Co-Curricular

Activities’ Programme:

At the heart of our Co-Curricular provision is our Activities Programme. We offer over 175 clubs per week for our pupils to choose from.

Whether it be to develop a passion, focus on a talent, or try something completely new, our Activities’ Programme is designed to give pupils of all ages a breadth of opportunities. Co-Curricular activities are categorised to help pupils choose appropriately and there are numerous opportunities to gain accreditation, enter competitions, participate in productions and sports teams and so much more.

View our sample Co-Curricular Programme for the Autumn Term below:

“I’m so grateful to be part of a school that offers such a rich and varied experience.” Year 9 Pupil

Ballard Pupils Embark on Adventures Near and Far

We offer a fantastic range of trips from Year 1 to Year 11 with Year 5 experiencing their first residential trip. Pupils explore, discover, and grow in confidence and curiosity.

As the summer term draws to a close, pupils eagerly anticipate one of the most exciting times of the year – Trips Week. This much-loved tradition offers unforgettable experiences that extend learning far beyond the classroom.

Highlights include:

• Year 6 exploring the Isle of Wight
• Year 7 diving into outdoor adventure activities in Bude
• Year 8 discovering French culture and history in Normandy
• Year 9 immersing themselves in the vibrant city of Valencia

These residential trips are more than just travel, they are opportunities for pupils to grow in confidence, independence, and resilience. They learn to navigate new environments, build friendships, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Beyond Trips Week, Ballard pupils enjoy a rich calendar of excursions throughout the year, including:

• Cultural visits to Paris (and a visit to Disneyland), and New York and Washington, offering global perspectives and unforgettable memories
• Ski trips that combine sport, challenge, and fun in stunning alpine settings
• History-focused journeys to the Battlefields of Ypres, Whitechapel in London (supporting the Crime and Punishment topic), and the SeaCity Museum in Southampton to explore the story of the Titanic

Day trips also play a vital role in enriching the curriculum. Pupils visit:

• Museums, galleries, and theme parks, including the magical Harry Potter World
• Local historic sites, giving younger pupils a sense of place and heritage
• The ever-popular Marwell Zoo, a favourite among our youngest learners

These experiences help pupils connect classroom learning to real-world contexts, spark curiosity, and foster a lifelong love of discovery. They also nurture key skills such as adaptability, teamwork, and cultural awareness – preparing pupils for life beyond school.

At Ballard, we believe that education should be an adventure. With opportunities aplenty, our pupils are encouraged to explore, engage, and grow – wherever their journey takes them.

Performing Arts are at the heart of our school, with a team of specialist staff teaching from Pre-Prep up to GCSE.

We continually strive to provide our pupils with the very best and most exciting experiences in Performing Arts. Our strength in this area has been recognised in numerous awards including our current Artsmark Gold and ISA Award for Performing Arts.

Whether it be on stage, in the studio, as a member of the Orchestra, Sound and Lighting team, Theatre Production team or within visual arts, there is something for everyone here at Ballard.

Our inclusive philosophy ensures that all pupils, at all stages of the school, will have the opportunity to participate in regular musical, dance and dramatic productions, concerts and other performance events, while our most able pupils are stretched and challenged through our Scholars’ programme and range of enrichment opportunities and links to professional artists and organisations.

Recent Highlights Include: Grease, Guys and Dolls, Footloose, The Lion King and Finding Nemo.

At Ballard, we are proud to nurture the next generation of performers, creators, and storytellers. With every production, our pupils continue to raise the bar – proving that when talent meets opportunity, the results are truly outstanding.

Visit our Productions Page to learn more.

At Ballard School, sport is more than just physical activity—it’s a vital part of our pupils’ development and a source of pride across the school community. Led by a dedicated team of sports specialists, our full and varied sports programme offers every pupil the chance to thrive, compete, and enjoy the many benefits of an active lifestyle.

From Reception to Year 11, pupils are encouraged to participate in a wide range of sports, including:

• Rugby, football, netball, hockey, cricket, basketball and badmington
• Athletics, swimming, tennis, gymnastics, mountain biking and volleyball
• Cross-country, dance, and fitness training

Our specialist staff bring passion, expertise, and high expectations to every session, ensuring that pupils receive outstanding coaching and support – whether they’re representing the school in competitive fixtures or simply enjoying sport for fun and wellbeing.

Visit Sport @ Ballard to learn more about our outstanding Sports provision.

Ballard School is proud to offer an outstanding Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) programme, with record numbers of pupils now participating in both the Bronze and Silver levels. This nationally recognised scheme continues to be a cornerstone of our enrichment offering, helping pupils develop essential life skills, build resilience, and discover their potential beyond the classroom.

Led by experienced staff and supported by a structured programme, pupils take part in a wide range of activities including:

• Volunteering in the community
• Learning new skills such as cooking, photography, or first aid
• Committing to regular physical activity
• Planning and completing adventurous expeditions in the countryside

Our pupils and parents are incredibly charitable and think nothing of raising money for a myriad of good causes. As well as charity, they also hold the school community, local community and indeed many other communities, including those overseas, close to their hearts.

The Ballard family is often seen rallying round others in need. We are currently supporting Schools for Sierra Leone, raising money to fund and ship a shipping container full of books and resources to Sierra Leone.

Our pupils believe that fundraising can be fun, especially the annual Santa Dash around Lymington, which raises money for the local Oakhaven Hospice. A team of Ballard pupils, parents, staff and alumni (and dogs!) take part in this fun event. Our choir also sings at their Christmas fundraiser to help raise funds.

Closer to home, we support war veterans with our permanent memorial, poppy appeal and Remembrance Service, whilst also joining our local community for their remembrance parades.

There are many ways in which Ballard becomes involved in the community alongside all the charity work. We open our doors each year for our ‘Heritage Open Morning Scheme’ as well as running a series of Careers Lectures.

Our Music department regularly perform at the Christchurch Priory, Beaulieu Abbey, local care homes and fundraise by singing Carols at the Chewton Glen.

They also provide a wonderful Christmas Community Concert in our Performing Arts Centre (PAC). We invite local care home residents and their carers for a morning of festive music performed by our pupils. Hot drinks and mince pies are served and the residents are encouraged to sing along.

Local primary schools are invited to watch our school performances. We transport pupils to and from the show and they especially love the half time ice creams!