Dear parents,

Another week flies by. It has been busy and purposeful although I am afraid it did start with some very bad news…

Balcarras pays tribute to Dr Joe Sharp

On Monday the school received the terribly sad news that Dr Joe Sharp passed away at the weekend. Dr Sharp joined Balcarras in 2004 and taught Chemistry for over a decade before joining the DT department and the Cover Supervisor team. He retired at Easter 2025.

I taught alongside Joe for 19 years and very much counted him as a friend. I went on numerous trips and visits with him and always enjoyed his company. To read the school’s tribute click here:

https://www.balcarras.gloucs.sch.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=1290

The school has opened a book of condolence, if anyone would like a message to be included, please emails admin@balcarras.gloucs.sch.uk

Open Week

It has been incredibly busy this week with hundreds of parents and prospective pupils visiting the school. I would like to thank the sixth form students who carried out the morning tours and all of the lower school pupils who came along on Thursday evening. I received so many positive messages from visitors about just how mature and welcoming our youngsters are. Nice to hear!

Everyone pulled out the stops to show off the school. We even employed a new window cleaning company called Towers, Burke and Baxter. See photo below:

Year 12 Icebreaker Event

On Wednesday Year 12 had their usual icebreaker event in the sports hall. They faced a range of problem solving activities and games.

Sponsored Walk and Sixth Form Bonding BBQ

Later today we have the Annual Balcarras Sponsored Walk. About 1100 people will tackle the course and the weather looks like it should be fine. It is a fine Balcarras tradition and we are all looking forward to it. The sixth formers don’t do the walk. Instead they have a bonding BBQ with some musical entertainment.

Staff Running Half Marathon

On Sunday about 30 staff members will run the Cheltenham half marathon in memory of our dear friend and former colleague, Kevin Clancy, who died earlier this year. They are running to support Sue Ryder and have already raised over £5,000. See news article here:

https://www.balcarras.gloucs.sch.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=1291

Introducing Debbie Innis Turnill

Debbie Innis Turnill is a former headteacher and currently works as a safeguarding consultant and expert. She has delivered training at Balcarras and has visited the school several times. Last year she wrote to me to ask if she could visit the school as part of her research for a doctorate at Birmingham University. Her research is about how best to create a safeguarding culture in educational settings. As part of her research Debbie will visit many schools. Most of her research will be based on interviews with staff but from time to time we might arrange meetings with student focus groups. I will shortly send you a letter about this.

Balcarras is keen to support action research where we can and I think the school will benefit from Debbie’s experience and insights.

Upcoming Events

PTFA Annual General Meeting Wednesday 24th September 7pm in the staff room at Balcarras (just by main reception). New members welcome.

Work Experience Launch for Year 10 Parents Thursday 25th September at 6pm in the Sixth Form Common Room

Annual Careers Fayre Thursday 2nd October from 5pm in the main hall

This week, the PTFA have launched their next event, all the details are on the website, the flyer is below:

Right that’s it. I hope you all have a nice weekend. I couldn’t get tickets to watch Leeds at Molineux which might be a good thing!

Dominic Burke