Dear Parents, It has truly felt like the “Summer Term” this week what with the lovely sunshine alongside the build up to the summer public exams. You may be interested to hear that 60 children have been allocated to reception at Simon Balle, starting in September 2015. I have been informed that there are less than 5 non-allocated places in the whole of Hertford; a confirmation of the need. The building progresses well and we are now down to discussing important interior features. We have appointed two highly experienced EYFS teachers who will join Ruth Oakenfull to plan the curriculum and ensure that it is of the highest standard. Ruth herself will join us on a part-time basis from May 1 and then be fulltime from June, setting up the provision. Governors have asked, “Play Aloud” to be the wrap around care provider and they are meeting with Jon Whitehouse our business manager to set this up. In the next few weeks we shall be contacting all of our new parents and meeting with them. Our next task is to advertise for support staff. Meanwhile there is much to do in the rest of Simon Balle. Traditionally this is the time of year that schools recruit staff for a September start. As Head teacher, for 18 years, I have advertised and interviewed many staff for all sorts of roles. Indeed in many ways it is one of the most important parts of my role: we want the very best staff that support and promote our ethos. Our students deserve the very best teachers so that they can achieve their potential, and if this means that if we are not happy with the standard of applicant, we will not appoint. I have had this discussion with parents over the years and I would rather put in a temporary solution rather than creating a permanent problem. However this year we are facing huge challenges and if you can help in any way, please let me know. Firstly I am sure that you are aware, we have been advertising a number of posts as maternity cover. For those who recruit, you know how this goes in cycles; we have not been in this position for a long while and indeed never so many at once! This coupled with the normal ebb and flow of staff is proving very challenging. I am sure that you have read in the media that recruitment of teachers is

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: Term Dates Summer Term : 20th April to 22nd July Half Term : 25th-29th May Inset Day : Tues 5th May Fri 3rd July May 5th - 8th : Year 7 Osmington Bay Thurs 7th : Student Election Day Thurs 14th 7-9pm : Singing Evening Thurs 21st 7-10pm : String quartet Fri 22nd : Year 13 Ball

1st May 2015

THIS ISSUE: Primary Update Exams Astro Turf PSA Pitch Hire, Year 11 Locker

refunds, Sainsbury’s and childcare vouchers

SSLT Year 10 Geography Trip Harlow College Holland Sports Tour Golden Ticket Winners Music Library and English news Art Department Herts and Ware Sports

Awards PE news

at national crisis, felt particularly in the south east of England. The hub of the problem is a complex one and unless in education, many are not aware. The routes into teaching have changed with many local providers no longer training teachers of many subjects. Whilst “Teach First” is heralded as a great organization, only one secondary school in Hertfordshire is eligible for this scheme. The cost of living as we all know is high and many of our best graduates, saddled with student loans are not considering teaching. There are literally thousands of vacancies nationally now for teachers in core subjects; English, maths and science. Despite national adverts, we are simply getting at best one or two applicants! We are so fortunate at Simon Balle to have such a committed and great staff and I know that many of you regularly take the time to write in and thank them. We should never take a good teacher for granted; they work very hard in what has become an increasingly challenging job. It is however for many of us truly rewarding and I still am thrilled that each year there are a small but significant number of our own students who want to teach. Hertfordshire as a county is working hard to promote their schools as great places to work. A Recruitment Fair was held last month, which was attended by over 600 people and received a lot of media coverage. The website advertising jobs is being developed professionally and will be re-launched in September for the next season of recruitment. Alan Davidson, Headteacher at Dame Alice Owen’s school in Potters Bar is taking a lead in driving this and is urging all of us to look for opportunities to encourage our young people to consider joining the profession- for they indeed are our future. At Simon Balle we do have a number of staff who themselves were students at Simon Balle! So we are still trying to recruit teaching staff. Do check our website, or if you yourself or indeed you know of anyone who would love to join our great school, please contact me as soon as possible, particularly if they can teach a core subject or humanities.

Exam Period As many parents are aware we are now approaching the exam period. Lessons continue for all students and parents of those year groups involved are aware of particular arrangements. There is still a lot of work for students to do and I know that they are working hard, practising exam questions, attending additional sessions and generally revising well. From May 11 we will be changing slightly the timings of our school day, in order to hold the public exams. School will start and finish at the same times but lunch timings will be altered. Students will go to lessons 1 and 2 and then have break as normal. After break, lesson 3 and 5 will take place, with lunch starting at 12.30. Lesson 4 (1.25- 2.25) and lesson 6 (2.25-3.25) will follow. On a Tuesday lunch will be from 12.20- 1pm. We of course wish every student sitting both external examinations and internal

ones (our Year 10) every success. Please be assured that our staff continue to support all of our students

throughout the examination period.

Alison Saunders

Astro Turf Please note again, that when unused by the PE department and or outside sports clubs All Weather pitches will be locked. This is most evenings and weekends. It appears that the netting is relatively easy to climb and get in to the pitches, however, getting out is far more difficult as some hapless child found out during the Easter Holidays—luckily a caretaker was on site!

If you have any Sainsbury’s Active Kids Vouchers, please can you bring them into the school reception before the 7th of May. Thank you

Childcare Vouchers

For children up to the age of 15 (until 1st September following their 15th birthday) childcare vouchers can be used to pay for their music lessons. This is up to and including the summer term invoice following their 15th birthday. The school is currently signed up to several voucher schemes. If you would like to start paying for

music lessons with childcare vouchers, please contact Miss M Haines for more information on hainesm@simonballe.herts.sch.uk or 01992 410400 ext 253.

Hire the All-weather Pitch

The all-weather pitch is available to hire every weekday from 6.00pm to 10.00pm for football and hockey. The pitch can be hired as a whole for 11-a-side football matches or as a third for smaller games. Prices

start at £21.50 per hour. If you are interested in hiring please email bookings@simonballe.herts.sch.uk

Year 11 Locker Deposit Refunds

A reminder that locker deposit refunds must be collected from the Finance Office by Monday 11th May. Students must bring their reply slip

with them upon which they will be given a cash refund.

PSA We are holding our Ladies Pamper Evening on Thursday 7th May 7-10pm. Online booking tickets closes Friday 1st May. We look forward to seeing ticket holders on the night as they relax away any election stress! Upcoming events : Simon Balle Annual 5K Fun Run—Wednesday 17th June. Details to follow in the next couple of weeks. Part of this major fundraising event will got towards defibrillators for the school. American Visitors 16th-18th July. Mr Pooley will soon be asking for volunteer families from Year 8-10 to help home some friends from ‘across the pond’. If you would like to help out please ask your child to speak to Mr Pooley. Finally, thank you to everyone who put a Waitrose Community Matters green token in the Simon Balle PSA section recently—we were awarded over £300.

Senior Student LeadershipTeam

At Simon Balle we believe that students should be given a wide range of opportunities to develop and practice leadership skills in preparation for life beyond school. Many of our students are keen to put something back into their school and as a result we have developed a Senior Student Leadership Team that offers a range of opportunities and responsibilities. Our new SSLT consists of 28 Year 12 students, who have all put themselves forward to be excellent role models to the rest of the school. They will be taking over from the current Year 13 SSLT when they go on study leave this term.

Introducing our Head Boy and Head Girl :

Head Boy—Patrick Tarry I am currently studying Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Further Maths at A Level. I hope to study either Maths or Engineering at degree level. Since joining Simon Balle in 2009, I have tried to make the most of the opportunities on offer; I regularly compete for the school in a number of different sports including football and athletics, I went on the sports tour in Year 9 and the ski trip and the Ardeche in subsequent years. I currently tutor GCSE students in maths and science. I want to encourage more peer mentoring in the school and try to increase student participation in extra-curricular beyond KS3.

Head Girl—Alex Delameilleure I am studying A Level History, Politics, Economics and Music at AS Level and I hope to go on to study History at university. I’m very excited to be assuming position of Head Girl because it means I can become a more active member of the school community and return some of what Simon Balle has invested in me over the last five years. During my time in the role, I hope to forge stronger relationships between the upper and lower school. I also wish to make the SSLT better known around the school, to give the younger students role models they can aspire too, when they reach Year 12.

Parents and students - Year 9,10 and 11

The next Harlow College Open Evening is on :

Wednesday 6th May 5.30 to 7.30pm No need to book, invaluable, particularly for Year 9, 10 and 11. Meet tutors, students, support staff and look around the facilities. We are also holding a special Family Event on : Saturday 16th May 10am to 3pm Course advice, have-a-go-activities and a Special Guest—Simon from “The Inbetweeners”! As ever, please do not hesitate to contact me about applications, courses, travel, bursary, student support etc. Many Thanks Jenny Absolom Schools Liaison Co-ordinator 01279 868121—jabsolom@harlow-college.ac.uk

Year 10 Geography Trip to Norfolk In the last week of Spring Term , myself and the rest of the year 10 GCSE geographers spent three days in Sheringham, Norfolk. On the journey we stopped in Norwich to collect data for our controlled assessment—which makes up 25% of our overall Geography GCSE. In Norwich we completed traffic counts and asked the public questions for our questionnaire to help us find out how successful attempts have been to reduce eco-footprints in the city. In the evening we collated our results, ready to analyse them when we got back to school.

On the second day we visited beaches along the Norfolk coast. At each beach we completed a coastal management survey. The evening session was spent analysing our data and evaluating the coastal defences. We will be studying coastal management when we have completed our controlled assessment. On the last day before returning to Hertford, we explored Sheringham and it’s shops, visited The Mo Museum and learnt about the Sheringham Shoal offshore wind farm. Everyone had a great time and we are now working on our controlled assessments in our lessons.

Lily Jones

Sports Tour to Holland

During the first week of Easter 70 Year 8 and Year 9 students along with 7

staff travelled to Valkenburg in Holland for our third Sports Tour. We

arrived on Easter Monday where we checked into our Hotel and explored

the area.

Tuesday and Wednesday consisted of early starts, training for both groups

along with excursions and activities. We were blessed with great weather

conditions which meant that all games went ahead. The girls group

consisted of 3 Netball teams who trained (9.30m -3pm) on Tuesday &

Wednesday. The girls focussed on skills, tactical play and fitness during

these sessions. They got a lot of out these sessions and as a result the

Year 8 girls won their tournament on Thursday.

The boys trained each morning for 90mins and then played a game in the evening. The boys touring group

consisted of two Year 8 boys’ teams and one Year 9 team. The training focussed on general skills and tactical

play, with the Wednesday session geared towards any areas of development from the previous night’s match.

All teams performed very well against Dutch opposition with the Year 8 A team and Year 9 boys winning both

their games convincingly. The Year 8 B team after a slow start reached the semi-final of the tournament on

Thursday with a great display of teamwork and leadership shown from all players. The Year 8 A team drew 1

and lost 2 with the Year 9 Team finishing third in their tournament.

One of the highlights of the trip came when we visited the PSV

Eindhoven stadium, where students and staff got an insight into the

history of the team and stadium. Students thoroughly enjoyed the trip

and many thanks go to the staff who attended, who did a fantastic job.

Golden Ticket Winners! As part our House Points Reward System, individual students who have reached beyond their gold certificate for house points are now taking advantage of our Golden Ticket award which allows these students plus one of their friends to jump to the front of the lunch queue in the canteen. A major benefit to avoid the lunch time rush! Congratulations to Jean Nwahba and Ben Kenway of Ashbourne who have already received their tickets and also to Lucy Martin of Beane and Louis Broad of Lea who will shortly receive their tickets too.

Golden Ticket

Official status : Allows winner to move to the front of all canteen queues

until the end of the year!

Admits : plus : 1 friend of the winners choice

Signed :

Music News The summer term began with around 100 musicians taking part in the Wind, Brass and Percussion Concert last Saturday. The challenging and varied programme was much appreciated by a large audience. Here are some comments received from parents: ‘The musicians are a credit to the music department and the school, they all always look like they are enjoying themselves and happily listen to each other when not performing. We really enjoyed the range of music and the whole evening was absolutely brilliant.’ ‘Every time I go to a musical event at Simon Balle I'm blown away and Saturday night was no different.’ ‘What struck me in particular was the versatility of the brilliant Concert Band - so many different styles and a great choice of pieces. The comradeship between both staff and students always comes across too.’ Well done to all those who took part and to Clare Taylor and all the team for producing an outstanding evening. Congratulations to Yasmin James and Adam Mitchell who both passed the Associated Board Grade 5 Theory exam with Merit. This week we had six candidates taking the London College of Music’s Diploma exam. This is a university-level exam where candidates have to perform a themed programme with supporting programme notes and must also undergo a viva where they discuss this with the examiner. Results to follow in the next newsletter. As we approach the exam season please be aware that individual music lessons will continue as normal for years 10-13. Instrumental teachers will arrange lessons around the exams provided students communicate a week in advance regarding any required changes. Teachers carry forward lessons during Osmington Bay and Work Experience so no lessons are missed – we keep an accurate record of what has been delivered. Finally, advance notice that our Summer Concert will take place at Broxbourne Civic Hall on Tuesday 7th July. Tickets will be available after half term. The summer Rock Gig is booked for Thursday 9th July at Hertford’s Corn Exchange.

LIBRARY AND ENGLISH DEPARTMENT NEWS

Books wanted for a Good Home! If you have any good quality books in an acceptable condition please consider donating them to our Library. We are particularly interested in Fiction titles, but fairly recent Non-Fiction books are also wanted. Should the items be unsuitable we will pass them to Better World Books which resells them. Simon Balle School Library gets a percentage of the profits as does a literacy charity and nothing goes to landfill! For more information please go to http://www.betterworldbooks.co.uk/ Books can be handed into Reception and thanks in advance for your generosity.

Carnegie and Greenaway Shadowing Our flourishing Book Club is again shadowing these two prestigious medals and discussing them in their Wednesday lunch time meetings as they read the books. If you would like to see the shortlisted books please go to http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/home/index.php Well done to Book Club members for undertaking so many reads and thanks to Mrs Townsend and Mrs Mayo for leading the group. Students - please come along to the Library at 13.30 on Wednesdays if you would like to take part.

Book Reviews Scarlett by Cathy Cassidy (Book Level 4.5) Scarlett is the main character who is a rebel. She has been expelled out of many schools and finally her mum is sending her to live with her dad in Ireland (he walked out on her years ago). Now in Ireland she has to adapt to a new school, step mum, little sister and a baby on the way. She meets a boy who can make it all better. But read it to find out more. This book is heartwarming and can change your life and how you view it. (Aged 9+) By Nayeli Tallis-Rodriguez (7M)

Tom Gates is Absolutely Fantastic (at Some Things) by Liz Pichon (Book Level 4.2) I recommend reading this book because it is funny and entertaining in every scene. I like it because there are lots of funny things like a lady teacher with a moustache. Everything is peculiar and it has a unique feel. It's a book that everyone will enjoy. By Alexander Bartlam (7M)

Art News

This week has seen a hive of activity taking place in the art department with exams taking place every day. Our GCSE, AS and A level students have been engrossed in producing their final pieces and have really been pushing themselves to achieve their full potential. An abundance of fabulous work, in a variety of media, has emerged and evolved throughout the week. All will be on display for your visual consumption at the

Annual Art Exhibition 2015 to be held on Thursday 25th June, from 6pm – 8p

in the SBS “Art Wing” We do hope to see you there!

Artist in Residence

Our Artist in Residence, Abi Knott, has finished her canvas. Abi has been working in the corner of Mrs Mackervoy’s classroom during lower school lessons. This has been an inspiring and educational experience for those lower down the school; they have been able to see an artist in action, the techniques she has employed, and the way in which her painting has developed over the past half term. This canvas (measuring a large 1m x 1.5m - Abi often works on a large scale), is a very imposing and impressive piece.

PE NEWS

Herts and Ware Awards evening

Last Thursday the Herts & Ware sports awards took place at Sele school. Simon Balle students did very well

with the Year Boys Athletics team winning Team of the Year, as well as Lily Jones (Sports Leader of the Year)

and George Rumbold winning the KS3 award for progress, effort and achievement. Congratulations must go to

these students as this is credit to them for all the hard work and endeavour throughout the sporting year.

Please see descriptions below;

Award Name of Nominee Yr Description

KS3 Effort /Improvement

George Rumbold 9 George has made excellent progress throughout his three years at Simon Balle. Due to his hard work and commitment in PE lessons, George has moved up a set, as well as representing the school in Rugby, Football and Athletics. George has recently finished 2nd at the District Cross Country Championships as well as competing for Simon Balle at County level in 2014.

10. KS 4-5 Sports Leader / Coach

Lily Jones 10 Lily has worked as a leader with our current Year 7 boys at lunch-times, as well as after school at our Athletics Satellite club. As a result of her work with the boys, they have recently finished 5th at the County Sportshall finals. Lily has helped manage teams at all District Sportshall tournaments this year. She is also a keen athlete who leads by example.

13. Team of the Year

Year 8 Boys Athlet-ics Team

A. Nwahbah J. Nwahba G. Jones A. Twyning F. Cattermole R. Timpson B. Thompson

Over the past year this group of boys have won the County Sportshall athletics Championships twice (2014/2015), the District Sportshall championships (2015) and some of the Boys have won District and county honours as well as Jean Nwahba representing Herts at Regional championships. The boys have also been part of the Simon Balle team who won the recent County rugby Shield title.

YEAR 7 GIRLS HOCKEY SUCCESS: At the end of last term, the Year 7 girls' hockey team played brilliantly in the Herts & Ware tournament to become overall champions. This team are definitely ones to watch for the future, not losing against any of the local teams to gain the tournament trophy. It wasn't until we studied the trophy more closely after all the excitement that we realised this particular competition had not been won by Simon Balle in the last 20 years! Huge congratulations to all the girls who participated...watch this space for future trophies that I am sure the girls will achieve. Congratulations to Leah Wilkerson who has been selected to be one of the final 15 to play hockey for the Hertfordshire County squad—a massive achievement.

THE SIMON BALLE Summer Term PE EXTRA-CURRICULAR

PROGRAMME 2015

Upcoming County League Athletics Fixtures

Weds 6th May – Gosling, Welwyn Weds 13th May – Gosling, Welwyn

Lunch-time clubs

1:25pm - 2:05pm

Tues 1:25pm – 1:50pm

After school clubs

3:30pm-4:30pm

MONDAY GCSE Revision Club Y9 & Y10 Cricket Training (JP & TJ)

Y7 Rounder’s (KA)

WEDNESDAY Athletics – Track events Y8 & 9 Rounder’s (Girls)

THURSDAY Athletics – Field events

Satellite Athletics Club

Kick Boxing (LB) - Gym

FRIDAY Y8 Boys Cricket (DB) - Field Satellite Cricket Club

Y7 Boys Cricket (TJ) - Field

Tennis Club – Boys (JP)