The penultimate week of term is complete. A week that saw a number of activities take place for our students. One of those was the Year 11 photo. It is a key landmark in their year and signals that their time with us is drawing to a close. Parents and students will have the opportunity to purchase the photo shortly.

Last Friday saw over 60 students take part in the third annual Severn Vale 5km run. The weather gods were not smiling as hail and high winds lashed the participants. This did not dim the spirits of those taking part and there was a great community feeling and plenty of encouragement for all. This year the charity to support was chosen by our Year 7 Student Ambassadors. They identified the James Hopkins Trust as their chosen charity. Over £330 was raised to support their great work. Thanks to all who participated and supported this great event.  

This week saw three groups of talented KS3 students enjoying an exciting, hands-on workshop to help reimagine our local community space. Joining forces with Tyler Attwood from Your Next Move Gloucester, and graffiti artists Juice and Zed, the students spent the sessions developing creative concepts for a brand-new mural destined for a local underpass. It was a brilliant opportunity for our young artists to see professional creators in action, while learning how to design their own graffiti-inspired lettering and imagery. We are incredibly proud of their contributions to this public project and would like to extend a huge thank you to Tyler, Juice, and Zed for delivering such an inspiring and high-energy workshop!

On Tuesday, we welcomed the Holly Gazzard Trust into school to deliver an awareness assembly and workshop to our Year 9 students. The assembly was designed so the students understand what a healthy relationship looks like, and equally, what it does not look like. The Holly Gazzard Trust provided expert guidance to raise awareness of unacceptable behaviours and help equip our students with the knowledge and confidence to avoid or safely leave unhealthy or abusive situations. This workshop formed part of our wider commitment to ensuring students receive meaningful education around wellbeing, personal safety, and positive relationships.

This week also saw us launch an exciting opportunity for our current Year 9 and 10s to take part in an expedition to Malaysia in the summer of 2027.  We are partnering with World Challenge to facilitate what promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  Students received a presentation from the expedition provider in prep this week and they are holding an online parents' information evening on 24 March at 6pm.  All details have been sent out to the parents of those year groups and a link to sign up for the online event can be found in the letter.  If you'd like to find out more, just register via the link.

Fixtures this week have included:

• Year 7 Netball – our Year 7s played their last fixture of the year today away at St Peter’s. They played some excellent netball with both teams putting in a dominant performance. Our A team won 20-0 and our B team 12-0!!!!!!! The girls have improved so much this year; we cannot wait for next year! Players of the match went to Ella W and Lilly W for their accurate shooting skills.

• Year 9 Netball – the year 9A and B teams took on Denmark Road this week in a series of games. The girls played 4 matches, coming away with a win, a draw and two losses. There was some great play from all. Players of the match went to Izabella, Caity and Kyra. Well done all. 

I’m pleased to pass on more sporting success for one of our students. Year 9 student, Ava Cook recently competed in the South West Gymnastics Prelims. Ava and her partners performed a beautiful routine and bagged a gold medal. Ava will now represent the South West in the NDP Acrobatic National Finals in May. Well done Ava!

As always, I end with my weekly reminder about Free School Meals eligibility. If your financial circumstances have changed, your child may be eligible for Free School Meals. If you click on this link you will find guidance on the eligibility criteria and the application process. It's a quick process and we are notified of all FSM entitlements by Gloucestershire County Council each Monday. I would urge you to take a look if you think you may benefit from financial assistance.   

I hope you have a great weekend.

Regards

Richard Johnson 
Headteacher