This week has seen the launch of the options process for our Year 9 students. Mr Connor ran an assembly this week introducing the process and an Options Booklet and further information for parents will be sent home next week.  

The options process is an exciting time as it sees our students take an active part in decisions affecting their education and the subjects they will take. It’s an important rite of passage for students and one that is key to a successful Key Stage 4. The Options Evening itself will take place on 7 March. Before that, we have the Year 9 Parents Evening, which takes place on 8 February. Full details were sent to parents this week.    

It has been a busy week for our Year 11 students as they have been tackling mock exams in their option subjects. Their attitude and application have been really pleasing. These mocks will give the students a clear idea of where they are and what work remains in preparation for the summer exams. Week 2 of the Options Mocks continues next week.   

As part of their Art Exam preparation project work, our Year 11 Fine Artists visited Bristol this week. It was a busy walking tour where students visited a variety of locations to photograph and sketch, including the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Cabot Tower, Bristol Cathedral, the MShed Museum and Harbourside. The afternoon was a great inspiration for their independent exam projects where they will be able to use these resources. 

A range of sporting fixtures took place this week, including: 

• Year 7 Football – the Year 7 girls played Denmark Road this week. On a bitterly cold and wet evening, the girls put in a fantastic performance, winning 4 – 1. There were goals from Maddison T and Brooke F and a Player of the Match performance from Amber H.  

• Year 7 Football – on Thursday Seven Vale hosted the annual district U12s football tournament for girls, with the biggest attendance in history of 10 schools. It was a fantastic evening of football. Our girls finished runners-up in their group. They then beat Barnwood 1 - 0 in the semi-final and were narrowly defeated 1 - 0 by Churchdown in the final. However, they do still qualify for a place in the County Finals being held at Cirencester Town next term. Player of the Tournament was Amber H. 

• Year 7 Football – on Monday evening we hosted our first football participation tournament against Gloucester Academy. We had 44 SV students playing four ten-minute games. All the games were played in a great spirit with some skilful play on display. SV won all their games with excellent performances from Koby D, Mason L and Josh G. 

• Year 8 Football – on Tuesday evening our Year 8 boys travelled over to Gloucester Academy for their first football fixture of the year. The game was played in awful conditions, but that didn't impact the way the boys wanted to play. The ball was moved around the pitch and they worked hard for each other. SV won 7-0 with goals from Taylor W, Reuban S, and Damian D. Player of the Match went to Alvin D for his excellent work ethic and four assists. 

• Year 11 Football – our Year 11s don’t get too many matches, so it was a pleasure to watch them play Holmleigh Park this week. It was as physical an encounter as you would expect in such a game, but SV’s superior control and goal threat led to a 7 – 1 victory. There were goals from Henry D-D, Zack J and an early contender for goal of the season from Jaiden C. Special mention to Josh B and Henry D-D for their relentless work and excellent leadership. 

In other sporting news, our new trampoline was delivered this week. It has already been put to good use by our new trampolining club held on Monday evenings, which has proved hugely popular with the students.  

As always, I include 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.   

A reminder that Monday 29 January is an Inset Day and school will be open for staff only. We will see the students on Tuesday 30 January.  

I do hope you have a great weekend, 

Richard Johnson 
Headteacher