This week saw our annual Options Evening for parents and students in Year 9. It was a pleasure to see so many parents and to see the in-depth conversations taking place regarding subject choices. Getting options right is so important and is one of the key foundations for a successful KS4. Our students are lucky that they have a wide range of subjects on offer with subjects that should offer something for everyone.  The students will now be finalising their choices in readiness to complete their forms next week.  

It also saw engineers from Dowty come to school to take 16 of our KS3 students through the initial stages of the Flying Start Challenge 2024. Flying Start is designed to help students develop key skills and increase awareness of the excellent careers available in engineering. The aim is for teams composed of four students to design, build and test a model glider that they will present at the regional Fly-Off. Each team then has the chance to fly their glider against schools from the same region, with teams judged on the distance flown and, on a presentation, detailing the design decisions made.

The students were taken through the science and design of modern and historical planes. They evaluated materials, and chose within a budget to come up with a first design. The designs will now be built, trialled, and improved over the next few weeks before the Regional Fly-Off in April. Our students have made a fantastic start, and we wish them luck when they perform against the other competing schools!

A reminder that in one week (Friday 15 March) Year 7 have the opportunity to join Mr Spooner in his charity challenge by running a 5k with him after school. This is all in aid of Cancer Research UK and part of Mr Spooner’s challenge to run 60 5ks in 60 days. Students are asked to donate £1 to run and can do so through parent pay or by cash on the day. Should any other families from other years or non-runners wish to donate, it is also possible to do so via parent pay. Thanks in advance for helping to make this event a great success.

Also next week will be our annual food bank collection, organised by our student leaders. The collection will take place on Friday 15 March in aid of the Gloucester Foodbank. I know the student leaders have written to parents with full details. Anything you can do to support this will make a difference. Thank you in advance for your support.

Fixtures this week included:

• Year 8 Netball – our Year 8s faced a tough group in the District Netball tournament. They lost to very strong sides from Kings and Ribston, beat Henley Bank and narrowly missed out on wins against Crypt and St Peters in 2 very close matches. Players of the tournament went to Kacie S and Evie H who defended so well throughout every game.

• Year 9 Football - The year 9 boys played against a very good St Peters side last night. The boys battled hard with some making their SVS debuts and went into half-time only 3-1 down. Particular mention to Alec P who was strong in both attack and defence. Ryan P stepped at the last minute and made some terrific saves and Will L fought hard throughout. We lost 8-2 , but it was a big improvement on last year’s result.

• Year 10 Football – the Year 10s played their latest fixture against Newent School

• Year 11 Football – the Year 11 boys played St Peter’s this week in their latest fixture at Gloucester City’s ground against St Peter’s. Against a strong attacking St Peters team, the boys put in a superb performance. The effort and commitment from all could not be faulted, but they ultimately went down 2 – 1 in what was a fabulous game. Special mentions to Josh B, Will P and Kieran W.

I do hope you enjoy a great weekend.

Kind regards,

Richard Johnson
Headteacher