Hamish and Olivia’s Stories

OUR EXPERIENCE OF JOINING BALLARD IN YEAR 7

Olivia: I joined Ballard in Year 7 and really loved the huge number of opportunities available to me. The teachers make the lessons fun and there is a long list of extra-curriculum clubs so there is something for everyone! I have had so much fun from being part of orchestra, cheerleading, theatre productions to doing 3D printing, laser cutting and really great science experiments. 

 My favourite memories of Year 7 are making new friends and laughing a lot whilst also learning a lot! My winter highlights were the Christmas concert and firework night. Summer was brilliant with the Bude residential trip and swimming in the Ballard pool! 

Year 7 Admissions Day is a chance for you to have a taste of Ballard life and meet the Ballard community. It’s all about team-building games and you also get to use the design and technology labs and try out some sports. My advice to any students coming to Admissions Day is don’t be nervous, just be yourself and have fun. 

Hamish: I have been at Ballard for just over a year having joined in year 7 and I have really enjoyed it. At my old school, the classes were huge, and it was hard to concentrate with all the distractions or be noticed when trying to answer a question. However, since I have joined Ballard, my grades have improved a lot, and I enjoy my subjects so much more. My favourite subject is definitely PE as it is taught by amazing teachers who bring out the best in us and it is really fun as well. However, I enjoy most of my subjects and even in those that aren’t my favourite, I am encouraged and challenged to do my best. I am proud of my achievements.  

The activities after school are amazing and there is so much choice. They have lots of varieties from sports like football, rugby and circuit training, to academics, art, board games and music. I have loved being part of the band and have performed guitar solos in a busy theatre, as well as playing with the band.  

I really loved Year 7 at Ballard, and my favourite memory was being put forward to trial for the Gothia Youth World Cup by the Director of Sport, and then being selected to attend the tournament in Gothenburg. An experience I wouldn’t have had elsewhere! 

My favourite things about the Year 7 Admissions Day were the amazing lunch plus all the fun activities. It is your opportunity to make friends, have fun and find out more about what Ballard has to offer. You will meet great teachers, current pupils and future friends. My advice to all those attending is to be yourself, enjoy the amazing activities on the day and make the most of all the opportunities. And don’t forget to ask any questions you may have because the teachers at Ballard always want to help.