Lihan’s Story
Lihan joined in Year 4 and gained top grades across the board.
He is moving to Exeter and will attend Exeter College for his A- levels in physics, maths, and physical education.
“I am so happy with my results, I couldn’t have done it without the school. The support that my teachers have given me in order to excel in my academics and sports is unmatched. They really make you feel part of the Ballard family.
Since moving from South Africa to the UK, I was welcomed with open arms. Thanks to the ‘buddy’ system, I made friends from day one and kept them all the way through to results day. The DEL system and its incredible teachers have helped me with English as a second language and I believe with their help back in year 4 and 5, together with the exceptional English department, I was able to achieve high results in my English GCSEs. My creativity was also stretched with great art lessons until year 9, and design technology lessons all the way to GCSE, where I achieved top marks with the support from my teachers. From my first project which was a small acrylic engraved keyring to making a full shelving unit by using laser cutting (and a lot of wood) for my GCSE final project. I gained so many valuable skills. The small community at Ballard means you form personal relationships with your teachers, making you feel part of the family, with special memories both inside and outside the classroom.
Sport has been a huge part of my journey and Ballard has given me countless opportunities both in fixtures and lessons. I enjoy playing sports such as cricket and Ballard has given me the opportunity to develop my skills while also encouraging me to try sports that I’ve never even thought of trying such as hockey and basketball, which I grew a passion for playing. With the support of the school and the PE staff I’ve been playing for the first team hockey for New Forest and recently chosen for the Hampshire academy pathway. I have been selected to play for the Exeter College Cricket Academy program and hope to keep pushing myself to achieve even more in sport.
Ballard has not only helped me get excellent grades and sporting achievements but has also taught me a lot about life. When I first joined, I was a shy kid who didn’t ask many questions and rarely spoke. My teachers always encouraged to ask questions and speak in class. Over time, my confidence grew, and the support has made me able to give presentations in front of all my peers and even in assemblies which, 8 years ago, I never could have seen myself doing. Ballard has given me the confidence to use my voice to present and become more and more independent.
Ballard has given me so many memories, from unforgettable trips abroad to the smallest moments in school life. I’ll never forget the scholars’ trip to Geneva to learn more about CERN and their large hadron collider or the New York trip in year 11, coincidently on my birthday. Watching the sunset from the Empire State Building, ice skating in central park and even going to watch a basketball game in Washington are experiences that I’ll cherish for years to come. Just as memorable are the everyday moments, like arriving every morning and receiving a firm handshake and a ‘Good Morning’ from Mr Marshall. Memories can also be made on the sports field from scoring the winning goal and playing in tournaments with friends to singing Adele on the bus trips between games. These memories stay with you throughout your time at Ballard and beyond.
The school’s co-curricular program at Ballard is phenomenal, with options to suit every interest. You could join the incredibly competitive football clubs in the evening or hockey clubs under the flood light. You could even join a music band and rehearse at Lunch or break. You could also learn more about faith and talk about it at Christian Union (as well as eat some donuts). Whatever your passion is, there will always be something you can be a part of.
My advice for any future pupils joining Ballard is simple, try everything, you never really know what you might enjoy until you give it a go, and when you do, give it your all and have fun. Your time at Ballard passes quickly, and before you know it, you’ll be standing with your GCSE results. So, make the most of every lesson, trip and breaktime. Looking back, I can say that Ballard has shaped me into a confident student, sportsman and person. The friendships and memories I’ve gained will stay with me forever.”
