work Experience
I have developed integrity, problem-solving, teamwork, initiative, responsibility, communication, patience, organisation, time management, leadership and confidence." – Year 10 pupil.
Last week, our Year 10 pupils completed a highly successful Work Experience Week, with all 64 pupils undertaking placements a cross Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and London. Opportunities spanned more than 15 employment sectors, including engineering, architecture, education, cyber security, finance, hospitality, conservation, marine industries, creative media and profession al sport.
Throughout the week, pupils embraced new challenges, developed valuable workplace skills and gained first -hand insight into a wi de range of career pathways. From welding and robotics to teaching in primary schools, designing buildings, creating social medi a campaigns, working in environmental conservation and helping to instruct watersports activities, pupils were immersed in genuine workplace experiences and trusted with meaningful responsibilities.
Employers were full of praise for our pupils, frequently highlighting their professionalism, enthusiasm, confidence and willi ngness to learn. Several pupils made such a positive impression that employers expressed an interest in welcoming them back for future volunteering opportunities and work placements.
Pupils reported developing a wide range of employability skills, including communication, teamwork, leadership, problem -solving, organisation and resilience. Many also commented that the experience had helped confirm future career ambitions or provided valuable insight into industries they may wish to pursue in the future.
Particular highlights included working with SEN pupils in local schools, designing jewellery, creating special effects props, learning welding techniques, exploring research and development laboratories, contributing to marketing campaigns and teaching windsurfing on the water.
We are enormously grateful to all the employers who generously supported our pupils and provided such valuable experiences. T heir commitment helps ensure our young people leave Ballard with greater confidence, broader horizons and a clearer understanding of the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
Year 9 - Valencia
“She had the best time and said that the trip was by far the best trip she has been on at Ballard.” Year 9 parent
“Our Year 9 pupils enjoyed a truly fabulous trip to Valencia, packed with a great variety of experiences that combined cultur e, sport, opportunities to speak the language and sightseeing. Throughout the visit, pupils embraced every opportunity on offer and represented the school exceptionally well. The group visited some of Valencia's beautiful beaches, including the stunning La Patacona, where pupils were able to enjoy the Mediterranean coastline and the excellent weather, which remained fantastic throughout our stay. Sport also played a part in the trip. Pupils took part in a padel tennis session, learning one of Spain' s most popular sports, and also enjoyed the exciting opportunity to try surfing.
A particular highlight was spending time with a Spanish family at their villa, where pupils learned how to cook an authentic paella using fresh ingredients grown in the family's own vegetable garden. This was a wonderful cultural experience and gave pupils a real insight into Spanish family life and traditions. Other memorable visits included the impressive City of Arts and Sciences, th e Valencia football stadium, and the picturesque port of Port Saplaya, often affectionately referred to as "Little Venice" because of its colourful waterfront and canals. Of course, there was also plenty of excitement as we gathered to watch England's World Cup match, whic h added to the memorable atmosphere of the trip.
The weather was excellent throughout, allowing us to make the most of every activity. Most importantly, the Year 9 pupils wer e an absolute pleasure to be around. Their enthusiasm, behaviour and willingness to engage with all aspects of the programme were outstanding. They embraced every opportunity, supported one another and were excellent ambassadors for the school. It was a fantastic trip filled with unforgettable experiences, and we are incredibly proud of how well the pupils conducted themselves throughout the visit. We look forward to returning to Valencia in the future.”
Mrs Guillen Uzquiano (Head of Senior School).
Year 8 - Normandy
“Last week, Year 8 pupils enjoyed a memorable week at Château de la Baudonnière in Normandy. Set in beautiful surroundings, with rabbits and peacocks roaming freely around the grounds, the château provided the perfect backdrop for a wide range of excitin g activities both on site and in the local area.
Throughout the week, pupils embraced every challenge, from interacting with local traders at a traditional French market to t ackling a high ropes course and experiencing the unique adventure of crossing quicksand in the bay of the iconic Mont Saint -Michel. They also developed their culinary skills by baking bread at the château, competed enthusiastically in an aéroballe tournament, and enjoyed meeting, feeding and handling animals at the on -site farm.
A particular highlight was French Night, where pupils showed great enthusiasm by dressing up in some fantastic costumes and, for the more adventurous, sampling escargots. On the final day, pupils visited Arromanches -les-Bains, where they experienced the impressive 360° Circular Cinema and learned more about the D -Day landings through powerful historical footage and first -hand accounts.
Fortunate to enjoy plenty of sunshine, pupils returned home with lasting memories, new experiences and a greater appreciation of French language, culture and history. It was a truly wonderful trip that we hope they will look back on fondly for many years to come.”
Mrs Thomas (Head of French).
Year 7 - Bude
“She came home exhausted but told me that it was the best trip she has ever been on and, despite being a little scared of the water, she was encouraged to give everything a go and absolutely loved it. She cannot wait to go surfing again in the summer holidays. We are truly grateful to all the staff who took the children to Bude. Seeing your child so enthusiastic and happy is the best thing.” Year 7 Parent
An action -packed week of outdoor challenges. From surfing and kayaking to caving and mountain boarding, pupils demonstrated their resilience and stepped outside their comfort zones. It was a fantastic week for all.
Year 6 - Cobnor
Year 6 enjoyed a fantastic residential visit to the Cobnor Activity Centre Trust in Chichester, staying right on the stunning coastline with beautiful views across the water. The trip began with an action -packed first day, during which pupils took part in aeroball and archery before enjoying a hearty fajita dinner. The evening concluded with a competitive and entertaining girls -versus-boys football match. Tuesday saw the children make the most of the coastal location, taking to the water for keelboating, kayaking and canoeing. After a busy day developing new skills and confidence on the water, everyone tucked into a delicious roast dinner .
On Wednesday, pupils challenged themselves further with crate stacking and the exciting Jacob's Ladder activity. The courage, determination and teamwork displayed throughout the day were outstanding, with children supporting and encouraging one another to reach new heights. The residential has been a wonderful opportunity for pupils to build resilience, strengthen friendships and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Year 5 - Osmington
“Year 5 had a fantastic few days at their Osmington Bay PGL residential. The weather was perfect and we had beautiful views from our chalets across Weymouth Bay and Portland. The children got involved in a brilliant programme of different activities including giant paddleboarding, climbing, leap of faith, orienteering, archery tag, problem-solving and zip wire. The food was a big hit too, especially the flavoured water including the mixed one! It was great to see them try new activities, be brave and get out of their comfort zones, having fun with all their friends away from school and their families. A bit of a restless night on the first night meant some very sleepy children on the second day but they took on the challenges with a positive attitude and have all come away with brilliant memories and a lovely end to their time in Lower Prep.”
Mr Farley (Head of Lower Prep) and Mrs Greaves (Junior Science Teacher)
Years 7-9 - Longleat
Mr Fenton took 3 minibuses full of young explorers on a safari around Wiltshire. We fed giraffes, drove past a wolf pack and were surrounded by sea lions as we took a boat trip around Longleat's lake. The highlight of the trip was a close encounter with two hippos!
Years 3-4 - Moors Valley
Year 3 and 4 had lots of fun exploring the different play areas at Moors Valley and stayed safe in the glorious sunshine.
Pre-Prep – Hurst Castle
“Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 enjoyed a wonderful trip to Hurst Castle. Getting there was a big part of the adventure, and they loved taking the ferry from Keyhaven and getting their first glimpse of the castle as the ferry travelled up the Keyhaven River. They loved exploring the beautiful Tudor castle before enjoying a picnic lunch within the grounds. Afterwards, we walked to the lighthouse, before catching the ferry back to Keyhaven.” Mrs Hunt (Head of Pre -Prep).
Lower Prep - Chaos Smash and Orienteering
“The pupils in Lower Prep had an energetic morning as they played "Chaos Smash" on the volleyball court. They propelled beanbags and soft balls at targets whilst attempting to dodge the opposition attacks from the other side of the net! After that exciting game, they took part in the woodland animal -themed orienteering game. Pupils had to find 20 cones with clues. All pupils were thoroughly warmed up for the afternoon's swimming gala.” Mr Winch (Lower Prep Teacher).
Game, Set and Match for Year 9 and 10
“Year 9 and 10 students enjoyed a fantastic trip to Wimbledon, where they had the opportunity to watch three highly competitive matches on Court 1, including men's doubles and wheelchair doubles contests. The students also explored the outside courts, taking in matches from the U14 and U18 tournaments, which gave them a great insight into the future stars of the sport. It was an exciting and memorable day for everyone, and the students were a credit to Ballard, acting as excellent role models throughout the trip.” Mr Moysey (Head of Boys' Games).
Golden Ticket
We were delighted to welcome over 100 pupils to auditions for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, our Year 7 –11 production for 2027. The standard was exceptionally high, with an incredible depth of talent on display across all year groups. As a result of the sheer quality of the auditions, we have taken the exciting decision to dual -cast the production, giving even more pupils the opportunity to take on leading roles.
Both Charlies and both Willy Wonkas discovered they had been cast in true Wonka style, finding a coveted Golden Ticket hidden inside a Wonka chocolate bar. The excitement and anticipation around the production are already building, and we cannot wait to begin rehearsals and bring this magical story to life.
Watch this space for updates as preparations get underway for what promises to be a spectacular show!
STEM @ Ballard
Heroic Year 6 Mathematicians
This week the pupils had to find all 11 nets of a cube! We have never had a class find all 11 before: “They were amazing in their tenacity and persistence, teamwork and the shriek of celebration as we found number 11!!” Mrs Brebbia (Maths Teacher)
Years 1& 2 Playground Design
“Year 2 have just begun a project, and the children are all making miniature swings (as found in a playground), and will move on to making other equipment to create a playground in teams.” Mrs Bellion (Pre -Prep Teacher).
Arts @ Ballard
Pre-Prep Showcase
“The children had a fabulous performance on Thursday for the Pre -Prep Showcase! Parents took joy in watching a lively Morris Dance, a multi -percussive musical game called Pass the Music, a playful parachute rendition of Over the Deep Blue Sea, and a drum and body percussion version of The Bare Necessities! The children were very proud to show off their musical learning of steady beat, simple rhythms, melodic singing, and most importantly - enjoying the musical experience!” Mrs Wilcox (Junior Music Teacher).
“Pre-Prep children performed a wonderful rendition of the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, featuring the classic songs Me Ol' Bamboo and Truly Scrumptious. All pupils then took part in an exciting finale to celebrate their work in the variety show, performing to David Bowie's Let's Dance. Every child's performance was exceptional, and they should all feel very proud of their achievements in dance.” Miss Davis (Head of Dance).
“Pre-Prep children proudly demonstrated the hard work and enthusiasm they have brought to gymnastics this year with a showcase inspired by Toy Story. Set to music from the much -loved films, the children worked and danced together to celebrate the theme of friendship, combining confidence, and creativity throughout their performance. The display featured a range of gymnastics skills, including forward and backward rolls, single -leg balances, cartwheels, and handstands. It was a delight to see the children supporting one another while sharing the skills they have developed over the year, making for a fun and memorable celebration of their achievements.”
Mrs Downes (Gymnastics Coach). For more photos, please see the Bulletin next week.
Reaching for the Stars!
“The children had great fun creating vibrant mixed -media artworks featuring rockets, planets and imaginative space scenes. It was a fantastic way to end a wonderful year of creativity, exploration and artistic growth. Goodbye, Year 3 – and hello, Year 4! We can't wait to see where your creativity takes you next!”
Miss
Jackson (Art Teacher)
Ice Cream Sundaes
Year 6 produced these cool multi -media designs during Trips Week – delicious!
Pre-Prep Ballard 30 Collage
“To celebrate Ballard 30, Pre-Prep organised a stall for families to contribute to the number 30 collage made from the old Ballard prospectuses. We also had a hook a duck activity to find the '30' duck.” Mrs Acott (Nursery Teacher).
Sport @ Ballard
Sport for All Day (Years 7 -10)
“Our annual Sport for All Day for Year 7 –10 pupils highlighted the inclusivity and breadth of opportunities on offer. Throughout the morning, pupils rotated between four activity zones, choosing events in which they felt confident to participate and earn poi nts for their house. Activities included Athletics, Crazy Golf, Tug of War, Water Polo, Rounders, Tennis, Volleyball, and Laser Tag. Congratulations to Setthorns, who were the overall winners with 380 points, followed by Holmsley (344), Broadley (323), and Wilverley (318). We also celebrated two Year 8 record -breakers on the day: Isaac A (Year 8), who set a new record in the 300m, a nd Sofia R (Year 8), who broke the Shot Put record.” Mr Wood (Director of Sport). Look out for our video and more photos next we ek.
Pre-Prep Sports Day
“On Wednesday, we celebrated our Reception to Year 2 Pre -Prep Sports Day, with the children taking to the field to run, jump and throw their way to success. The event was a wonderful opportunity for our young athletes to showcase the skills they have been developing throughout the Summer Term and to demonstrate the progress they have made through their hard work and practice. Under the warm summer sunshine, the children competed with enthusiasm, determination and excitement, giving their very best in every event. Their efforts were recognised with bronze, silver and gold stickers, rewarding both achievement and participation.
It was a fantastic morning filled with smiles, laughter and happy faces. Alongside some impressive sporting performances, there were countless examples of excellent sportsmanship and resilience. When falls happened, the children showed great determination to get back up and continue racing, while others demonstrated kindness by stopping to help their friends before carrying on themselves.
We are incredibly proud of all the children for their positive attitudes, perseverance and support for one another. Pre-Prep Sports Day was a wonderful celebration of sport, teamwork and achievement, and a fitting way to recognise all the hard work that has taken place throughout the term.” Miss Romain (Head of junior PE). You my watch our video here. More photos next week
Cricket
“The Ballard staff side, featuring Mr Haynes, Mr Corbett, Mr Turner, Mr Steadman, Mr Coomber and Mr Thomas, alongside former Year 11 pupil Nick H, a couple of his friends, and current pupil Lucas C (Year 9), who answered a late call-up, enjoyed a fantastic first fixture against New Milton, producing an excellent all -round performance to secure a six-run victory.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Nick and Mr Turner got the innings off to a positive start with several well-timed boundaries before Mr Turner departed after a quick -fire cameo. Mr Corbett then stole the show with a superb innings of 38, striking the ball so well he could easily have been mistaken for Michael Vaughan.
Mr Steadman continued the momentum with a series of powerful shots, narrowly missing the Headmaster's car before retiring on an excellent 50. Nick also reached a well -deserved retired 50 after launching a couple of towering sixes. The highlight of the innings, however, came from Mr Haynes and Mr Thomas, who somehow managed to run four from the final ball to finish on 178 from 20 overs.
With the ball, Lucas impressed with a fantastic spell, claiming a couple of wickets, while Mr Corbett bowled with real pace, sending down some fierce bouncers. Mr Thomas also bowled with excellent swing and control to keep the pressure on the New Milton batters. Ballard made the perfect start with an early wicket, but New Milton's Sam played an outstanding innings of 50 to keep his side in contention.
With 18 runs needed from the final two overs, Nick delivered a superb penultimate over, conceding just five runs. That left Mr Turner with the task of defending 13 from the final over, and he held his nerve brilliantly to see Ballard home by six runs, restricting New Milton to 172.
It was a fantastic match played in great spirits, and our thanks go to New Milton for hosting such an enjoyable fixture. We look forward to the return fixture later in the season.
Life @ Ballard
Activities Fair
“There was plenty to discover at our two Activities Fairs this week. From Warhammer to road cycling, numerous new and exciting activities are planned for our September Programme. These new activities will complement the already comprehensive offering that encompasses Scuba, Flying Club and Horse riding alongside the strong provision in Sport, Performing Arts and Academic enrichment.
There really is something for everyone, whether you are interested in photography, padel, or expanding your horizons through Global Citizenship or Cultural Capital Club. We can't wait to get started with this exciting programme in the Autumn Term.” Mrs Gray (Deputy Head - Co Curricular and Operations).
Beach School
One of the many highlights of life in our Pre -Prep is Beach School, where pupils enjoy regular trips to the beach to explore, learn and have fun in the natural environment. You can view some of the wonderful experiences they enjoy in our video here.
Lower Prep Book Show
Lower Prep invited parents into their classrooms on Tuesday to celebrate all of the written learning completed by the pupils throughout the year.
Kindergarten Party
It was lovely to welcome our new Reception pupils to our Kindergarten Party today. We had lots of fun playing games indoors and outdoors, enjoyed a wonderful picnic in the sunshine and, of course, there were plenty of balloons and bubbles!
Alumni
Will Swain Murrison and Oliver Reinhardt, former pupils have just completed their Gold DofE Award. Will's mum forwarded these photos of them receiving their awards at Buckingham Palace.
Ballard alumna and bestselling author Lucy Clarke has revealed details of her latest destination thriller, Wish You Were Here, which will be published in the UK on 11 February 2027.
Set in the remote and dramatic Azores islands in the Atlantic, the novel follows five friends who reunite to honour the memory of Danny Wilder, a charismatic visionary whose death raises unsettling questions. As long-held secrets begin to surface, old loyalties are tested against the backdrop of volcanic landscapes, lush forests and towering sea cliffs. Lucy travelled to the Azores to research the novel, immersing herself in the islands' unique scenery and atmosphere to bring the setting vividly to life.
The announcement comes alongside other exciting news for Lucy; with her recent bestseller The Surf House currently being developed for screen by Netflix.
Everyone at Ballard congratulates Lucy on her latest publication announcement and wishes her every success with Wish You Were Here and her future writing projects.
