Another week has blown by.

For our Year 11s it has been another busy one. Our Art and Design students have completed their practical exams and all that remains is finalising elements of their sketchbooks and their course is complete. Our languages students have been completing their orals this week. These are a demanding element of the course, and it has been pleasing to see the way the students have risen to this particular challenge. Next Thursday the traditional exam season kicks off with GCSE Citizenship. These 6 weeks will be a demanding period for the students. I know you will want to join me in wishing them the best of luck for the forthcoming exam series.

Also this week, over 70 Year 7 students took part in the Junior Mathematical Challenge. Run by the UK Maths Trust, the Junior Mathematical Challenge encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought and fluency to make students think. The problems are accessible yet still challenge even the most able mathematicians. It was great to see so many students have a go and challenge themselves mathematically.

The school has recently been working with The Venture Community Hub (TVCH). They are a longstanding charity that supports young people through the development and delivery of youth services across Gloucester. TVCH have been given funding to look to expand provision in Quedgeley and Kingsway. This week they have been working with tutor reps in Years 7 – 9 to gain an understanding of the kind of provision that young people would like to see. We know there is a real shortage of opportunities for young people in this area, and it is great to see a move to address this. I am really pleased that the school can work with TVCH and that our students’ voice will help shape this really important provision moving forward.

TVCH have also asked me to share details of an event they are hosting during half-term. They are working with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) exploring how to better protect young people online, covering everything from social media and gaming to AI and beyond. They want young people's voices and experiences at the heart of that work. If your child would like to take part, they can book a place using the following link. It takes place at Patch in the Forum between 4.00 – 6.30pm on Friday 29 May.  

On the sporting front:

• Year 7 Cricket – our Year 7 cricket squad travelled to The Crypt for their first competitive cricket fixture. The team played six games, winning three and losing three. The evening was very much focused on building confidence and encouraging the boys to develop a love for the game. With four other local schools attending the mini‑festival, all students were able to enjoy a positive and supportive cricketing experience. Special mentions go to: Broady for scoring his first six; Charlie for excellent leadership; Freddie for outstanding fielding and Jacob for some great batting performances.

• Year 9 Rounders- our Year 9s played their first rounders fixture against Holmleigh Park, narrowly missing out on a win with a score of 15-16.5. Excellent bowling and catching from Bish earned her 'fielder of the match' and some strong hits earned Immy 'batter of the match'.

• Athletics – our Athletics club takes place on a Thursday afternoon, with a mix of track and field events. We are hoping to better our fantastic 3rd place finish from last year at the District athletics competition in June 2026! Lots of hard work has already been happening. Most recently, we had two school record breakers from Year 7, who broke a nine-year-old 400m record. Well done to Serenity and Poppy. Mr Holliday worked our distance runners hard with some brilliant interval running. This was all happening alongside plenty of excellent relay running and big throws happening. 

A reminder that the Year 8 parents evening will take place next Thursday, 7 May. Full details were sent to parents on Monday. If you have any queries, please contact Sally De Lacy-Arrol in the school office. I look forward to seeing you there.

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 enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend.

Regards

Richard Johnson 
Headteacher