We aim to develop academic and personal qualities to the full; we have high expectations of all our students. The curriculum is broad and balanced; upon transfer students are placed in six mixed ability forms. All core subjects are set during Key Stage Three. Very able students are stretched through the setting of challenging work, whilst those with learning difficulties are often supported by a teaching assistant.
All students at Key Stage Three study English, Maths, Science, French, German, Drama, History, Geography, Music, Art, Technology and PE. In addition, all students follow courses in Personal Health and Social Education, Citizenship, ICT and RE. Throughout Key Stage Three, some students will receive additional support with literacy and numeracy.
The size of the school allows for a range of course to be offered at GCSE and A level. Most of our students in Years 10 and 11 achieve 10 GCSEs at grade C or above. The setting of homework, the monitoring of both lessons and of individual performance is very important at Simon Balle. Homework is set and feedback given regularly. All students are issued with a planner; we ask parents to check that homework is set and completed. The amount of homework increases when students enter examination years. At Simon Balle we are interested in educating the whole person. We offer a large range of activities to ensure this happens.
All sports are very popular and successful, with a 'sport for all' policy followed. We have many talented sportsmen and women who participate at local, national and international levels. Our facilities support our work; we have a swimming pool, All Weather Pitch, fitness suite and gym. Music is a particular strength, with over a quarter of students having tuition. There are performances from the orchestra, jazz or big band, choir and individual musicians. Most years a large number of our students and staff travel to other European countries to perform. Dance is popular for boys and girls, being taught at examination level. Annual shows and competitions are held. A wide variety of clubs and activities take place. These include homework, chess, drama, dance, art, music, IT, science and geography clubs.