Today marks the fifth anniversary of the Covid lockdown. In many ways, those days seem almost unreal, and it can be difficult to remember quite how challenging that time was for us all. What has been real are the longer-term impacts on key trends in schools across the country, most particularly on attendance. We are beginning to see some signs of attendance rates recovering, as is the case across the country. They still remain way below the levels seen in 2019.

The impact of poor attendance on attainment was highlighted in two very stark reports from the DfE and the Education Policy Institute just last weekend. Their research echoed our school data, which shows that on average, those with good attendance achieved nearly a grade higher than expected in all their subjects, whilst on average, those with below 90% attendance achieved over half a grade lower than expected in all their subjects.  Thank you for doing all you can to support your child’s attendance to school.

As the year progresses, key milestones for Year 11 are coming thick and fast. Last week saw their final mock exams. Today we had their Year 11 photograph. There are now just over 20 days until the exam season proper starts. It is so important that the students are in each and every one of those days.

It has been a busy week for our Music department with some great opportunities being provided for our students. Last Sunday, the SVS Rhythm Ensemble, accompanied by Mr Khokher and Mr Martin, took part in the Music for Youth regional festival at Cheltenham Town Hall. They were well rehearsed and represented themselves, the band and the school really well. We are still waiting to hear if they have progressed to the next round, but just performing at such a prestigious event is an honour for all the performers. A huge well done to all who took part.

On Wednesday, a group of Year 7 and Year 10 students travelled to The Music Works in Gloucester to professionally record a piece they have been practising over the past few months. The facilities at the Music Works are fabulous, and it was a real treat for the students to have the opportunity to experience them and to record their song there. I look forward to sharing their finished piece when its production is complete.

All week our Year 10 GCSE Food students have been completing a mock run-through of their first piece of coursework. This involved them cooking a two-course meal. The quality of the food and its presentation was first class. If they perform to a similar standard in the real assessment, they should be able to secure some excellent marks.

Soph Sherratt represented our school at the FameLab Academy final at Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury on Thursday morning. She spoke on the topic of Anxiety and her performance was phenomenal. She exuded a quiet confidence that captivated the audience. She really did speak with clarity and charisma. We couldn't be more proud of her!

It was great to see the parents and students in school on Thursday evening for their briefing ahead of this Easter’s trip to Berlin and Krakow.  It promises to be a superb experience and one that I know will stay with the students for the rest of their lives. Thanks to the staff who are giving up part of their holidays to make this available to the students.

On the sporting front:

• This week we held our first Benchball fixture against Gloucester Academy. There was some excellent sportsmanship, great teamwork and plenty of smiles on display during the fixture. GA came away with the win but that was secondary to what was a great occasion. Players of the match went to Kayden H, Lucas S and Ranell H-T. 

• On Monday evening, we hosted Gloucester Academy in another mass participation Year 7 football fixture.  A slight miscommunication on their part led to 46 SV boys v 9 GA boys! The evening took some managing, but everyone got to play each other and all the students enjoyed the evening.

• The Year 10 boys played their final fixture of the season against Barnwood on Tuesday night. The boys played the best football they have played all season and had much of the possession. They pressed well and kept working towards getting the goal but unfortunately could not quite find the back of the net. They then conceded 2 quick goals, losing 2-0.

• Congratulations go to Year 8 students, Myla Alexander and Ava Cook. Both compete in gymnastics and following their respective Gold medals in the recent South-West preliminaries, have been chosen to represent the South-West in the National Finals in Stoke on Trent in May. What an amazing achievement!

• And finally, the biggest sporting event of the week takes place this evening with the annual staff v Year 11 football match. This year it is raising funds for the British Heart Foundation. The fun levels will be high; the quality of football from the staff probably not so much!!

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.   

Kind regards,  

Richard Johnson 
Headteacher