Week in Pictures
Dear Pupils and Parents,
From the Headmaster’s Study
It has been a great pleasure over the past two weeks to spend time reading application letters and engaging in thoughtful conversation with a group of Year 10 pupils who sought to join the pupil leadership team for the coming year. Each candidate was distinctive, bright and impressively assured in their responses. They spoke with confidence about their experiences, drawing upon a rich variety of examples to illustrate why they felt suited to a leadership role. They reflected carefully on the role models who have influenced them during their time at school, recognising the impact of both peers and staff upon the culture of our community.
As I listened to their responses, three common threads emerged. First, every pupil demonstrated personal ambition and a genuine desire to achieve broadly and deeply across their areas of interest. Secondly, they articulated a clear understanding of Ballard as a collective endeavour, shaped by community, collaboration and mutual support. Most striking of all, however, was that their outlook on life was grounded in kindness: a sincere care for others and a wish to serve the school carefully and responsibly. These are qualities that will always serve pupils well, both within the Ballard community and far beyond it.
Selecting the prefect team was therefore no easy task. Following careful consultation with senior colleagues, I was delighted to introduce a new element of pupil leadership. Alongside the prefects, our newly appointed pupil ambassadors will champion area s of school life that particularly inspire them, while ensuring that staff leading departments will benefit from a strong and constructive pupil voice.
My congratulations to all those who have been awarded prefect and ambassador roles for the year ahead. A central expectation of their leadership will be to nurture positive relationships between pupils of all ages, a commitment they have embraced wit h enthusiasm. I have every confidence that they will rise admirably to this challenge from September.
I wish you all a wonderful weekend.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Turner Headmaster
Wildlife Discovery Morning
We were delighted to welcome families into our grounds last Saturday for our first Woodland Discovery Morning. Children from 2 to 10 years old, enjoyed all that was on offer, including Forest School crafts at our two Forest School sites, our woodland walk, a Nature quiz by the pond, planting seeds in the Pre -Prep garden, listening to stories, woodland crafts, crazy golf on the tennis courts, a science discovery table, and a special visit from Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre.
Well done to our incredible Year 10 helpers ( some of whom are pictured below) and Charlie (Year 7) who helped make this such a fabulous event.
Bryanston Triathlon
What an amazing day with thousands raised for charity. Well done to all our teams – full results and pictures next week.
Junior Maths Challenge Success
Of 38 pupils, 4 x Gold, 4 x Silver, 15 x Bronze, so 23/38 achieved a notable milestone (over 60%), which is fabulous.
“Just last week, 38 brave souls in Years 7 & 8 took on the UK Junior Mathematics Challenge and secured some of the best r esults the school has ever seen. Over 60% scored high enough marks to receive a Bronze (15 pupils), Silver (4 pupils) or Gold (4 pup ils) certificate. More details about our top performers can be found below.
Year 8 - in their final attempt before moving up to the even more fiendish Intermediate Challenge next year, all the pupils made valiant attempts. Our joint top performers were Adam and Rocco, who both secured Gold certificates with a score of 75. A Silv er was achieved by Riley, with Bronze awards for Aubrey, Samuel, Isaac J, Isaac A, Sofia, Larnie, Jessie, Madison, Jack, Layla and O scar, many of whom were only one correct answer from a Silver.
Year 7 - a stunning performance by our pupils, in their first attempt at a Maths Challenge. Will secured the highest score with 83 and wins automatic qualification for the Kangaroo Challenge just after half term. Ellis also achieved a Gold certificate with ano ther outstanding performance. Silvers for Herbie, Theodore and Freddie, alongside our Bronze award winners - Alex, Daniel, Tilly and Haydn. This represented a brilliant first attempt at this tough challenge.
We congratulate all the pupils for their efforts and are proud of the perseverance they showed; some of the top scorers will now go on to face the Junior Kangaroo after half term. All in the Maths department wish them well. As always, please find a question below for any parent that fancies themselves as a bit of a Mathematician... only three pupi ls managed to get a correct answer to this one. The answer can be found at the end of the bulletin.”
Mr Fenton (Deputy Head of Senior School and Maths Teacher)
Performing Arts Success
A huge congratulations to all our talented pupils who took part in the Bournemouth Performing Arts Competition, and to our wonderful LAMDA teacher, Tina Witham, Principal of Swish, who directed and supported them throughout. Our pupils achieved outstanding results across multiple categories:
Poetry (Key Stages 1 & 2)
Gold – Sophia (Year 3)
Silver – Thomas (Year 5)
A Poetry (Key Stages 4 & 5)
Gold – Eleanor (Year 10)
Dramatic Performance (Key Stages 4 & 5)
Honours – Eleanor (Year 10 )
Youth Speech and Drama Champion of the Year (Key Stages 4 & 5)
Silver – Eleanor (Year 10), missing out by only one point against an Upper Sixth student!
Duologue Acting (Key Stages 1 & 2)
Gold – Jack (Year 5) and Thomas (Year 5)
Bronze – Lewis (Year 6) and Joe (Year 6)
National Tennis Success
“Jasmine and Joseph (Year 10) travelled to Essex to compete at the ISA National U15 Tennis Championships last Friday and they both did exceptionally well. Jasmine delivered a superb individual performance, winning an impressive five matches on her way to the final. In a closely contested championship match, she narrowly missed out on the title to finish as ISA U15 National Girls’ Runner -Up - a fantastic achievement against strong national competition.
Joseph was equally exceptional throughout the day. He progressed through both the group stages and knockout rounds in dominan t fashion, dropping just three games across the entire morning from 6 matches. He carried this form into the final, where he na rrowly lost in a hard-fought match, earning the title of ISA U15 National Boys’ Runner -Up.
In the afternoon, Jasmine and Joseph joined forces to compete as a mixed doubles pair in the boys’ competition. Demonstrating excellent teamwork and resilience, they secured a brilliant bronze medal finish, capping off a highly successful day. Across the tournament, both Jasmine and Joseph competed in 11 matches each, showcasing remarkable endurance, skill and determination in challenging, sunny conditions. A fantastic day of tennis and a tremendous achievement for both players on the national stage - well done, Jasmine and Joseph!” Mr Wood (Director of Sport)
STEM @ Ballard
Darwin
“Year 6 has been studying evolution in Science and learning about Charles Darwin and his voyage to the Galápagos Islands. They were trying to see which shaped beaks are best to pick up different foods, just like the finches that Darwin studied.” Mrs Greaves (Prep School Science Teacher).
“In Special Effects Club, we learned how to create infected metal nail injuries that look incredibly realistic. The club is really improving; our work is becoming more detailed and convincing every week!” Mrs Skelton (DT Teacher and Deputy Head of Upper Prep).
Arts @ Ballard
Mary Poppins Jr
Our Lower Prep and Year 6 pupils are having so much fun rehearsing for next week’s performances of this wonderful musical. Don’t miss out on the last remaining tickets – book here.
Year 8 Creative Careers Workshop in Art
“Year 8 students recently took part in an exciting workshop delivered by representatives from the University of the Arts Bournemouth (AUB), introducing them to the wide range of creative career pathways available both after GCSE and at university level. AUB, a world -renowned institution for excellence in the creative arts, offers an impressive variety of degree courses, from performance and dance to animation and design -based disciplines.
During the session, pupils explored different courses and watched inspiring videos featuring alumni who are now working successfully within the creative industries. They also learned about the significant economic contribution of this sector, which added £124 billion to the UK economy in 2023. To conclude the workshop, students applied their knowledge in a practical design task, creating their own concepts for a coastal -themed festival. It was a highly engaging and informative experience that inspired many to consider future opportunities within the creative industries.” Mrs Hitchens (Head of Art).
The Mighty Duo Perform at the Gatehouse Residential Care Home
“The Mighty Duo (Daniel Boyd and Isaac Jellett) performed today at the Gatehouse Residential Care Home as part of our community work as a school. They played a mixed repertoire of solo and accompanied pieces, from Beethoven to Queen.” Mr Prangnell (Head of Music).
Year 9 Textiles 3D Printing
““Year 9 pupils have been exploring the use of digital technology in Art by incorporating the laser cutter into their architectural drawing project. Inspired by the work of artist and illustrator Che Kumar, pupils selected their own buildings and recreated them in his distinctive style. Their drawings were then scanned and cut using the laser cutter, allowing them to layer their designs over brightly coloured papers to create striking collage outcomes. Pupils have particularly enjoyed combining traditional drawing skills with modern technology to further develop and refine their work.” Mrs Hitchens (Head of Art).
Sport @ Ballard
Year 11 Farewell Football Match
“On Thursday, the Year 11 Boys played out their final farewell in a spirited match in front of a vibrant crowd on the ATP. It was keenly contested, and the score finished 2 -2 after normal time. A two -penalty sudden death shootout took place, with SAFF missing their 2nd penalty. Team Prem Ballers, captained by Head Boy Tom Wiggett and managed by wise old head Mr Winkworth, took victory and celebrated wildly. Commiserations to young up and coming manager Mr Hudson and captain Fin Hazell, who lost out so narrowly. A great time was had by all!
Onwards to the Girls netball on Monday lunchtime, where more money will hopefully be raised for UNICEF, the total now standing at over £500.Well done, Year 11!” Mr Fenton (Deputy Head of Senior School and Maths Teacher )
Team of the Week
Life @ Ballard
Year 7 Explore Pond Close Stream
“Last week, our Year 7 geographers swapped the classroom for wellies and headed outdoors to investigate Pond Close Stream, which runs right through the school grounds. The fieldwork gave students the chance to experience geography first-hand while enjoying time in the fresh air.
As part of their enquiry, students worked in small groups to measure the width and depth of the stream at different points. Their aim was to discover whether the river channel changes in shape and flow as it moves downstream. Armed with measuring tapes, metre rulers and plenty of enthusiasm, they carefully recorded their data and discussed their observations along the way…
…The experience was not only practical but also engaging, with students enjoying the opportunity to explore their environment and learn through investigation.
Now back in the classroom, students are building on their fieldwork by creating scaled cross -section diagrams of the river channel and writing up their findings. This helps them connect their outdoor observations to key geographical concepts.
It was a fantastic afternoon of learning, combining teamwork, enquiry skills and a real appreciation for the natural environment right on our doorstep.” Mrs Wright (Geography Teacher).
Reasoning Club with Mr Turner
In our Reasoning Club this week with Mr Turner, pupils went head -to-head in a competitive round of The 1% Club. The pupils were challenged to think laterally as they tackled a range of logic -based questions. The game focuses on reasoning and common sense rather than general knowledge. With lots of smiles and some great lateral thinking, everyone had a wonderful time.
Introducing… Zoe Thesiger Pratt – Head of Wellbeing
What is your role?
Head of Wellbeing
What attracted you to work at Ballard?
From the second I stepped foot into the school when I came to look around, it had such a welcoming feel. I love the motto of ‘bespoke education’, as it ties in so strongly with my own ethos of seeing each child as an individual on their own journey.
What brought you into teaching?
After university, I spent a year living and working in a boarding house, where I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed supporting the pastoral side of school life. One year soon became two, and this experience ultimately inspired me to go on to complete my teacher training.
Highlights of your career to date
For me, the best bits of working in a school are the daily highlights of seeing children working out a little bit more about who they want to be.
What’s surprised you most since you started at Ballard?
Quite how many fantastic clubs there are on offer – lots I’d like to have a go at myself!
Do you have a positive Ballard story to share already?
The biggest positive has been how welcoming everyone has been – both pupils and staff.
When you are not at school, what do you like to do?
My favourite thing to do is be out sailing or messing about in boats with my family.
What’s your favourite dish on the school menu?
Lasagne.
Eco @ Ballard
Finished Bug Hotels
“The Eco Ambassadors were keen to help Mr Robinson create bug hotels. They collected a range of materials from around the school grounds, such as pinecones, pieces of bark and dried leaves. They then arranged these, along with pieces of pipe, inside a wooden structure and nailed chicken wire over the front. The structures were then mounted on posts with the help of a spirit level.
Bug hotels provide crucial shelter, nesting sites and winter hibernation spots for beneficial insects and small creatures, including solitary bees, ladybirds, butterflies and beetles.” Miss Travis (Lower Prep Teacher).
Maths Answer
