This week has seen our Year 11 students completing their spoken language assessments. This is a required component of the GCSE English Language course in which the students complete a speech to their classmates on a topic of their own choice. The choice of topics has been wide-ranging and has included discussion on the death penalty, dealing with anxiety, the impact of artificial intelligence and coping with bereavement. Overwhelmingly, the students have risen to the challenge and have delivered some well-crafted and articulate speeches.

On Wednesday we were delighted to welcome Satveer Nijjar from Attention Seekers back to Severn Vale. Satveer delivered sessions throughout the day on mental health and self-harm awareness to students in Years 7-10. The sessions were well-received by the students, who found them both interesting and informative. Satveer engaged them with her energy and the sharing of her personal journey. This enabled those listening to have a greater understanding of the reason behind her work in this area.  The student sessions were about bringing conversations that people often avoid due to discomfort or fear, to the forefront.  

The student sessions were followed by staff training and then parents and carers joined Satveer for the final session of the day. It was lovely to hear that one parent attended because their child had gone home and spoken to them about the session, encouraging them to go.  Thank you to those parents and carers that came along; I do hope you found it useful. 

Last weekend saw the first expedition for the Bronze and Silver 24/25 DofE cohorts. All of those who attended did extremely well and received a huge amount of praise from Ocean Rock, the company we use to run our expeditions. The Bronze groups walked about 10km a day with the Silver group averaging about 13km. All the groups worked extremely well as a team to navigate the route, support each other, set up camp and cook in a timely manner with very few problems. 

Both Ocean Rock staff and Severn Vale DofE Leaders are looking forward to the qualifying expedition in July, where hopefully we will have a repeat of how well our students did this weekend. This will mean that many of our students, having had the other three sections signed off, will complete their Bronze and Silver awards.

On the sporting front:

• Year 7 Football – the Year 7 girls football team travelled to Churchdown for the final of the District Cup. It was an extremely tight game, with strong performances from both sides. The game ended 1 – 1 and so went to penalties, which saw Churchdown emerge victorious. Laila C was player of the match. Overall, it has been a great season for the girls. I have every confidence they can go one better next year.

• Year 8 Football – following a hard-fought win in the semi-final away at St Peter’s, courtesy of a 15^th goal in 5 games from Toby W, our Year 8 boys travelled to Churchdown for the final of the District Football. They faced a strong Henley Bank side and were not helped by having played the semi-final the day before. Despite a battling performance from the boys, Henley Bank were deserved winners. It has been a great season for the boys with the challenge of going one better next year.

• Year 9 Netball – the Year 9 Netball team participated in the recent District tournament at the Crypt. It was a competitive event with a high standard of play. The girls demonstrated some great skills and played with real spirit. Player of the tournament went to Evie H. Well done all. 

• Year 11 Football - last week saw our annual Staff v Year 11 Football match and once again it was a great occasion. A large crowd turned out to watch and helped to raise a significant amount for the British Heart Foundation. The game itself turned out to be a cracker. After going behind midway through the second half, the staff fought back and were leading going into injury time. The staff team’s hopes were cruelly dashed by an equaliser with what was effectively the last kick of the game. That meant a penalty shoot out which ended up going to sudden death. A miss from Mr Smith gave the students victory. 
  
  There are very few schools who have staff v student games and that we can, and for it to be played in such a great spirit is something I am hugely proud of. Thanks to all who took part, and to those who attended and helped create such a great atmosphere.

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