As a school, we have had a policy whereby students are not allowed to use their mobile phones for a number of years. When we introduced the policy, the impact was clear to see. One of the most significant impacts was the increase in students talking to each other at breaks and lunchtimes. This week, the DfE have published guidance which means that all schools will be expected to have mobile phone bans in place. 

This is part of a wider strategy looking at the impact of mobile phones and, in particular, social media on young people. This is a very welcome move. Data suggest that young people are spending on average 35 hours a week on their devices, a truly shocking, but completely believable figure. Issues such as safeguarding, motivation, focus, access to pornography, radicalisation, mental health, wellbeing, belonging, and extremist views have all become undeniable problems which have, at their heart, the phone in our children’s pockets. The government are watching the impact of the social media ban implemented in Australia for under 16s. I for one, hope they have the courage to follow suit.

The DfE also issued guidance (here), written in conjunction with the charity Parentkind, on how to resolve concerns quickly, easily and positively with your child’s school. It looks like really useful and positive guidance for both parents and for schools. I know that there will be occasions when we get things wrong. This guidance provides a clear framework that I would encourage all parents to use should you have feedback, a concern or a complaint. At its heart is the expectation of partnership working and respect from both sides.  I will be working with our Governors over the coming weeks to incorporate this guidance into our Complaints Procedures.

For our Year 11 students, the journey to their summer GCSEs continues next week with the first of two weeks of mock exams in their option subjects. These will be run like the real exams and will give the students a fabulous dry-run ahead of those summer GCSEs. Most importantly, they will tell the students and their teachers where they are with just 3 ½ months left until the start of the exam season proper. Thank you in advance for the support and encouragement I know you will be giving to your child through this fortnight, and for the rest of the academic year.   

There were fixtures galore this week including:

• Year 7 Football – our Year 7s played their first mass participation game against Holmleigh Park this week. All the players got to play a minimum of two halves as we fielded two teams. Both teams played some excellent football with both winning their games.  Special mention to Aiden Pocock for an excellent performance.

• Year 8 Football – the Year 8 football team made a good start to the season against Holmleigh Park on Tuesday night. It was their first game playing in a different format, and they came together with great positivity. Every player worked hard in difficult conditions. The game was very even and neither team deserved to lose, so a 0-0 draw was the fair result.

• Year 8 Netball – our Year 8 netballers played at home against Barnwood Park this week. Both the A team and the B team won their fixtures, with the A team winning 10-0, and the B team winning 6-2. It was great to see the energy and the movement from the girls in both games. Players of the match went to Imogen J and Hallie H.

• Year 9 Football – on an evening of high wind and driving rain, our Year 9s put in a strong performance in their fixture against Holmleigh Park, winning 9-0. There were excellent debuts from Logan and Koby, who scored 5 goals between them, with Marcel also putting in some great defensive work in his first game for SV. MOTM went to Ryan for his relentless work rate in midfield and great ball carrying to drive us forward.

• U14 Football – our U14 girls played their latest fixture at home against The Crypt. The girls played superbly, and controlled the game to secure a 9-0 victory. Players of the match was awarded to Eva and Immy. 

• Year 10 Football – our Year 10s travelled to Holmleigh Park for their first fixture of the season. A slow start to the first half really impacted the game as our boys ended up chasing the game and leaving gaps at the back. The result, a 6-0 defeat, was a chastening experience. The boys will be looking to bounce back in their next fixture against GA. Player of the match went to Rylan for his strong ball carrying. 

Our Drama Group has been busy rehearsing ahead of tonight’s performance of Cinderella. From what I’ve seen, it promises to be a lot of fun when they perform later. Good luck to all taking part.  

As always, I end with 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.   

I do hope you have a great weekend.  

Kind regards,  

Richard Johnson 
Headteacher