newSBytes 25th April 2013

WELCOMES & GOODBYES! Welcome back to several staff, to Ms Elliott (HOD RE) following her adoption leave, Mrs Beauchamp (Maths), following an illness and Ms Green who will be returning on the 29th April from maternity leave. Ms Green will lead on our Year 6 transition programme this term. And it is goodbye to Mr Miller (HOD Science) Ben has held this position since he joined our school in 1989. He has therefore taught hundreds of students, many of whom have gone on to study science at university. During his time here Mr Miller has seen many changes with new buildings and major refurbishments in many part of the school including all the science labs which were fully modernised. Our local primary schools were always keen to have him visit as the pupils were captivated by the experiments he demonstrated and as you are probably aware the science department is one of the highlights of any open evening. Over the years Mr Miller has taken his role as form tutor very seriously and he has been a great supporter of the school. He has been involved with ski and residential trips, sports events and the music department. He was a staff governor for a number of years and made a positive contribution to the governance of the school. We wish Mr Miller every success and happiness in the future. Miss Langton (Maths) was a student at our school. She then graduated in maths and came back as a maths teacher teaching for three years. Miss Langton is leaving to set up her own business and we wish her luck. SCHOOL UNIFORM CONSULTATION Thank you to those parents who returned the uniform survey which was sent out by governors. The very small number that replied supported us wholeheartedly both on our uniform policy and the need to enforce it. Presumably the ‘silent majority’, by nature of the fact that they did not feel the need to respond, do so too. We have made real progress in enforcing the uniform regulations but we still need to do more. Makeup, particularly garish colours, continues to be an issue and once again I would ask parents to check. I am certain that the girls are not painting their nails on the way to school! Reading many school newsletters, readily available on the web, most Headteachers from time to time write about how they are enforcing uniform policies and so with the new term it is timely to do so. Having looked at a number of options, asked other Headteachers and consulted Stevensons who not only supply our school, but most Hertfordshire schools and others nationally we have made the decision to change the school skirt to a standardised one. I have received comments from students and some parents regarding the uniform in some Hertfordshire schools where the girls wear full length skirts. This will NOT be the case at Simon Balle. However, from

Dates for your diary:

25th April - Y8 Parents Evening 3rd May - Non-Uniform Day 6th May - Bank Holiday 7th May - School closed for staff training 13th—17th May - Y7 Osmington Bay Trip 27th—31st May - Half Term 19th June - Fun Run Fund raising event 27th June - Art Exhibition 28th June - Year 11 Leavers Awards - PSA Ladies Pamper evening 2nd July - Summer Concert Broxbourne 4th July - Sports Award Evening 5th July - School Closed for staff training

NON UNIFORM DAY FRIDAY 3rd APRIL We often support national organisations and charities but this time we are supporting a local one. The SAFER HERTFORD INITIATIVE is a charity whose objective is to raise funds for and distribute grants to support crime reduction initiatives and community safety projects for the benefit of the residents of Hertford and surrounding area. The initiative was set up by local people in response to requests from the Safer Neighbourhood Team Police Officers to fund the cost of promoting activities and delivering projects in the area such as the Top Trumps scheme and the graffiti project run in Hertford and Ware for local school children. As part of the local community we support such initiatives. We would encourage students to bring a minimum of £1.00 to support this local cause. Students should dress sensibly and not wear anything which may be deemed inappropriate. If the weather is warm students should still wear suitable clothing which is NOT revealing.

Mike Moss Deputy Head

September 2013 all the new Year 7 girls will have a choice of either black regulation trousers or a knee length plaid kilt style skirt. Both items are available from Stevensons – 131 – 135 Victoria Street, St Albans, Herts AL1 3XS, Tel: 01727 853262, Website:www.stevensons.co.uk, Email:sales@stevensons.co.uk Uniform can be bought by mail order or on line ordering. There will also be a uniform sale in school on MONDAY 15TH JULY 3.30 to 8.00 in the school hall. From September 2014 the only skirt to be worn at school by all students Y7 to Y11 will be the plaid knee length skirt. We believe that this will meet all our needs.

Alison Saunders

MACBETH TRIP On Monday 15th April, A Level Drama and English students travelled to London’s Trafalgar Studios to see a live performance of ‘Macbeth’, whose cast included James McAvoy. This, however, was far from a traditional performance of ‘Macbeth’; with its contemporary set and use of modern weapons, this was a play intended to update Shakespeare’s classic to the modern era. James McAvoy’s appearance sparked excitement from many of the students. A fantastic, enthralling night out was summarised perfectly by A2 student Ed Smith: “What a night. The acting, the lighting, and sound were all exquisite! That was certainly one to tell all the family about, perhaps even the grandchildren one day!” The late return time of beyond midnight did little to dampen our spirits after experiencing such a wonderful, inventive production. Many thanks to the English department for organising the trip, which has helped us greatly with our understanding of the text.

By Tim Hardy and Matt Penson

LIBRARY NEWS Readings from Shakespeare To celebrate William Shakespeare’s Birthday on Tuesday 23rd April the English Department and the Library organised an informal Reading at lunch time. Students and staff participated with various dramatic excerpts from Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets. Special thanks go to Ms Ellis, Mrs Cooke and three of our Student Librarians who took up the challenge of reading aloud: Philippa Shattock, Mercedes Dell and Jacob Whitelegg-Spavin. The session ended with Mr Hollerin’s rousing speech by Henry V at Agincourt. Carnegie Book Club This has got off to a good start but more members would still be welcome. Books on the shortlist are kept behind the Library Desk for Book Club members to borrow. There will be a couple more meetings on Thursdays at 13.45 in the Library. Please see Mrs Townsend or the Library Team for further details. New Purchases for Library Stock The following books have been added to the Fiction shelves and are available to borrow: Tales of the Unexpected by Roald Dahl The Fault in our Stars by John Green The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce Kensuke’s Kingdon by Michael Morpurgo Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo SBS Library and The Bodleian Libraries This week’s edition of Outline, the in-house publication for staff at The Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford, contains an article about Simon Balle School Library. Mrs Syme trained at The Bodleian and this piece is the first in an occasional series looking at what the trainees are now doing. As part of our outreach work Mrs Syme invites members of staff to visit us if they are in the Hertford area.

Mrs Syme

EPQ Exhibition Report by Russell Andrews, Parent Governor I, along with many parents, staff and fellow Governors, were lucky enough to attend the recent SBS Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) exhibition where approximately 50 Year 12 students presented the culmination of eight months planning, investigation, writing and evaluation of an independent research project of their choice. It re-quires each student to complete a formal 5000 word aca-demic report and then present it. Each project is assessed, marked and graded to add a further qualifica-tion to their core A level studies. On the night, visitors had the opportunity to explore a huge range of research areas and whilst I’d love to list all the presentations, the following sample highlights the diversity and spread of subjects: • Is the airborne transmission of the H5N1 virus between humans a possibility? • To what extent has the growth of social media affected journalism? • How is the growing economy of China and its education system inter-related? • Is badger culling the best option for eradicating Bovine Tuberculosis? • Is there the possibility of finding life on Mars? • Is recycling costing us the earth?

What was particularly striking wasn’t just the professionalism of each exhibition stand (full of visuals, samples and activities for visitors) but the enthusiasm, knowledge and passion of all the students. They clearly knew their chosen subject ‘inside and out’ and were able to confidently answer questions and discuss issues with authority and conviction. This qualification is held in high regard by Universities as it shows both the commitment required and high level skills needed to study at university. Perhaps even more importantly, EPQ helps develop independent research and organisational skills which are important for all of us in work and in life in general. I was left in no doubt that all the students have learnt a huge amount by participating in the EPQ programme and their hard work has paid off. However, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the input and guidance of over 20 Teachers who acted as supervisors/mentors to the students and to Miss Baynham who has coordinated the entire EPQ programme.

MUSIC NEWS The summer term began with the fantastic news that our saxophone ensemble Saxidentals have been asked to perform at the Music For Youth National Festival in Birmingham on July 4th. They qualified at the regional heat in March where the adjudicator commented that having so many saxophonists performing at such a high standard in a school ensemble is unheard of. This is a massive achievement, and something that once again puts us on the national musical map. Congratulations to Mrs Taylor and all the group who are now working hard to prepare for the finals. This Saturday our first event is the Wind Concert in the school hall at 7pm. The term’s dates for concerts, recitals and exams are shown below. We had some brilliant results from our Musical Theatre and Rockschool candidates. Special congratulations to Ellen McLeod who was awarded the University of West London Diploma in Musical Theatre and to Stuart Bowden who passed Grade 5 Theory with merit. Two string players also achieved high distinctions in recent exams – Ket-an Curtis (Grade 8 Double Bass) and Harriet Dyke (Grade 7 Viola).

MUSICAL THEATRE GRADE EXAM RESULTS

ROCK SCHOOL EXAMS

NAME FORM GRADE RESULT

ALEX DELAMEILLEURE 10BM 5 DISTINCTION

KATIE KELSON 9JN 5 DISTINCTION

SIMEON MUNRO 11RW 5 DISTINCTION

TAMSIN CARTER 13LJ 8 MERIT

TESSA SHADDOCK 13MT 8 DISTINCTION

NAME FORM INSTRUMENT GRADE RESULT

JAMES RIDER 9EI BASS GUITAR 1 MERIT EMILY CROSSLEY 11HC BASS GUITAR 3 PASS

MICHAEL MORGAN 9LEJ BASS GUITAR 3 PASS

LOUIE NEOCLEOUS 9LMC BASS GUITAR 3 DISTINCTION

ALISTAIR SEMARK 11LH BASS GUITAR 4 PASS

SEBASTIAN TOOMBS 7HD GUITAR 1 MERIT

EMILY JOY 9LEJ VOCALS 3 PASS

MAISIE PARCELL 7JT VOCALS 3 DISTINCTION

LAUREN COOPER 11LH VOCALS 4 PASS

ELSPETH MCCLYMONT -CORNELL 10BW VOCALS 4 MERIT

CHLOE COOK 9LEJ VOCALS 5 MERIT

GEORGINA FAWBERT 11SDP VOCALS 5 PASS

FLORENCE FYFE 10JM VOCALS 5 MERIT

HARRIET GRIFFITHS 11HC VOCALS 6 MERIT

RACHAEL JANES 10BW VOCALS 6 MERIT

JESSE MCMAHON 11RW VOCALS 6 MERIT

As the exam season approaches, please note that music lessons for Years 10, 11 12 and 13 will continue to be timetabled as usual throughout the exam period and beyond to the end of the summer term. It is the student’s responsibility to discuss any changes needed due to exams or holidays with their music teacher at least one week in advance. Please check that your son or daughter is fully aware of this. THIS TERM”S DATES Saturday 27th April Wind Concert - School Hall Thursday 20th June Rockschool Exams Tuesday 25th June Rock School gig Thursday 27th June Piano and Keyboard Recital Tuesday 2nd July Broxbourne Summer Concert Thursday 4th July Saxidentals at Music For Youth Monday 8th July Trinity Percussion, Rock and Pop Exams Tuesday 9th July Singing Evening – St Andrew’s Church Thursday 11th July Trinity Exams Monday 15th July Associated Board exams Saturday 20th-23rd July Music Tour to Ghent

YEAR 8 GIRLS FINISH A FANTASTIC 3RD IN THE SOUTH EASTERN REGIONAL SPORTSHALL CHAMPIONSHIPS On Wednesday the 24th of April the year eight Sportshall athletics team travelled to Hatfield sports village for the Sportshall regional finals. The eight athletes shared numerous events between them resulting in the team coming third overall. The athletes competing were; Louise Reilly, Lucy Sende, Emily Veryard, Lily Jones, Maddy Coupe, Georgia Turville, Olivia Scrutton and Molly Robinson. A special mention to Danielle Hills who was unable to attend the final due to injury, however has played a big part into getting the team this far. Also to Lucy Sende who stepped into one of the hardest events at such short notice. Well done to all the girls for supporting each other, for getting to the final stage of the East of England Sportshall competition, and for coming 3rd against tough competition. By Lily Jones Our next Athletics event takes place this Monday 29th April, as we host the first round of the County League at Wodson park, Ware. The first event starts at 4.45pm. Good luck to all athletes competing. Your support is always welcome. The following are the dates for the rest of the league meetings this year; • Round 2 – 8th May at Welwyn • Round 3 – 16th May at Welwyn • Round 4 – 5th June at Welwyn • Round 5 – 12th June at St. Albans • Round 6 – 17th June at St. Albans • District Athletics Championships – 28th June at Wodson Park, Ware • Plate Final – 1st July • County League Final – 2nd July

LEADERSHIP & OFFICIATING NEWS Well done to 18 of our Year 10 GCSE PE students who took part in an Athletics Officiating course on Wednesday. They must now gain experience at 2 competitions in order to achieve the qualification. 6 year 10’s will be attending a fencing leaders course at Freeman College this coming Tuesday.

PRIMARY HOCKEY COMPETITION The astro pitch at Simon Balle School was the host for the third Hertford and Ware Primary Hockey competition. There was an excellent turn-out of 20 teams, from 10 local schools ( over 120 children) competing for the overall hockey championship and the chance to represent Hertford & Ware in the Herts School Games county final in June. The competition was supported by Jules Hawkins our Club Link from Hertford Hockey Club. Bengeo A will now go forward to the county final in June as defending champions. In the photo Gold medals, Silver and two teams Bronze winners. Bengeo are in white, St Andrews (Stanstead Abbots) in red and Morgans in blue. By Sandy Edwards

SPORTS BYTES Congratulations to Molly Robinson in Year 8 who was selected for County Netball trials. We wish Molly all the best.

The following District Girls Football finals take place next week at Sele School with both matches kicking off at 3.30pm; - Tues 1st May – Year 10 v JWS - Wed 2nd May – Year 8 v Sheredes

Lunch-time clubs 1:25pm - 2:05pm

Tues 1:25pm – 1:50pm

After school clubs 3:30pm-4:30pm

MONDAY Year 7-10 cricket girls - JN A – Level PE Revision Club (PE1)

GCSE PE Revision (PE1) – DB

Yr 7 Rounders – JN/KA/NT

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY Yr 7 & 8 Athletics – Boys & Girls Rounders - Yr 8/9/10 Girls (JN & NT)

Year 8 Tennis (NT) Cricket – Yr 9 & 8 Boys (GS & DB)

7.30am – Swimming Club

THURSDAY Yr 9 & 10 Athletics – Boys & Girls

Cricket – Yr 7 & 10 Boys (JP)

Volleyball – JN (Year 10 Girls)

FRIDAY Athletics – All Years – Sprints/ Re-lays/ Hurdles & Middle Distance (DB/KA)

Tennis Club (JP) – year 10