The first term of the academic year draws to a close today. It has been a really productive term with the students stepping up and meeting the high expectations demanded of them. They are looking smart and, most importantly, working hard in their lessons. Walking around the school is a pleasure as I see the students making the most of the excellent learning opportunities available to them. 

Whilst the approaching half-term break offers the students an important chance to rest and recharge their batteries, it also offers them an excellent opportunity for revision too. Students in KS3 will be sitting their Order A assessments in Maths and Science in the second week of the new term. Full details of the assessments and the associated revision activities have been posted on Satchel One and sent home to parents.   

Our Year 11 students also have key exams on their return after half-term. In the second week of term they will be taking their first Core Mocks of the academic year. These assessments will enable the students, and their teachers, to see where they are in their learning as they move towards next summer’s GCSE exams. It is really important that the students prepare properly for these exams to get the most out of them. Thank you in advance for your support in encouraging your child with their revision.   

The term has been a busy one with many activities taking place. That has continued throughout this last week. A real highlight for me has been the Praise assemblies, which have taken place for Years 7, 9 and 11. These are our opportunity to recognise the many achievements of our students in a wide variety of areas. It is a joy to bring the year group together for this celebration and to share in the students’ success. The Praise assemblies for Year 8 and 10 will take place at the end of term 2.

On Wednesday we welcomed Fifi and Alice from the Strike a Light Youth Theatre who ran a fantastic Drama workshop with a group of KS3 students. The students explored key drama concepts including awareness of physical space, emotional characterisation, physical narrative, and group devised theatre all through a highly engaging, energetic, and enjoyable session. The students didn't stop and their final performances were immensely engaging, and it was a real pleasure to see the students creatively collaborating across the year groups.

Our annual Post-16 and GCSE Support Evening also took place this week. This event, for our KS4 parents and students, was a valuable opportunity to learn more about the post-16 options available and to discover how parents can best support your child through their GCSEs. This year we trialled a new format which included a market place of post 16 providers in the DT Block. It was great to see so many parents and students taking advantage of the opportunity to look at the range of post 16 provision available locally, and to learn about the best ways to navigate the challenges of KS4.

The first lunchtime platforms of the new academic year have been an ideal opportunity for our school's keen musicians to get performing to an audience.  Two weeks, eight days and the many performances have all affirmed we have plenty of students wanting to be involved in the live music culture on offer. The platforms as always featured students new to performing, those returning for a second or few times, as well as students who have signed-up every single term! The range of music performed has been extremely broad, with choices ranging from grade pieces / songs students have recently been working on or performed for their exam, repertoire that students have been working on in their instrumental / vocal lessons or even working on in their own time, as well as one Year 9 student performing her own lyrically penned song too.  Congratulations to all who performed.

26 of our Year 10 GCSE Fine Art students recently enjoyed an inspiring trip to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the Ashmolean Museum and Art Gallery. The visit provided a fantastic opportunity for students to gather primary source material from the diverse range of exhibits on display. They spent time sketching, photographing, and observing artworks and artefacts that will inform their next project, exploring the theme of Decay and Preservation. Throughout the day, the students were a real credit to the school: engaged, curious, and enthusiastic about their work. We look forward to seeing how their experiences are reflected in their coursework in the coming weeks.

Last Friday saw the most recent production by our Drama Club, a performance of Peter Pan. The students worked really hard at producing a magical and entertaining production, with fairy dust and buccaneering pirates! The students performed to an audience who whooped and cheered and gave the students a real sense of achievement. I know that the staff supporting the Drama Club were really proud of how well the students handled the learning of lines and their characterisation. We look forward to our next panto production coming to you in 2026.

Sporting fixtures this week included:

• Year 8 Football – our Year 8 girls footballers had 2 football fixtures at Churchdown, with some girls playing their first ever football match and a number of others representing the school for the first time! Both teams played with spirit and resilience, but sadly didn't come away with a win. Goals were scored by Ruby S, Maddie M and Molly H. Players of the match as chosen by the opposition were Ava J and Molly H.

• U14 Girls Football - the girls U14 footballers played their most recent fixture versus Holmleigh Park. It was a really close game, but the girls were unable to come back after conceding an early goal. Player of the match went to Bish P for her defensive play but special mentions to Izzy S and Lily H for their performances.

• Ten-Pin Bowling - this week our Ten-Pin Bowling team took part in the annual district tournament.    It was a brilliant morning with ten other schools attending the tournament. All the students participating had a great time and really threw themselves into the competition.  Special mention to Sarah, Callum, and Thomas for all scoring strikes during the game.

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 the students enjoy a great break. We return on Monday 3 November. This will be a week B.   

Regards 

Richard Johnson  
Headteacher