Week in Pictures
Dear Parents and Pupils,
From the Headmaster’s Study
Welcome back after what was a warm and glorious half term break. While the weather this week has not quite lived up to the Mediterranean heights of last week, it has been a genuine pleasure to see the school come back to life with such energy and enthusiasm.
I have been exceptionally pleased with the way everyone has settled back into the rhythms of school life. There has been a strong sense of purpose in classrooms, alongside a real joy in reconnecting with friends and immersing themselves once again in the many activities that make our community so vibrant.
One of the highlights of the week was welcoming explorer Benedict Allen to the school on Tuesday. He spent time with a large number of pupils in Forest School and later spoke to parents and pupils in the PAC. His talk was both vivid and inspiring, bringing to life his experiences travelling to some of the most remote parts of the world, working closely with indigenous communities, and learning how to survive alone in extreme environments.
What resonated most strongly was his message about the inner explorer, the idea that adventure is not reserved for distant co ntinents but can be found in curiosity, courage and a willingness to step beyond the familiar. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing individual ambition, while also valuing the role that outdoor learning plays in shaping young people. Experiences in nature challenge pupils in unique ways, helping to build resilience, confidence and optimism. They encourage c areful observation, noticing subtle changes in the seasons, the textures of the natural world and the quiet details that often go un seen. In doing so, they create a vital pastoral space for reflection, offering balance to the equally important and meaningful use of technology in t he classroom.
Research continues to affirm the benefits of time spent learning in and through nature. However, it also highlights a concern ing trend that children today spend less time outdoors than previous generations. This is something I believe we should continue to challeng e as a school community. At Ballard, we have a wonderful opportunity to embrace exploration, both within and beyond the classroom, and to e nsure our pupils develop a lifelong sense of curiosity and wonder.
As we head into the weekend, I encourage everyone to find a moment for fresh air, discovery and a little adventure of their o wn. Wishing you all a very happy and adventurous weekend.
Mr Turner Headmaster
Celebrating Our Second Consecutive Eco Schools Green Flag with Distinction
We are incredibly proud to have been awarded the Eco Schools Green Flag with Distinction for the second consecutive year – the highest accolade in this internationally recognised programme.
This achievement reflects the dedication of our Eco Ambassadors, whose leadership continues to drive our sustainability journey. A standout moment this year was their participation in the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion, where pupils, some as young as seven, interviewed leading marine scientist Professor Matt Frost. They asked thoughtful questions on issues such as single-use plastics, sustainable shipping, and carbon capture, earning high praise for their insight and confidence.
Alongside this, pupils have engaged in a wide range of environmental initiatives, including developing our water garden, tree planting with the Woodland Trust, creating an apiary, and exploring food miles. Younger pupils contributed through projects such as a Year 2 bug hotel and participation in a global conservation art competition.
We have also taken practical steps to reduce our environmental impact, including introducing electric minibuses. Eco Schools assessors commended both the breadth of our work and its real -world impact. As we celebrate this achievement, we remain committed to building on our success and empowering our pupils to lead positive environmental change.
ISA Athletics Success
34 medals. 11 National Qualifiers. 6 new school records!
“Congratulations to our 62 track and field athletes (Years 3 -10) who competed in the ISA London West Athletics Championships at Thames Valley Athletics Stadium in Windsor on Wednesday, in challenging conditions. The London West region is one of, if not the most competitive, comprising 120 schools across Hampshire, Surrey, Middlesex, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Our pupils performed with pride for the school, running, jumping and throwing with immense determination in highly competitive fields, striving for personal bests while supporting one another throughout the 13 -hour day! Congratulations to all our athletes listed below who placed in the top 5 in their events.
Best of luck to Joshua W (Year 6), Rosa A, Theo B, Sophie C, Will C, Ivy L, Cian M, Olivia M, Bodhi P (all Year 7), Sofia R and Isaac A (Year 8), who have all qualified for the ISA National Athletics Championships in Birmingham on Monday 15th June to represent the London West region - good luck, team; we are all behind you!” Mr Wood (Director of Sport).
Year 10 (U17)
Fred R – 2nd Boys Shot
Reuben S – 3rd Boys Discus
Evie D – 5th Girls Long Jump
Max D – 5th Boys 1500m
Flo R – 5th Girls 300m
Year 9 (U15)
Alex B – 2nd Boys Long Jump
Mason B – 2nd Boys High Jump
William M – 2nd Boys Discus
Third in the Boys 4x100m relay –
Mason B, Isaac G, Hamish L and
Maxwell W – SR
Fran T – 3rd Girls Javelin
Maxwell W – 4th Boys 100m
Maxi C – 5th Boys Javelin
Year 8 (U15)
Isaac A – 1st U15 Boys 80m Hurdles
Sofia R – 1st U15 Girls Discus – SR
Sofia R – 2nd U15 Girls Shot – SR
Year 7 (U13)
Won the Boys 4x100m Relay – Theo
B, Will C, Cian M and Bodhi P
Won the Girls 4x100m – Rosa A,
Sophie C, Ivy L and Olivia M, – SR
Bodhi P – 1st Boys 800m – SR
Ivy Legg – 2nd Girls 800m – SR
Rosa A – 2nd Girls High Jump
Sophie C – 2nd Girls 1500m
Theo B – 2nd Boys Javelin
Emma J -M – 3rd U13 Girls Shot
Will C – 3rd U13 Boys High Jump
Cathall M – 4th U10 Boys Long Jump
Haydn L – 4th U13 Boys Discus
Tilly C – 4th U13 Girls Discus
Bodhi P – 5th U13 Boys Long Jump
Year 6 (U12)
Joshua W – 1st U12 Boys 600m
Year 5 (U11)
Teddy D – 3rd U11 Boys Howler Throw
Austin S – 4th U11 Boys 600m
Elizabeth C – 4th U11 Girls Howler Throw
Evie H – 4th U11 Girls Long Jump
4th in the U11 Boys 4x100m Relay – Tommy G, Sterling M, Austin S and Oran P.
Explorer Benedict Allen Inspires Pupils at Ballard
“Tuesday saw the return of world-renowned explorer and author Benedict Allen. He last visited in March for World Book Day and returned to launch his new children’s book, Nine Times I Nearly Died. The book is a collection of the close shaves Benedict has experienced on his adventures. It is aimed at children aged 7 –14 and contains his stories, fact boxes and humorous sketches of his encounters. Ballard received 144 advance copies of the new book and hosted its official launch in our Forest School, creating a jungle camp experience for all pupils from Reception to Year 6.
In the camp, Benedict gave pupils a glimpse into his travels to the Amazon, Orinoco and New Guinea. He spoke about living in the jungle and how to sustain yourself when isolated. Pupils were able to see items from his survival kit and hear fascinating tales of his encounters with animals. They then moved along the stream to help construct a rope bridge, which they later traversed themselves. The pupils eagerly bombarded Benedict with questions about his travels, and this could easily have continued all day…
…Benedict then delivered an assembly to all Pre -Prep and Lower Prep pupils, where he mesmerised them with images from his journeys around the world. He captured their imagination with photographs ranging from jungles to desert landscapes and the Arctic, as well as the many animals he encountered along the way. Pupils have rarely sat so quietly, and once again the questions flowed as their curiosity was ignited.
At collection time, Benedict signed personalised messages in copies of his book for families, creating a wonderful keepsake for the children. There are still nine signed copies available; please email alex.robinson@ballardschool.co.uk if you would l ike to purchase one (£8.99). Alternatively, the book is now available online and in stores.
In the evening, Benedict delivered a lecture focusing on Ice Dogs, his Arctic expedition from Russia to Alaska across the Bering Strait. The audience was captivated, hanging on his every word as he described being hunted by polar bears and surviving on walrus meat alongside his ten dogs.
There was a definite buzz around the school this week, as pupils excitedly discussed exploration and adventure, having seen it brought vividly to life.” Mr Robinson (Director of Estates). You can view the video of the day here.
Monday Morning Coffee
This week, we had our very own coffee café in the main car park, selling hot drinks and snacks to parents and staff. This coming Monday, it will be located by the Lower Prep canopy, so do come along and enjoy the experience. Please note that, at this stage of the trial, it is for adults only. If the trial is a success, we will explore the possibili ty of extending the provision.
Bryanston Fundraising Success
A huge well done to everyone involved in the Bryanston Triathlon. We are proud to share that 56 pupils took part (from Year 3 to Year 8) - more than any other school -raising an incredible £4,472.90.
Thank you to all participants, staff and supporters who made the event such a success. We are very proud of everyone’s effort and contribution.
CREST Award
“At the start of the year, pupils took part in Project WHY, where they explored and answered a self-chosen question such as, “Why is the sky blue?” As part of this project, pupils participated in an American -style STEM fair, presenting and sharing their ideas with others.
While we celebrated some overall winners, every pupil successfully achieved their CREST Discovery Award. CREST is a nationally recognised STEM award valued by colleges and universities, and this marks an important step in each pupil’s STEM journey. Pupils will now begin working towards achieving their Bronze Award in Year 8. Well done to all of Year 7, and a big thank you to the Science Department for delivering and supporting Project WHY.” Mr Cornwell (Head of Design & Technology and STEM Coordinator).
“At the start of the year, our Year 7 pupils took part in Project WHY, where they explored and answered a self-chosen question such as, “Why is the sky blue?” As part of this project, pupils participated in an American -style STEM fair, presenting and sharing their ideas with others.
While we celebrated some overall winners, every pupil successfully achieved their CREST Discovery Award. CREST is a nationally recognised STEM award valued by colleges and universities, and this marks an important step in each pupil’s STEM journey. Pupils will now begin working towards their Bronze Award in Year 8. Well done to all of Year 7, and a big thank you to the Science Department for delivering and supporting Project WHY.” Mr Cornwell (Head of Design & Technology and STEM Coordinator).
STEM @ Ballard
Year 6 Shopfront Project
“Year 6 pupils have begun creating their Disney -themed shopfront projects. They received health and safety training on both the scroll saw and coping saw before getting straight to work. We are looking forward to seeing their final outcomes.” Mr Cornwell (Head of Design and Technology/STEM ).
Science Club
“Science Club exploded their volcanoes this week, as they learnt about the violent reaction between acids and carbonates!” Mr Hudson (Science Teacher).
Pizza Making
“Year 7 are getting hands-on in Food Tech, making pizza from scratch while developing key kitchen skills. From kneading dough and shaping bases to practising food safety and understanding nutrition, pupils are building confidence, independence and creativity - all while learning how simple ingredients come together to create a delicious, balanced dish. And they enjoy eating the pizza!” Miss Clarke (Head of Food Technology).
“Year 3 dived into their money unit this term with energy and curiosity, tackling hands-on challenges that brought Maths to life. In this lesson, pupils grabbed the plastic coins and paper notes to crack real-world money problems - adding amounts, calculating change and testing their reasoning with concrete resources.
The room buzzed with excitement as they explored, experimented and mastered new skills with confidence.”
Mr Winch (Lower Prep Teacher and Deputy Head of Lower Prep)
Money Money Money
Arts @ Ballard
Year 3 Dragon Eye Art – The Finished Pieces
Our Year 3 Dragon Eye artwork is now on display in the foyer of the main building. The final pieces are imaginative, expressi ve and full of personality, and we are delighted to showcase them for all to see.
Our Scholars and Laureates thoroughly enjoyed their trip to the Mayflower in Southampton to watch the award- winning West End production of Matilda.
“It was really good -an excellent production and it was inspiring, as we are doing a lot of Matilda songs in Drama Club. It also taught me a few different dance moves.”
Laureate, Year 7
Matilda
Musical Dance
Reception pupils were enjoying their music lesson as they rehearsed for their upcoming Summer Showcase.
Year 8 Self-Portrait Mono -Printing
“Year 8 pupils had an exciting introduction to mono -printing this week, building on the photography skills they have been developing throughout the term.
Working in pairs, pupils have been learning how to take thoughtful photographs around the school grounds, focusing on basic techniques such as lighting, composition and creating an effective pose and background. They have now begun translating these images into monoprints, experimenting creatively with mark -making and texture.
It has been fantastic to see their confidence grow as they explore how an original photograph can be transformed into a unique printed piece, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to develop these ideas across a range of processes.” Mrs Hitchens (Head of Art)
Sport @ Ballard
Co -curricular Club Highlight - Boxing
The terrace was full of energy as pupils took part in another exciting boxing session with our partners, MKD Boxing. This activity gives pupils the opportunity to build skills, strength, coordination, and confidence in a fun and supportive environment.
With pads raised and gloves on, pupils embraced the challenge - learning new techniques while encouraging one another every step of the way. It is a fantastic example of active learning in the fresh air, combining fitness, focus, and teamwork, and most importantly, plenty of fun.
Ballard Scuba Dive Club
Zach F, Josh K, Sam H (Year 10) and Theo L (Year 9) went to Vobster Quay lake near Frome to complete their PADI Open Water diving certification.
Although the weather was lovely and sunny, the water temperature was only 15 degrees at the surface and below 12 degrees at six metres down. Well done to you all.
More Athletics Success
“On Friday 15 May, pupils from Years 7 to 11 took part in the New Forest Athletics competition at Southampton Sports Centre, representing Ballard with both pride and determination. Despite the challenging weather, spirits remained high throughout the day, and every athlete delivered a fantastic performance.
All relay teams got into the final, but this was unfortunately cancelled due to the weather.
There were several standout moments throughout the day, with six gold medals and 22 podium finishes, detailed below:
Well done to everyone that took part. You should all feel proud of your efforts.” Miss Bottell and Mr Moysey (Head of Girl’s and Boy’s Games).
Year 10
1st – Olivia C. (100m heats)
2nd – Issie B. (Discus)
2nd – Olivia C. (High Jump)
2nd – Alfie R. (200m final)
2nd – Henry W. (Javelin)
3rd – Reuben S. (Discus)
Year 9
1st – Alex B. (Long Jump)
1st – Mason B. (High Jump –joint 1st)
1st – Dulcia S. (Long Jump)
2nd – Isaac G. (200m final)
2nd – Ella M. (High Jump)
2nd – Frankie R. (Triple Jump)
2nd – Brodie R. (1500m)
2nd – Max W. (100m final)
3rd – Rosa A. (High Jump)
3rd – Alex F. (800m)
3rd – Holly M. (100m final)
Year 7
1st – Ivy L. (600m)
1st – Cian M. (80m final)
2nd – Max D. (1500m)
3rd – Theo B. (Long Jump)
3rd – Elsie N. (Javelin)
Life @ Ballard
Enjoying the Sunshine
“Reception have been having fun in the sun, after learning about sun safety; slip (tee shirt), slop (suncream), slap (hat), slurp (water) and shade!” Mrs Edwards (Pre Prep Teacher).
Eco @ Ballard
Alumni News
It was lovely to welcome back Katie Kennedy, who left in 2017. She has just returned from a world tour in Life of Pi and is now working as a Disney Princess in Paris.
