Week in Pictures
Dear Parents and Pupils,
From the Headmaster’s Study
This week, the senior team and I have been looking carefully at the results from our recent pupil survey.
I have been delighted by the huge number of kind and positive comments about life at school. So many pupils shared how much they enjoy their lessons, the wide range of subjects and activities on offer, and the care and support they receive from staff. It is wonderful to read, and something we are all very proud of.
Pupils also made some thoughtful suggestions about how we might make things even better. Over the next few weeks, we will look closely at these ideas. Some changes may be possible as soon as September, while others will need a bit more planning over time.
There were a range of views about uniform and hair, which we will take into account. Pupils also spoke about wanting more opportunities to work together across year groups, and more regular ways to share their ideas with the senior team.
These are timely suggestions. We are already exploring ways to strengthen pupil voice, including introducing new pupil groups and adding more layers to our school council. We are also taking a fresh look at our House system to see how we can give it new e nergy.
I look forward to sharing more of these ideas with pupils in our whole school assembly next Friday.
If you have not already done so, I warmly encourage you to listen to the first edition of our new school podcast, The Ballard Blast . We hope to release a new episode each half term. It is a great way to stay up to date with school life, hear about exciting p rojects, and listen to the voices of the pupils and staff who bring our school to life.
I wish you all a wonderful weekend.
Mr Turner Headmaster
Athletic Success
We are delighted that nine of our pupils will be heading to the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham this Monday to represent the London South - West region at the ISA Nationals. Congratulations to Ivy, Sophie, Bodhi and Joshua who will be running; Sofia in discus; Isaac in hurdles; Cian, Will, Theo and Bodhi (U13 Boys Relay) and Olivia, Rosa, Sophie and Ivy (U13 Girls Relay ). An outstanding achievement - well done to you all!
10 Lions heading to the Gothia Youth World Cup
“We are incredibly proud to have 10 of our pupils selected to represent the Prep School Lions at the Gothia World Youth Cup this summer. This prestigious tournament offers a remarkable opportunity to compete on an international stage, facing some of the very best young players from across the globe. The Lions programme not only challenges our pupils through high -level competition but also supports their development as well -rounded athletes and individuals. To see our players earn this recognition is a testament to their dedication, talent and hard work, and we look forward to following their journey with great excitement and pride.”
The Prep School Lions Football programme brings together talented independent school players from across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey, offering them a unique platform to develop and compete at a high level. The programme provides a rich and varied experience, including fixtures against professional academies and district representative teams, alongside a high-quality training camp designed to challenge and refine players’ skills.
Congratulations to Paolo, Toby, Bodhi, Josh, Luke, Daniel, Cia n, Matthew, Mac and Euan.
…A standout feature of the programme is the opportunity for selected players to represent England at the Gothia World Youth Cup – one of the most prestigious youth football tournaments in the world. Featuring teams from over 80 nations, the event offers a truly international stage, beginning with a spectacular opening ceremony at the iconic Ullevi Stadium in front of more than 52,000 spectators. The finals, played before crowds of up to 30,000 and broadcast globally, offer an unforgettable competitive experience. Beyond match play, the programme emphasises holistic player development. During the Gothia Cup experience, players benefit from expert coaching and take part in workshops delivered by coaching staff and physiotherapists, covering key areas such as nutrition and hydration, sports psychology, and injury prevention. Together, these elements ensure the Lions programme supports both the athletic and personal growth of its players.” Mr Wood (Director of Sport).
Junior Kangaroo Maths challenge
““In our final Maths challenge of the year, twelve brave Year 7 & 8 pupils completed the Junior Kangaroo (the origin of the Maths Challenge is in Australia). This was the highest number we have ever entered, and they all did themselves great credit with their focus and performance. The pupils all felt that this was actually easier than their original challenge just a few weeks ago, and their scores were indeed a lot higher. Three achieved a fantastic Bronze certificate, while another five were just one correct answer away from securing a Bronze.
Year 7 - Ellis M secured the joint highest score in the whole school (84 marks, 16/25 correct), with Will C and Freddie J just missing out on a Bronze certificate - there is always next year boys!
Year 8 - Both Adam B (84) and Oscar H (83) achieved Bronze certificates. Rocco H, Isaac A and Riley I were just missing out by the narrowest of margins. Next year these pupils will move on up to the Intermediate Challenge. The Maths department are proud of each and every one of these pupils for their effort and commitment. As always, please find below one of the questions that the pupils faced. Good luck to any brave parents, but remember NO CALCULATORS WERE ALLOWED, 5/12 pupils got this one correct!” Mr Fenton (Deputy Head of Senior School and Maths Teacher) Maths Department
WOW!
Year 5 had a wonderful day, based on the book The Explorer by Katherine Rundell, which they are currently reading in English lessons. The story is about four children who are in a plane which crashes in the Amazon jungle. Will they survive? And has somebody been there before them? More details and pictures next week.
STEM @ Ballard
Cycling Science Project
“Year 6 are completing a Science project in their lessons at the moment all about cycling. In groups they had to suggest an idea to investigate and then design an experiment to carry out and test their question. They then have to use their results to draw a conclusion and present their findings to their teachers and peers. The children have come up with various questions to explore such as: what types of tyre materials work well on different surfaces, which fibre makes the best brake, which types of clothing keep you coolest on a bike and which bell is the loudest?
They are working towards the Ballard Stem awards where they can get a certificate and also win special trophies. Some great teamwork has been going on so far.” Mrs Greaves (Prep School Science Teacher)
Arts @ Ballard
Year 4 Elephants
“Y4 are currently looking at India and Pattern. They have created these lovely clay patterned elephants with textural pattern s and really lovely bright colours.” Miss Jackson (Art Teacher).
Year 7 Still Life
“Year 7 pupils have been developing their observational drawing skills by working from a still life in class. They recently cr eated their own carefully considered still life compositions, supported by photographs taken for homework, and are now beginning their fi nal pencil tonal drawings. Throughout this process, pupils have been applying the drawing techniques they have built up over the year, with a particular focus on composition —exploring ideas such as the rule of odds and how to guide the viewer’s eye around the pag e. It has been wonderful to see how much thought and creativity have gone into their arrangements, and pupils thoroughly enjoyed th is stage of the project. I very much look forward to seeing their completed drawings at the end of the year.” Mrs Hitchens (Head of Art).
The Mighty Duo
“It was another wonderful afternoon of music making at the Windy Ridge Care Home. The Mighty Duo performed a beautiful selection of duets and solo works and were invited back to perform a Christmas programme next term. A lovely way to end the day. It was lovely to see the Ballard musicians sharing their love of music making with th e community. Thank you, Sue, for all your liaising with bookings!
Final leg of the tour next Monday...” Mr Prangnell (Head of Music).
“Roda (the manager) said everyone really enjoyed the music this afternoon. She said music is so good for those suffering from dementia. They would love the boys to play again. A small group from Windy Ridge always comes to the Community Concert in December and love coming to Ballard.” Mrs Cowell (Pastoral Support Assistant).
“Roda (the manager) said everyone really enjoyed the music this afternoon. She said music is so good for those suffering from dementia. They would love the boys to play again. A small group from Windy Ridge always comes to the Community Concert in December and love coming to Ballard.” Mrs Cowell (Pastoral Support Assistant).
Sport @ Ballard
Swimming Gala
Despite the weather, our Year 5 & 6 pupils had a fabulous time with their Swimming Gala. Look out for the results in next week’s Bulletin.
U14A Cricket
“The U14A cricket team beat FSM comprehensively. With Maxi C retiring on 33*, Theo L scoring 28, and helpful contributions from Oscar H (25) and Max W (17), the boys put in a good batting performance to post 138 in just 14 overs.”With the ball, they were accurate and deadly, showing good progress from where they started at the start of this year. Wickets fell regularly, mainly down to the work from Max K and the fantastic fielding of Alex B, who took 4 catches and secured a run out.After losing in a narrow defeat to BSB at the start of the year, they have now managed to beat BCS, Avonbourne , Poole Grammar School & now FSM.” Mr Steadman (Deputy Director of Sport, Head of Upper Prep)
Scuba Diving
A few more pupils from our Scuba Club have completed their open water dives, achieving their open water qualification! Well done , William, AJ, Dhilan , Ben and Isaac.
Team of the Week
Life @ Ballard
Well Done Mr Winch
Mr Winch (Deputy Head of Lower Prep) was recognised as one of the best minibus drivers in the country, reaching the finals of the MiDAS Awards. Ballard was the only school to be represented at the event.
Heritage Club
“On Friday, the Heritage Group finally got their seedlings in the ground! We have been working on creating a Medieval Herb Garden; researching the different herbs and their properties, caring for some seedlings since March, and planning our patch. We currently have sage, rosemary, sorrel, chamomile, and feverfew. Miss Crook has also just got some freebies from a local garden centre, so we'll be adding wild carrot, clover and some marjoram soon. The aim will be to use these in Medieval Medicine lessons with Year 6 next academic year, as well as lending some to Food Tech if they ask nicely!” Miss Crook (Head of History).
Joe Wickes Workout
“Year 4 were looking at how physical activity benefits body and mind. To demonstrate this, the pupils undertook a 10-minute Joe Wicks workout, and had to answer quiz questions that Joe set. Afterwards, they had to remember the answers given and write them down. The pupils participated with great excitement, and all successfully completed their quizzes.” Mr Elliott (Lower Prep Teacher)
Eco @ Ballard
We often see several birds and animals at Ballard here are a couple of recent visitors with thanks to our budding photographers, Mr Turner and Mrs Macey.
World Environment Day
In our recent Upper Prep Assembly, pupils explored World Environment Day and the importance of taking action to prevent Earth’s temperature from continuing to rise. They learned how climate change affects our planet and why everyone has a role to play in protecting it. Pupils were also introduced to the global Climate Dance – Limbo Challenge, which symbolises the idea of bringing temperatures down through collective effort. Through this fun and engaging activity, pupils reflected on how small actions can make a big difference. The assembly encouraged everyone to think about how they can help care for the environment and have a go at limbo-ing!
Maths Solutio n
