Another week has flown by. For the majority of the week we have had delightful weather, although the arrival of Storm Amy would suggest that Autumn is due to arrive with a vengeance.

This week saw us hold our Lockdown Drill. The drill ran smoothly, the students responded superbly, and lessons were able to resume within 10 minutes.  Of course, this is something we hope to never have to do for real. However, it is important that all staff and students are prepared. I am indebted to Ian Saunders and Lucy Yearsley of Gloucestershire Police for attending the drill and offering their professional advice.

On Thursday evening, we held our Year 7 Tutor parent evening. This was an opportunity for parents to come into school, meet their child’s tutor and to discuss the start to the academic year. I have been very impressed by our new Year 7s and how well they have settled into life at Severn Vale School. It was pleasing to speak to parents and hear from them how successful they feel the year to date has been.

Also on Thursday, our Model UN Club was launched. This is another example of a club started by one of our students, this time Year 11 student, Mozan. The club is for those interested in politics, international relations, or learning about different countries. The first session was well attended, and I look forward to hearing about its development over the coming weeks.

Last weekend, 95 students and 12 staff travelled down to Westward Ho for our annual residential weekend at Skern Lodge. The weekend was a real treat for the students and gave them the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities including: surfing, rafting, high ropes, climbing, tunnels, archery, pool-Olympics and a night walk. It was particularly pleasing to hear how a number of students were able to challenge themselves to participate in activities that initially they thought might be beyond them. The feedback from the staff was brilliant and it was evident how much those who participated enjoyed themselves. A huge thank you to the staff who gave up their weekend to provide this great opportunity for the students. If your child is interested in taking part next year, we will be advertising in October and the trip will open in January.

Last week saw the school celebrate the European Day of Languages. Highlights of the day included:

• 80 year 7 students taking part in the Duolingo competition;

• the canteen producing a European-themed menu and allowing us to decorate the servery;

• Year 8s completing a "find someone who" activity and talking to each other and staff about the languages they speak;

• Year 9s giving up their lunch hours to teach different languages to each other;

• as well as prep activities across KS3.

Sporting fixtures this week included:

• Year 7 Rugby – on Monday our Year 7 boys travelled to Newent for their first rugby fixture of the year. As expected, it did not disappoint. Newent were very confident on the ball, but SV showed excellent defending skills and really dominated the tackle area, which is really surprising for their first game. We lost 6 tries to 4, but more importantly, eight out of the fifteen students played their first ever game of rugby, which is fantastic. Special mention to Aiden, for some of the best tackling I have seen in a Year 7 game.

• Year 9 Rugby – our Year 9s also travelled to Newent this week for their second fixture of the season. The boys came up against a very organised and physical team which really tested our defence. Despite a heavy defeat, the boys will certainly will have learned a lot from this game and are already looking forward to their next fixture against Gloucester Academy.

• KS4 Basketball – our KS4 Basketball team played their first game of the season against a strong St Peter’s side this week. The game ended in a 43-36 win for us with some excellent teamwork on display. Well done to Tom for his rebounding and putbacks, but player of the day went to Kon for his outstanding drives towards the basket and point scoring. Special thanks to Spinavita Chiropractic for sponsoring our new vests, with the boys trialling them out today! It was also nice to see a familiar face with ex-SV pupil Olly Rea officiating the match!

Fixtures for our girls’ teams kick off next week.

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.  

I do hope you enjoy a great weekend.

Regards 

Richard Johnson  
Headteacher