The Autumn term draws to a close today. Whilst it has been the last week of term, there has still been time for lots of additional activities for the students.

Last Friday saw our second annual Santa Fun Run organised by the Friends of Severn Vale. The weather was kind and the runners enjoyed a rare dry afternoon for the event. Christmas hats were the order of the day as over 150 runners took part. There was a great spirit amongst the runners and a lot of laughs both before and after the event; it really was a pleasure to take part in. It also helped raise some valuable funds for the Friends of Severn Vale. Alongside a very successful hamper raffle and festive wreath-making workshop, the Friends have raised close to £1,500 this December, money that is reinvested directly back into our school. Thank you to the Friends of Severn Vale and to all who have supported its work over the past month.

On Wednesday afternoon, 15 pupils from our Aviation Club visited RGV Aviation, an aircraft maintenance company at Gloucestershire Airport. After a short safety briefing, we were given a tour of the hangar and shown around the different types of business and leisure aeroplane which were currently in for maintenance. We saw aero engineering in action; plenty of technical bits and pieces, plus the opportunity to speak to several of the company’s mechanics and find out more about the jobs they do. And of course, the highlight of the trip: a sit-in cockpit tour of a Cessna 182 Skylane! Sidharth in Year 11, showed great initiative in reaching out to RGV Aviation and making the contact which led to this trip – thanks Sid!

The last day of term saw the culmination of this year’s Big Sing. The Big Sing sees our Year 7s organised into one of three choirs that perform a song they have been practising during the term. For me, it was one of the highlights of the academic year. There was a fabulous Christmas spirit evident and all involved seemed to really enjoy themselves. I am indebted to Ms Newport and Mr Horton for ensuring the Big Sing was once again a real triumph. I am also really pleased with the brilliant way the Year 7 students engaged with this activity. I know the Music department are working on an exciting follow-up project with The Music Works for those who have excelled in the Big Sing. More details will follow in the new year.  

Also on the music front, this week has seen the culmination of our Term 2 performance platforms. This academic year has seen a strong increase in students wanting to perform, and this continued with a record 8 lunchtimes and 26 performances involving well over 30 students. We have been really pleased that singers, guitarists, pianists, drummers and flautists have all been involved in solos, duos as well as various student groups too. A huge well done is definitely due to everyone who participated.

Advanced notice that our Year 11 Parents' Evening will be taking place on Thursday 15 January 2026 between 4.00 – 7.00pm.  On Monday 5 January you will receive further information about the evening along with your individual login details to enable you to book appointments with your child's teachers.

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 have a look if you think you may benefit from financial assistance.  

All that is left for me to do is to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Regards 

Richard Johnson  
Headteacher