newSBytes 30th March 2015b

THIS ISSUE:

Dear Parents,

30th March 2015

We are now almost at the end of what has been an exceptionally successful term for so many students here at Simon Balle. No doubt you have heard or indeed will now read about the incredible sporting successes of so many of our students. Our excellence in sport is now very well established and our reputation amongst local schools is incredibly strong. A big thank you to PE staff and a great well done to all our students.

The prestigious Big Bang Event saw our students at the fore again as they presented highly academic scientific research—and were highly commended in the Junior Science/Maths category.

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Introduction Uniform Updates Year 13 Snowdon Trip Science Model United Nations Conference PSA news 6th Form Spiritual Question Time Art News Site Maintenance updates Library and English News Music Sport Emotional Wellbeing Programme

Well done too, to the students participating in The Rotary Youth Speaks Competition. Our Year 7 boys progressed to the District finals, which was a fantastic feat as they were the youngest speakers in their group.

More pleasing news!

We also received recently a letter from SSAT (Schools, Students and Teachers Network) on our 2014 GCSE results. It stated that

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: Term Dates Spring Term :

5th Jan to 2nd April

Please note school finishes at normal time on Thursday 3.25 pm

Simon Balle School one of the best in the country for student progress and attainment at GCSE Simon Ball School has received national recognition for the value it adds to enable students’ high achievement at GCSE.

Summer Term : 20th Apr to 22nd Jul Half Term : 25th-29th May

SSAT, recently undertook its annual in-depth analysis of official Department for Education data on all state-funded schools in England and identified Simon Balls School’s success.

April Tues 21st :

Year 7 Osmington Bay information evening

The school has qualified for two SSAT Educational Outcomes Awards.

We are so pleased to see that the outstanding achievement at A* - A by our brightest students has been recognized by being in the top 10% nationally for high attainment. Similarly we are delighted to awarded for being in the top 20% of schools nationally for progress made by pupils over the five years at our school. These two awards firstly highlighted the fact that the most able students reach the highest levels of achievement

Sat 25th :

Wind, Brass and Percussion music evening

Mon 30th : - Thurs 2nd

Year 10 Field Trip

well above national expectations, when they attend Simon Balle School.

The school has been invited to receive their award at a regional celebration ceremony hosted by SSAT at Holland Park School in London on 12th May. Sue Williamson, Chief Executive of SSAT said: “Simon Balle School should be congratulated for their exceptional achievement. They have proved themselves to be leading the field in improving GCSE outcomes for their students. There is so much good practice that this school could share and I hope they will join us at the celebration evening for the chance to network and share strategies with award-winning schools.

These results are testament to the commitment and hard work of the students, teachers and leadership team at Simon Balle School and show what can be achieved when skilled teachers have high expectations and ambition for every young person.”

Thank you to all students and staff for raising a fantastic £1,437 on Red Nose Day this year. Contributions came from non-uniform donations and a break-time cake and biscuit sale organised by some of our students.

Uniform May I please remind parents again of the importance of wearing correct uniform. We are still dealing on a day to day basis with the following problems: Girls Nail Varnish—eg Shellac, Gellish and other available brands, no nail varnish of any sort should be worn.

Make-up should not be visible Skirts should sit just above the knee—no shorter Tights/Socks— Please note : after Easter ALL girls must wear either black tights (no socks over them) or short ankle socks. NO long socks, leggings and socks to be worn.

Black polishable shoes (no fashion shoes or boots) Boys Black polishable shoes (no trainers) Summer logo shirts to be worn only in the summer term. To be worn with no tie or jumper. If you put your jumper on, whilst wearing a summer shirt, a tie must be worn.

Black trousers (no jeans or hipsters) with a belt when appropriate Sensible school bag or rucksack capable of holding A4 Folders—small handbags/fashion bags are not suitable

Stevensons Our school uniform supplier, Stevensons, will be in the school dining hall on Tuesday 31st March from 3-5.30pm. This is a great opportunity to replace uniform and buy summer shirts.

Year 13 Snowdon Trip Two weeks ago Year 13 geography students went on a trip to Snowdonia to further their research into glaciation and cold environments. The first evening featured a lesson, exploring the landscape of the area, with the students finding areas and glacial features on a map and competing to be the first team to find a six digit map reference, as well as a short quiz featuring statistics about the area.

For the first half of the second day we walked from the youth hostel up the Miners’ Track, discussing how the landscape was created on the way. Students pointed out glacial landforms like moraines, erratics and the basket of egg shaped drumlins. They also discussed methods of management used in the mountains, for example fenced off areas to research the effects of sheep grazing and the building of mountain paths using rocks from outside the national park. In the afternoon we went to the Ogwen Valley to see a perfect example of a U shaped valley, as well as a feature known as “the Devils Kitchen”. In the evening the students made a booklet, with information linked to each area of the specification and a details sketch of the areas they had visited.

On the final day, we visited on the way home, an example of Rural Rebranding called Bounce Below. This was an old slate mine which has been fitted with three layers of trampolines with connecting tunnels and slides. While the hour we were given within the cave was incredibly fun, it was also hard work, especially climbing up the tunnels from floor to floor.

All in all it was a fun and rewarding trip, if quite tiring and gave the students a lot of first-hand information that they can use in their exams in the coming months.

Alistair Semark Yr 13

Science News On Monday 23rd March the team from Bloodhound SSC brought great excitement to the Simon Balle playground as they turned up with a full-scale model of the Bloodhound SSC car. The project is designed to help raise awareness among schoolchildren about the project and its aims to inspire a generation about science and engineering encouraging more young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.

Bloodhound SSC aims to break the world land speed record of 763 mph later this year before it attempts a 1,000 mph run in South Africa in 2016.

During the day, Year 9 were able to explore the different components of the car, make a 3D model cars and race them across the playground. The 4 winners of the rocket race, Aeron Phipps, Jasmin Howard, Willow Stone and Lillie Thomas will have their names printed on the tail fin of the real car!

Here is what our Year 9 students thought of the day. “ I really enjoyed making model cars to race with rockets. It showed us which shape of car is the most aerodynamic and I had fun outracing some of my peers” Ben Standen “The car was brilliant!” Nathan Marshall “It was a thrilling experience, especially learning that Bloodhound uses carbon parts” Louis Blunden

Two teams of Year 10 students travelled to Birmingham to compete with over 200 other schools in the National Science and Engineering competition. After being judged multiple times, both teams impressed with their explanations of the investigations they had carried out and their findings.

Clara Weller, Elspeth Grace, Lizzie Pickup, Laura Dixon, Jacob Fenwick and Asher Lloyd presented a project on sanitation in schools and the reasons why soap and appropriate drying facilities should be available. Sarah Kenway, Rosa Noxon, Rose Shepherd, Harry Ingram, Alex Willis and Joe Chapman’s project focused on the impact of stress and pressure put on young people and how this can be lowered through healthy eating, diet and mindfulness.

The award ceremony at the end of the two days saw ‘Under Pressure at Simon Balle’ being awarded highly commended in the junior science/maths category. This was a fantastic achievement—well done.

This year science week was even bigger and better with many exciting activities for everyone to get involved in.

The beginning of the week got under way with a visit from the Royal Veterinary College. A fantastic group of vets and student vets set up stations to show over 60 students from Years 7 to 13 the work they do on biomechanics.

Activities included observing muscle fibres contracting, analysing walking and running traces, fast motion cameras and motion sensors. Students were also able to apply their scientific knowledge of levers to look at the working of different jaws from a range of mammals using skulls.

Science week continued with a Bang, and it was one of our biggest yet! This time we used the physics of a rapidly expanding gas to explode 1000 ping pong balls over 30 feet in the air. It was a truly spectacular event and congratulations to Asbourne who won the race to clean up afterwards. Please see our website for the video.

GSK held a competition for local schools in the hope to inspire students to become their scientists of the future. The students took part in a forensics activity, a rocket design competition and quiz.

Year 7 students were captivated by some amazing magic tricks, performed by our school witch! All the spells were written in a secret spell book, and the spells themselves struck a surprising similarity to those used by a ‘well know scarred wizard and his friends’ The students were then more amazed when they realised that it was all down to science.

The Year 7’s were involved in a house competition to see who could produce the best scientific model of a cell.

The standard of models was outstanding and many were made out of jelly, paper mâché, play doh, cardboard, tin foil, foam, polystyrene, cake, and even some unidentifiable green goo. The winners were.

Most Scientific: Ernie Dial 7N Most Creative: Rowena Carr 7A Most Effort: Isabel Anderson 7N Most Original: Trixie Wraith 7A

Model United Nations Report from Callum Morris-Horne, Year 12 Last weekend a group of Year 11 and 12 students took part in the prestigious Haileybury Model United Nations conference. The Simon Balle delegates were allocated the nations of Indonesia and Ireland to research, represent and ratify policies for. This renowned geopolitical simulation consisted of over 700 participants from 129 delegations, coming from various local, national and international schools, signifying the globalised importance of the MUN. A typical day comprised of arriving at Haileybury at 7:45 am, lobbying with resolution signing, running to the Resolution Approvals office with political perspiration atop our furrowed brows, debating contentious topics and resolutions amongst committee members, and finishing off this exhausting process with a revitalising meal and subsidised macchiato from the on-site Costa.

A number of students were lucky enough to present and debate their submitted resolutions (including 'The question of reducing the loss of biodiversity' and 'The question of limiting the monopolistic power of multinational corporations in developing countries') in front of appointed committees. Many other resolutions from the delegations of Simon Balle were approved, and all who came took part in informed discussion. Thanks to Mr Harrold and James Sutherland (Yr12) for helping prepare our delegates so well.

The wealth of skills and experience gained over this insightful weekend (including public speaking, critical thinking, confidence, communication skills and the blossoming of our political knowledge) are unlikely to decline, unlike the gene pool in equatorial rainforests. Another key quality I learnt was my aptitude to take on board constructive criticism; during one committee my resolution was likened to a 'Belgium breakfast' …’Mostly waffle!’

I wonder why?

PSA The quiz night on Saturday 14th March was a big success with ‘Upper and Lower Bengeo’ coming away with the prizes for brainpower! Around £900 was made on the night which will help towards the ongoing refurbishment to the outside classroom.

We have a very happy Year 7 parent who won a stunning parents evening raffle a few days later. Mrs Harnett now has a large box of Green & Blacks chocolate products and a bottle of Prosecco to enjoy, all for the £1 entry fee!

Booking has now opened for the Ladies Pamper and Shopping Event on Thursday 7th May. Treatments include: Manicure, Pedicure, Gellux Gel Nails, French manicure, Reflexology, Eyelash Tint, Japanese Facial, Facial, Spray tan—legs, or arms, face and throat, Reiki and Crystal Healing, Chakra Balancing, Threading, Paraffin Wax Hand Treatment. Available massages include: Shaitsu, Back, neck and shoulder, foot or leg and Indian Head.

Slightly more expensive therapies of Reflexology, Individual; Eyelash Extensions, Hopi Ear Candling and Hot Stone Massage can also be booked via the PSA website: http://simonballepsa.org.uk/ Everything a lady could need to remove some of the pressure of Election Night— don’t forget to vote before you come along!

Simon Balle Sixth Form- Spiritual Question Time On Wednesday the Sixth Form students had the privilege of being able to listen to and ask questions of three spiritual guest speakers. Sam Trendall (Year 13) expertly chaired an engaging question time, offering speakers and members of the audience the chance to contribute. Our guest speakers were Rabbi Celia Serget from Radlett Reform Synagogue, Mohammed Arshad Ahmedi, a Muslim leader and author and The Reverend Jo Loveridge from Hertford’s All Saints Church.

Despite the diverse opinions, they all had very intriguing viewpoints and there was a general consensus on the view that freedom of speech was a vital part of society and should never be discouraged. All panellists agreed that ‘language is a powerful tool’ and this was linked to the recent story of Charlie Hebdo, which has engaged many students in the audience and has sparked many debates in our school. Interesting points were made by a Year 13 student who felt that ‘people being offended doesn’t mean the right to offend is right’. This is relevant to people everywhere, but particularly to young people as we are still learning how comments can affect others.

The panel all agreed with this point and thought that peace should be encouraged and violence should not be necessary.

When regarding religion, many people question why suffering and evil occur when the idea of God is to prevent it, or as a Year 12 student asked, ‘ why God would allow suffering in the world?’ There were different philosophical perspectives expressed on this difficult question including the view that we have to ‘experience the bad to appreciate the good’, which is an uplifting thought for the audience and can be taken as something to get you through any hard time. It was also pointed out the struggles in life made it worthwhile when something good is achieved.

Overall we got the opportunity to experience a thought-provoking and diverse afternoon of discussion which allowed the studennts to see how religion does not have to alienate others and can relate to everyday life and problems. All the speakers were passionate about their faiths, particularly the idea of helping people at their worst and celebrating them at their best. We can take away a positive view on life and the comfort of help being around if you need it.

On behalf of Simon Balle School, thank you so much to the speakers and everyone who contributed.

Yasmin Scott-Gray 12M

Art News Year 13 photography student, Buster Martin, created this exciting image using light trails, captured on a recent visit to the capital city. All our A level students are currently working incredibly hard towards their final deadline of 6th May 2015. We have a plethora of exciting images which you will all have the opportunity to view at our annual exhibition on Thursday 25th June.

Astro Turf Please note that during the Easter break the Astro turf will be locked and access not permitted to prevent unauthorised use and criminal damage. In the unlikely event of unauthorised use of the Astro turf, Simon Balle School cannot accept responsibility for loss of property, damage or personal injury.

Lost Property We continue to get a large amount of lost property (or should we say forgotten property!) - students leave items of clothing and personal belongs all over the school.

Staff collect these items on a regular basis and place them in reception for the students to collect. Items that are not collected are sorted and any with clear name tags are returned to their form. It is very important that you clearly name label every item of clothing, shoes etc.

Help us to help you.

Thanks Michael D Tweed Site Manager

LIBRARY AND ENGLISH DEPARTMENT NEWS New books for the Primary students Many thanks to our local independent bookshop, Books@Hoddesdon which has supported us for many years and unfortunately, will be closing soon.

However the schools’ events side of the business will remain. Our Librarian recently visited the shop to choose the first books for our new Reception students starting in September. Here are some of our Student Librarians unpacking the attractive resources:

Recent new titles ordered for our older students These are amongst the titles now available to loan from our Library: Listen to the Moon – Michael Morpurgo Cherub: Brigands M.C. – Robert Muchamore Eldest – Christopher Paolini Nowhere – Jon Robinson Dork Diaries Collection – Rachel Renee Russell All that Glitters (Geek Girl, 4) – Holly Smale The Butterfly Club – Jacqueline Wilson Book Reviews The students named below gained a House Point each for the following reviews.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green This book is the best book I have ever read. It is so good: however it is very emotional. If you like a good ending and a cry this is for you. By Elsa Barnfather 7B Dracula by Bram Stoker It is a really good book. It takes you a bit of time to get into the story but then it’s scary and gripping. You can see it is a classic. By George Gollop 7N

Music News

Last week saw our musicians in action over seven busy days, beginning on Sunday 22nd when Saxidentals travelled to Bedford to take part in the regional festival of Music For Youth. Here is a selection of comments from the feedback that was provided by music mentors at the end of the afternoon: "Wow - what a fantastic number of you!...Crisp staccato and nicely marked accents...beautiful soprano solo, sensitively accompanied by upper saxes...beautifully sustained chords, well-balanced and in tune...Alto sax solo was well projected, with some lovely vibrato...Bari solo had a lovely swing to it...tight percussion section...top end dynamics are fantastic...Bravo today - a very enjoyable programme, bringing out the best in you."

This was a professional performance of challenging music, where the musicians really showed their dedication to the ensemble. We were so proud of them and the maturity they showed. Well done to Clare Taylor for inspiring them and for her meticulous preparation for this event.

Our Musical Theatre students also benefitted from inspirational teaching and thorough preparation with Debbie Kemp to achieve excellent results which we have just received. Candidates are required to devise and present a balanced programme, including appropriate costumes, vocal techniques and stagecraft, which they have to discuss with the examiner. Congratulations to them all: NAME

FORM

GRADE

RESULT

LILY JONES

10N

5

MERIT

ELSPETH MCCLYMONT-CORNELL

12L

5

DISTINCTION

MARTHA MUNRO

12R

5

DISTINCTION

ALEX SALTER

13B

5

MERIT

JASMINE NESBITT-LARKING

13M

8

MERIT

Thursday evening also saw Rock School take over the Corn Exchange for a fantastic gig featuring students from every year group. Special thanks to those who stood in at the last moment to cover absences – the show must go on!

We rounded off our week with the Singing and Strings concert which was a triumph in every way. The number of musicians, the quality of the singing, the beautiful sound of the orchestra, the community feel with the adult choir, all showed once again what can be achieved with our dedicated team and committed performers.

Highlights included Tom Dyke’s outstanding solo in the third movement of Mozart’s Violin Concerto and the stunning finale where our three choirs joined the strings for Wake Me Up, specially arranged by Keith Willis.

This week, we move on to AS and A2 recitals. With a visiting examiner coming on Wednesday and Thursday, the 20 musicians have worked so hard in preparation for 40% of their total grade. On Tuesday evening at 7pm we have the recital where each will perform one of their pieces. Everything from Sonny Rollins to Smooth Jazz to Rogers and Hammerstein to Baroque Oboe to the music of Purcell. Oh, and some beautiful piano music from Tchaikovsky and music performed on the marimba. It promises to be a wonderful evening. It really is a delight to hear what our musicians can achieve to the very highest standard.

On Thursday and Friday we had two full days of Trinity exams which produced a great set of results – well done to everyone: NAME

FORM

INSTRUMENT

GRADE

RESULT

ROSE SHEPHERD

10N

BASSOON

5

DISTINCTION

ALEX DELAMEILLEURE

12A

BASSOON

6

PASS

KATIE GRESTY

11M

CLARINET

6

MERIT

CHARLOTTE BENHAM

12R

CLARINET

6

MERIT

CLARE SPOONER

11B

CLARINET

6

MERIT

CHLOE CARTER

7M

FLUTE

1

MERIT

TABITHA HUMMERSTON

9A

FLUTE

2

DISTINCTION

LIZZIE PICKUP

10A

FLUTE

3

DISTINCTION

REBECCA BURNSIDE

9N

FLUTE

4

MERIT

REBECCA SPOONER

9B

FLUTE

4

DISTINCTION

GEORGIA WHITEAR

13A

FLUTE

8

MERIT

ROWENA CARR

7A

GUITAR

2

DISTINCTION

JULIANNA GLINKOWSKA

7A

GUITAR

2

DISTINCTION

JOEL PATTISON

8R

GUITAR

2

DISTINCTION

MARC AINGE

8L

GUITAR

3

DISTINCTION

JAMES ROLLINS

9B

GUITAR

4

DISTINCTION

GRACE BORONTE

13L

GUITAR

5

DISTINCTION

ALEX MURPHY

9A

GUITAR

5

MERIT

OLIVER MURPHY

10L

KEYBOARD

2

DISTINCTION

BEN KENWAY

8A

PIANO

4

DISTINCTION

KITTY VOSS

10M

JAZZ SAX

3

DISTINCTION

MADDY DURBIN

8R

SAXOPHONE

4

DISTINCTION

JOSHUA GREEN

7A

JAZZ SAX

4

MERIT

NATALIA F-VINSON

12R

SAXOPHONE

6

MERIT

ANDREW AUSTIN

11R

JAZZ SAX

8

MERIT

SARAH O’BRIEN

13L

SAXOPHONE

8

MERIT

ALEX THOMSON

13A

JAZZ SAX

8

MERIT

IMOGEN TURNER

13N

JAZZ SAX

8

MERIT

MATTHEW DAVIS

7M

TROMBONE

1

MERIT

DANNY ORPIN

7M

TROMBONE

1

MERIT

SAM WILLIS

8M

TROMBONE

1

PASS

ANDREW COUSINS

7B

TRUMPET

1

DISTINCTION

LOUIS BROAD

7L

TRUMPET

2

DISTINCTION

SEAN HARRIS

11N

TRUMPET

2

MERIT

SOPHIE HUMMERSTON

9A

VIOLIN

2

DISTINCTION

TOM THORNTON

11B

VIOLIN

5

MERIT

Finally, a reminder that tickets are now on sale for our next concert on Saturday 25th April – see attached poster.

PE NEWS Football Update Year 8 Boys lose out on penalties to Broxbourne in the District Final

The Year 8 Boys played Broxbourne on Wednesday night in the District final. It was quite a close and tense affair with the match ending all square at 2-2 after extra time. The game then went to penalties and at the end of the 5 taken, it was all square at 4-4, however Broxbourne went on to win 6-5. Thank you to all who came to support the boys.

Year 7 Boys Football District Cup Semi-Finalists On Friday 13th March the Year 7 boys took to the field to play their district cup semi-final. It was a great achievement to get this in the competition and the boys met their match in a strong Turnford side. Despite some great performances, particularly from Aiden Read and Owen Hedge – who has recently come into the side and scored 5 goals in 3 games – the boys lost out 4-2. Their aim will be to win this competition next year.

Saturday morning fixtures The following morning the boys were straight back out for a fixture away to Roundwood. Simon Balle dominated the game and the goals flowed. Aaron Hale was on the scoresheet to keep up his impressive record this year and the boys ran out 6 -1 winners.

Girls Football The U16 Girls football team have had an amazing season. On Wednesday the girls beat John F Kennedy to become county champions. With the match going into extra time, the girls stepped up and finished extra time winning the match 3-0.

Goals were scored from Tor Hill and Georgia Turville. Well done to all girls.

Also congratulations to the Year eleven and year ten girls who beat Freeman college 5-1 to become District eleven a side champions. This is the fifth year in a row that these Year 11 girls have been District champions!

Hockey Update Simon Balle were Senior Hockey District Tournament runners up last week. Winning against John Warner 1-0 but losing 1-0 to Presdales.

Sportshall Athletics

County Sportshall Athletics Final On Tuesday 17th March we took two teams (Y7 & Y8 Boys) to the County Sportshall Finals at Wodson Park. Y7 boys had qualified as Herts & Ware champions and the Y8 boys as District Champions.

The Y7 boys finished 5th overall in the County which is a great achievement and tribute to all their hard work at lunch-times and after-school.

The Y8 boys won the competition to become County Champions and retain their crown but this time by a big margin of 15 points. The boys showed some real steel with performance of the day coming from Jean N as he won the Long Jump and Shot Putt as well as running a great leg in the Relay to steer the boys to victory.

Athletics Leaders Students, Aimee Chipperfield, Luke Yeardye, Lily Jones, Louise Reilly, Harriet Keal & Abbie Clarke completed a level 1 Athletics leaders award on Saturday 20th March.

These students will now support our Satellite Athletics club over the summer term.

Rugby News Y8 County Shield Champions

Last Friday we took 32 boys to the County Rugby Finals at St. Albans Boys playing fields. Both teams had qualified by winning their District ‘emerging schools’ Championships. On the day both teams started off well, winning both their group games to qualify for the semi-finals.

The Y7 boys lost a close game and were unlucky not to score more tries.

The Y8 boys beat Thomas Aleyne School convincingly and went on to face Longdean School in the final. (Longdean had beaten Highfield, the favourites, in their semi-final.)

However, the boys displayed great teamwork to score 4 tries in the first half with player of tournament Albert N managing some notable scores. The boys held out to win 40-0 to crown off a great season for the boys!

Year 7 Broxbourne Tournament On Friday 6th March the boys went over to Broxbourne school to compete in a invitational tournament. The standard of the teams was very high and the boys lost both of their group games.

After that they played games against Beaumont and St. Edmund's, winning one and drawing the other to come 8th out of 12 teams. They learned a lot in defeat and used this to improve their performance. There is no doubt that this tournament lead to the fantastic results that followed.

Cheerleading Year 8 cheerleaders went to Woodfield Leisure centre in Watford on Sunday 15th to the Saracens Cheerleading competition. The girls performance was excellent and their development as a squad from the last competition was clear. The girls lifts went brilliantly and was a great performance to open the competition. This was the last competition of the school year and was a great performance to finish up with. Well Done to all the girls for their commitment over the last 2 months.

Cross country On Friday 20th March we competed at the district cross country which was held at Presdales school. Trixie Wraith in Y7 came second with a great run and a great finish. George Rumbold in Y9 came in second again finishing well to secure his place. The Inter boys team won the team event with Jacob Fenwick winning and Jamielee Marshall coming in second. Strong performances from Alex Washbourne and Luke Yeardye helped the team win the event. The Inter girls team had a strong race coming second in the team event. Elspeth Grace, Harriet Kealy, Louise Reilly and Lily Jones all ran strongly to gain that 2nd place team place.

Netball The Year 10 Netball team competed at the district Netball tournament. The girls played brilliantly. They started off against Broxbourne and Goff School. These school have been national finalists in previous years so competition was tough. The girls were strong but started with 2 defeats. The girls really demonstrated their strength as a team by coming back to win the rest of their games against Haileybury, Presdales, Chauncy and Turnford. The girls performance was excellent and the girls deserved their 3 rd place in the tournament. Well Done.

Girls’ Cricket Competition Last Wednesday Simon Balle girl’s cricket players took part in The Lady Taverner’s girls cricket competition.

The Y7/8 team got to the final after straight wins in their pool group but they missed out by 2 runs in the final.

The Y9/10 team also won through – playing really well and working hard as a team but ultimately missed out in their final against Herts and Essex High School.

Well done to all girls involved.

Year 10 Basketball Team in action, beating St. Mary’s School 38-35

Sportsbytes 

Congratulations to Harrison Coxshall who has been selected to represent Hertfordshire for the second year running to compete in golf’s McPartlin trophy against Bedfordshire, Essex and Middlesex on July 5th.



Good luck to all students who are travelling to Holland over Easter. We are taking 3 football teams and 3 Netball teams. Please see updates on @sbspedept on twitter