New Milton Advertiser 2nd Oct 2020

30 · Friday, 2nd October, 2019

email: news@adt.press / advertising@adt.press · tel: 01425 613384

Ella’s story Where academics thrive and excel

“I love that, at Ballard, I can be smart without having to hide it. At other schools you can be picked on, or called a nerd, but here it’s seen as a good thing. When I joined I was immediately chal- lenged academically, particularly in Maths and English. I instantly felt at home, everyone was so friendly and they got me. The range of les- sons, facilities and specialist teach- ers helped me start my fantastic journey at Ballard. “Ballard is so intellectually stim- ulating, there is so much to do and we learn so many important skills to help us in and out of the class- room. Highlights for me include our weekly ‘Apprentice Challenge’ in Year 5, the Leadership and Gift- ed & Talented days and pitching our innovative breakfast cereal in the Dragons’ Den. Team-building days, mentoring younger pupils, becoming a Year 8 prefect as well as reading at the Remembrance Service are all great memories. I was also delighted to follow in the footsteps of our other scholars - reaching the top 8% of the country for the Townsend Warner History Prize. “There is a plethora of opportu- nities across all four pillars: STEM, arts, sports and life. The arts are an

“A Ballard education is about finding a passion in our pupils and giving them the room and encouragement to fly. Whether their passion is Art, Music, History or Maths, we ensure that our young people have every opportunity to develop and grow.” Andrew McCleave, Headmaster O ur Academic Scholars love the balance of academic rigour and life at Ballard. Whether it is: joining our poten- tial plus programme, designed to stretch and challenge the keenest minds; being the star of the show; STEM success at the Soroptimist and Teen Tech challenges; or win- ning gold; “You can have it all at Ballard.” (Ella, Year 9) Ella joined us in Year 4, becom- ing an academic scholar in Year 7. Here is her story so far…

important part of life at Ballard. I loved Harp Club and I’m now stud- ying Grade 5 cello . I was Narla in the ‘Lion King’ and Wendy in ‘Pe- ter Pan’. Sports at Ballard are very inclusive and we do really rath- er well, I have won athletics and swimming medals. “I’m a big fan of all the extra-cur- ricular activities; jewellery mak- ing, volleyball, pops orchestra, even with COVID restrictions we still have a variety, including DofE Bronze Award, volunteering at St Barbes Museum as a young cu- rator and can’t wait for the expe- ditions. Ballard also supports me with all my activities out of School, swimming for the Sea Scouts and taking time-out for filming. “I love all the trips: from learning the physics of rides at Paulton’s Park in Year 4 to speaking French throughout our Year 6 Normandy trip. My favourite, so far, was Bude - it was incredible and our year got even closer. “So why come to Ballard?...be- cause Ballard includes everything. Anything you want to do, you can do it at Ballard. I have made so many friends, the teachers are fantastic, and the School, the place itself, is wonderful.” To sign up for our scholarship programme please contact our registrar, Lynsey Davis, 01425 626900.

01425 626900 Fernhill Lane, NewMilton BH25 5SU Award-Winning Co-Educational Day School for ages 2-16, serving Hampshire & Dorset “Quite simply, a remarkable school” (Parent) Inviting applications from exceptional pupils for our Scholarship Programme into Years 3, 7 & 9 ballardschool.co.uk

Ballard School Ltd exists for the education of children. Registered Charity No. 307328