Teaching and Learning
We don’t leave progress and academic achievement to chance – it’s driven by purposeful teaching, high expectations, and a deep understanding of our pupils as individuals. From the very beginning of a child’s journey through to their GCSEs, our teaching goes beyond the classroom – it shapes confident, learners ready to take on the world.
We believe that quality teaching leads to great learning. Our framework for teaching and learning is research based and supported by evidence of best practice. The Ballad Basics consist of the Six Mastery Fundamentals: Challenge, explanation, modelling, deliberate practice, questioning and feedback, all supported by scaffolding.
Embracing Technology
We embrace technology as a powerful enabler of inclusive, engaging, and future-ready learning. Every pupil from Years 6 to 11 is equipped with a Microsoft Surface laptop ensuring seamless access to digital resources both in school and at home. Pupils below Year 6 benefit from access to banks of laptops and iPads, supporting age-appropriate digital learning and creativity across the curriculum. Learning is structured and supported through Microsoft Teams, where assignments are set and feedback is shared, and Class Notebook, which hosts lesson materials across all subjects – making learning accessible anytime, any where.
The digital ecosystem is underpinned by best practice, including guidance from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), which highlights the importance of using technology to support effective teaching strategies. Tools like Immersive Reader promote accessibility and inclusion, particularly for pupils with additional needs, while apps such as Sentence Builders, Seneca, Tassomai, and Blooket are used to embed and extend learning in engaging, evidence-informed ways.
In line with our commitment to innovation and academic integrity, Ballard has introduced a new AI Policy that ensures artificial intelligence is used to complement learning, not replace it. Pupils are educated to use AI tools safely, ethically, and with academic rigour – a message reinforced through our PSHE programme, the IT curriculum, and assemblies led by the Director of Teaching and Learning. This approach empowers students to harness the potential of AI responsibly, preparing them for a digital future while maintaining the highest standards of scholarship and integrity.
Department of Enhanced Learning: SEND
We believe every pupil deserves an exceptional education – one that recognises individual needs, champions high standards, and supports each learner to fulfil their potential. We understand that every child is different, with a unique set of skills, talents, strengths and weaknesses.
Our Department of Enhanced Learning (DEL) aims to support our pupils by playing to pupil strengths and teaching skills and strategies to support the areas that pupils may find a bit tricky.
We focus on what pupils can do. For example, dyslexic learners may struggle with spelling of handwriting, but they often excel in dynamic reasoning, spatial awareness, and creative problem-solving. One or our pupils, who found reading a challenge, designed and built a robot that solved a Rubik’s Cube – proof that brilliance comes in many forms.
We recognise that neurodivergent thinking often leads to innovation, empathy, and resilience. Our goal is to help pupils harness these strengths and apply them across all areas of school life.
Most Able @ Ballard
Unlocking Potential, Supporting Excellence
We believe that exceptional ability deserves exceptional care. Our Most Able provision is designed to challenge without pressure, support without limits, and celebrate every pupil’s unique talents. From enrichment opportunities and early GCSE entry to flexible, personalised curriculum pathways, we ensure our high-ability pupils are stretched, inspired and thriving with a particular attention to the unique well – being concerns and issues that this specific cohort of students often encounter.
Challenge is part of every classroom through our “Teach to the Top” approach. Teachers plan rich, open-ended tasks, model excellence, and embed extension within lessons – not as add-ons, but as expectations. Feedback is thought-provoking and growth-focused, designed to deepen thinking and build independence. Questioning is purposeful and open, encouraging pupils to justify ideas, take intellectual risks and develop metacognitive skills.
Key to our success is the expertise of our teaching staff. We invest in subject knowledge and pedagogy through high-quality CPD, ensuring that all teachers are equipped to both stretch and support our most able learners. Our provision nurtures emotional, social, and academic development alike, with staff attuned to the unique pressures high-ability pupils may face.
At Ballard, we don’t just recognise potential – we help it flourish. Excellence is not just encouraged – it’s expected, supported and celebrated.
From targeted academic mentoring to competitions, mentoring and leadership roles, our provision opens doors – and minds – to what’s possible.
Scholarships
Supporting Excellence Through Scholarships
We are looking for exceptionally talented pupils who show passion, dedication and resilience as well as skill, knowledge and aptitude in their chosen disciplines. Scholars must also demonstrate an overall commitment to engaging positively in school life.
We accept applications from current pupils and those who are registered for entry into Ballard between Years 7-10.
Scholars may apply for a single discipline Scholarship – Academic, Art, DT, Music, Performing Arts (Dance, Drama, Musical Theatre), and Sport. Or chose two of these specialisms for the Ballardian All-round Scholarship.
Please visit our Scholarship page to find out more.
Careers
Preparing Pupils for Life Beyond Ballard
We are deeply committed to preparing our pupils not just for exams, but for life beyond school. Our careers programme is designed to inspire ambition, build confidence, and equip every pupil with the skills and experiences they need to thrive in the modern world.
From an early age, pupils are encouraged to explore their interests and strengths through a wide range of opportunities, including:
- Dedicated Careers Guidance: One-to-one support in Year 9 and tailored advice help pupils make informed choices about their future pathways as part of the Year 9 Options process, whether that’s university, apprenticeships, or direct entry into the workplace. Year 10 benefit from a week of face-to-face work placements.
- Mock Interviews: Pupils take part in mock interviews in Year 11, helping them build confidence and refine communication skills. Feedback is provided to improve performance and interview technique.
- Life Skills & Leadership Development: Through enrichment activities, public speaking, enterprise projects, and leadership roles, pupils build essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and resilience.
- Guest Speakers & Careers Events: Regular talks from alumni and industry experts broaden horizons and spark curiosity about future possibilities. We have a really successful Post-16 Careers and Education Exhibition at the beginning of the Autumn Term which is well attended by parents and pupils from across the school years. We also have annual guest speakers from local post 16 providers.
- Form Time Provision and PSHE: Years 6-11 benefit from careers input in Form Time three times a term. This complements the ‘Living in the Wider World’ aspects of the PSHE programme which pupils receive from Year R-11
At Ballard, we don’t just prepare pupils for their next step – we prepare them for a lifetime of success, fulfilment, and contribution.
