At Northern Education Trust Kirk Balk Academy, we share a vision of being ‘Outcomes Focused, Child Centred’. As such, we believe that all students are entitled to educational experiences that are both enjoyable and enriching.

You may already be aware that in order to achieve this, over the course of Key Stage 3, all students have the opportunity to take part in our ‘EBACC Experiences’ programme. This programme is designed to provide exciting experiences and events which take place throughout each year of Key Stage 3. All experiences are offered to our students completely free of charge and allow students to explore a range of topics from different subjects that make up the English Baccalaureate – a set of subjects studied at GCSE that keep our young peoples’ options open for further study and future careers.

The first EBACC Experience of the year for students in Y9 is due to take place on Tuesday 3rd December. This involves students watching a performance of A Christmas Carol in our Assembly Hall. The performance will be delivered by Quantum Theatre Company who have been touring for over thirty years helping bring the theatre to those who may not ordinarily have the access to experience a live performance.

Students will follow their normal school timetable until their class teacher escorts them to the assembly hall to watch the performance. Students do not need to bring anything with them during the experience and they will of course need to wear their school uniform as usual.

I am sure that this will be a fantastic event for all our Y9 students and I am looking forward to seeing them enjoy this unique and exciting experience.