Week in Pictures
Dear Parents and Pupils,
From the Headmaster’s Study
This week, all pupils have been given the opportunity to complete a pupil voice survey. This has been designed to help me, my senior colleagues, and the Governors develop a deeper understanding of how pupils experience and engage with school life. The aim is to identify the things we value most and wish to preserve, alongside areas where we may need to adapt in order to better meet the needs of our pupils.
The survey will play an important role in shaping the future direction of the school. It will help to inform a five-year school development plan, which I am currently drafting and which I hope to share more widely in the autumn term. Alongside this, it will act as a starting point for strengthening the role of pupil voice across the school.
Pupil voice will be central to the ways in which Ballard evolves. It is important that pupils feel heard, valued, and activel y involved in shaping their school community. I intend to work with our pupil leaders to develop more formal opportunities for pupils to contribute. This will include creating smaller groups within the School Council that can focus on specific areas and provide thoughtful advice and guidance.
Once the results are available, I will share the key messages with pupils in assembly and with parents through written communication and the parent forum.
As we come to the end of the half term, I would like to thank you for your support as I settle into the school. I have been g reatly encouraged by the warmth and positivity shown by all members of the community. The uplifting performances of Mary Poppins this week have felt like a very fitting way to celebrate so much of the ambition, skill, and enthusiasm that I have seen in a ll of our pupils.
I hope you all have a restful break and are able to enjoy the warmer weather in the days ahead.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Turner Headmaster
Mary Poppins Junior
Our recent production of Mary Poppins Junior brought together every pupil from Years 3 to 6 in a vibrant performance across three shows. It was a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to develop confidence, creativity and teamwork, as they worked collaboratively to bring this much -loved musical to life. Taking part in a production of this scale helps pupils build resilience, communication skills and a strong sense of responsibility - all of which extend far beyond the stage and support their wider development.
It was especially meaningful to reflect that our current Year 11 pupils once performed Mary Poppins Junior themselves, staging their production in a marquee during COVID restrictions. In fact, three members of our current Head Prefect team had principal roles: our Head Girl as Miss Andrews, our Deputy Head Boy as Mr Banks, and our Deputy Head Girl as Mary Poppins. Although our Head Boy was not at the school at that time, he too has benefited from performing in our senior productions, most notably taking the lead role in Grease. Together, they exemplify the confidence and leadership these experiences help to foster.
We are incredibly proud of all our pupils for their enthusiasm and commitment, and grateful to our staff for making the production such a success. You can view the programme here.
Ballard Teams Shine at the Bryanston Triathlon
Well done to our 14 teams who competed in the Bryanston Triathlon, with Ballard proudly fielding the largest number of teams. Together, our teams have already raised an amazing £4,821, with the total expected to exceed £5,000. A truly outstanding achievement. Well done, all. A special mention goes to Bush Potatoes with a cherry on top, a team of Year 7 girls, who were contacted by Restless Development, the charity involved in the triathlon, as one of the top fundraisers at the event and have raised a wonderful £1,140. Well done, girls. A full list of teams and more photos may be viewed in the bulletin.
Charity Home Clothes Day
Our Year 11 leavers embraced our charity home clothes day in style, with fancy dress characters ranging from The Super Marios Bros to ice creams, raising funds for BALLARDAID 2026, which in turn will go to UNICEF, an incredibly worthy charity. You may help them raise more money here. Look out for our Year 11 Prom and Leavers’ Special at the end of July.
Year 11 Leavers Day
Our Year 11 pupils were treated to a tasty BBQ for lunch in the sunshine. They also had an emotional and humorous assembly led by Mr Fenton, who picked out some great memories for them, including some pictures of our pupils when they were in Nursery and Pre -Prep. We wish them well in their remaining GCSE exams, and we can’t wait to see them back in school for GCSE Results Day.
Year 11 Parents’ Favourite Memories of Ballard
“The day Laura Legg called me to let me know we had been offered places at Ballard.”
“Seeing both boys sing in the choir in the Abbey at the Christmas carol service. Prior to joining Ballard, they would never h ave had the courage to do so. It filled my heart with so much happiness and pride.”
“When they were leaving for New York, I went to take a photo of her, standing by the coach. Mr Fenton, and then Miss Bottell, both jumped into the photo.”
“She always seems to be laughing and smiling, always surrounded by friends. From the minute she joined, she was made to feel so welcome, and she will have great friends for life. They laugh together so much and have so much fun together.”
“Hearing him sing a solo in Mary Poppins and then at Beaulieu last year.”
You can watch a video of some of our pupils sharing their memories and three words to describe Ballard here.
Spring Review
We are delighted to share our Spring Term Review here , which captures just how busy and exciting our last term was. It offers a glimpse into the breadth of opportunities our pupils enjoy - both in and beyond the classroom - and the many ways in which they bring their learning to life. Enjoy!
STEM @ Ballard
Science Club
“Junior Science Club had the challenge of making the tallest tower to hold a marble for 3 seconds. They could only use paper art straws and Sellotape. They tried to use ideas from structures they have seen around the world.” Mrs Greaves (Prep School Science Teacher)
Arts @ Ballard
Craft Club
“This week in Craft Club, pupils have been exploring the exciting technique of “painting with wool.” Under the guidance of Mrs Hitchens, students have been learning how to blend colours and use needle felting to create detailed 2D artwork, inspired by photographs of our beautiful local sunsets and coastline. Alongside developing their creative skills, pupils have also been taught important health and safety practices when using barbed felting needles. They have experimented with colour blending and layering techniques to build depth and texture within their seascapes. This engaging project has been a wonderful opportunity for pupils to combine skills from both Art and Textiles, resulting in unique, original pieces that celebrate the natural beauty of the area in which we live.”
Mrs Hitchens (Head of Art).
Clayworks Club (Years 6 to 9)
“Pupils have been working on their individual projects, involving a variety of clay hand -building techniques. As clay models have to be hollow otherwise, they will blow up in the kiln! Pupils must learn about how to use slabs or pinch pots to create their hollow forms.” Miss Jackson (Art Teacher).
Sport @ Ballard
Year 11 Farewell Netball Match
Following our Charity Football match last week the Year 11 girls took to the netball court to raise more money for UNICEF, taking on the staff team.
“On Monday the Year 11 girls took on the challenge of beating the teachers in a fierce (and at times lacking in knowledge of the rules) contest at Netball. Miss Bottell & Miss Romain showed the girls how to play the game, ably assisted by Mrs Swann. A variety of gentlemen dressed in less than suitable attire then attempted to play a game in which few of the rules were understood. Straying offside regularly and with some rather pointy elbows they can be commended for their effort if nothing else.
Points were exchanged back and forth in the first half, but then the superior quality and knowledge of the rules of the girls began to tell. A final score of 8 -6 doesn't begin to tell the dominance, but a lot of fun was had by all. Thanks to all the staff for throwing themselves into the challenge, they gave everything in valiant defeat. Thanks also to Avah W (Year 8) and Elsie -Mae N (Year 7) for refereeing with clear accurate decisions.
Congratulations to Aurelia, Cassia, Alice, Brooke, Skye, Lily, Amelie and Bella on a fine victory!”
Mr Fenton (Deputy Head of Senior School and Maths Teacher)
Life @ Ballard
Beach School
“Year 1 and Year 2 enjoyed a sunny afternoon at Beach School, having fun together. Some children were busy making a channel in the sand near to the shoreline; they communicated well to plan, test and adapt the channel, demonstrating great collaborative skills! Others were busy collecting beautiful shells and counting them as they put them into a bucket to wash them and then compare them with each other. Their beach experience helps the children to develop confidence, teamwork and problem -solving skills in a meaningful way.” Mrs Jane Hunt (Head of Pre-Prep).
Beach School Postcards
Year 2 used their best handwriting for their Beach School postcards. These have been sent home with messages from the beach.
Introducing… Ellen Morgan - Deputy Head of English
What attracted you to work at Ballard?
The opportunity to work in an award -winning, nationally recognised school does not present itself that often, underpinned with a ‘bespoke attitude to education’ - something that I feel passionately about. Therefore, after spending an initial day here, I did not hesitate with my application to join the ‘Ballard Family’.
What brought you in to teaching?
I have been teaching for nearly 22 years. After completing my degree at university in the early 2000s, I was unsure about my next steps. My beloved aunt, who was an English teacher at the time, happened to mention that she thought I would be good at it. I applied for my PGCE and cherish it as one of the most significant ‘passing comments’ of my life.
Highlights of your career to date
I have worked in the state sector across two Bournemouth -based schools since qualifying, starting in an all -boys school in 2004, before moving to a mixed comprehensive in 2017. I have taught English, Media Studies, Drama, and even a little Food Technology over the years, but my highlights are always consistent: the progress and investment of my pupils, from KS3 to A Level.
What's surprised you most since you started at Ballard?
The sheer volume of opportunities offered to the pupils, and their enthusiasm for their education. I have never experienced EVERY pupil thanking me at the end of a lesson. It is incredible.
Do you have a positive Ballard story to share already?
Having the privilege of listening to Sarah Dineley (Chief Crown Prosecutor and CPS national lead for organised immigration crime) deliver a presentation to Year 8 about migration was very special.
When you are not at school, what do you like to do?
When I’m not working, I love to bake - particularly bread and cakes. My current obsession is focaccia. Family walks with our chocolate cocker spaniel Morris are weekend regulars for myself, my husband, and our two children, and I try to get to the theatre as much as I can.
What's your favourite dish on the school menu?
The variety of food is exceptional, but I do love the wraps!
Eco @ Ballard
Bug Hotel Building
“With the onset of the spring weather Years 1 and 2 can hold more lessons outside in our fabulous grounds. Nature is very much a part of the site here at Ballard and bug hotels are a fantastic way of helping our creeping and crawling friends.
With some help from staff, the children were able to create a fantastic structure and fill it with inviting habitats. Timber offcuts, hose pipe, foraged pinecones and sticks were all put into position and held in place with chicken wire. The children knocked in staples to hold the wire in place with varying degrees of success. The finished product looks great and new tenants will no doubt be moving in this weekend.”Mr Robinson (Director of Estates)
Alumni News
Congratulations to Max Doohan, who is the bassist in ‘Night Tapes’ who performed at The O2 in London, as well as other European cities as the support band for American band, ‘The Neighbourhood.’
Max attended Ballard from Nursery through Year 11 and was an avid drummer and guitarist, playing drums in many of the school musicals. He was also in the band ‘Shrunk in the Wash’ with fellow classmates, award winning opera singer, Huw Montague Rendall and fellow musician, Tom Morgan.
‘Night Tapes’ songs can be found on YouTube and Spotify.
