This week saw the Government announce its intention to ban under 16s from accessing social media sites, mirroring the ban introduced in Australia earlier last year. Whilst there will be many challenges regarding its implementation, the intention behind the proposed ban is hard to argue against. The relationship many of our young people have with their phone has to be a concern. Data on screen time shows many spending 5 or more hours a day on their device. This cannot be healthy. The proposed ban signals the need to recalibrate this relationship. 

A further element of that recalibration involves examining the place of phones in schools. Earlier this year, the Government made it statutory for schools to implement a policy whereby “pupils do not have access to their mobile phone throughout the school day including during lessons, the time between lessons, breaktimes and lunchtime.” Our current policy on phones operates on a “not seen or heard” basis. Whilst this has had a real impact since its introduction some 7 years ago, it would be naïve to assume that students do not access their phones. Clearly, this means that we need to update our policy. We are putting the final touches to that policy, discussing it with our Governors, and will share with parents and students in the next two weeks. 

In Futures lessons this term, our Year 7 students have been learning about how individuals can make a difference in society, with many taking the lessons learnt in class and applying them right here in school.  Several groups have organised charity events, showing excellent initiative, teamwork and drive as they seek to make a difference to issues close to their heart, building skills future employers will value along the way. A real standout event saw Amelia, Viki, Klara, Olive and Helena make and sell trinkets, raising over a £100 for the NSPCC. Congratulations to all the groups who have participated and have helped to raise many hundreds of pounds for some incredibly deserving causes.

On Wednesday, we held our Leavers Assembly for the class of 2026. It was a real pleasure to celebrate with them at what was a joyous event. The weather gods smiled on us, and the promised rain stayed away. Following a 6 week exam period, the students were able to let their hair down and enjoy a fabulous reminiscence of their 5 years at Severn Vale. The celebrations move on to Bowden Hall on Friday as our annual prom takes place. It promises to be a glamorous and fun-filled event.

You will know from previous communications that we are working with The Community Venture Hub (TVCH) to develop provision for young people in the Quedgeley and Kingsway areas. This work is beginning to take shape, and I know that developments are taking place at the Kingsway pump track, for example. One gap that has been identified through their work with young people is bike maintenance. TVCH are looking to address this and have begun to try to recruit volunteers that could support this work. They have some already, but are looking for more. Attached to this post is a flyer from TVCH with details included. If you can help, know that you would be helping to make a real difference.

On Tuesday, we had the pleasure of taking 61 of our students to Cheltenham to compete in the District Athletics Championships. Students have been working incredibly hard in both PE lessons and athletics club, and we were aiming for another strong finish. All the students performed brilliantly, with some competing in events for the very first time. We are incredibly proud of all students, both for their performances and for the way they represented the school throughout the day. It was a fantastic event, and we were delighted to finish 3rd overall in Gloucester, which is a brilliant achievement.

U14 Rounders – the U14 girls played rounders at home versus Denmark Road on Tuesday after a number of them had a busy day at the district athletics! The girls batted and fielded superbly, winning the game 16-2. Players went to Bish and Scarlett.

Year 10 Rounders – our Year 10 team had a busy week with a fixture against Denmark Road on Tuesday and the District Tournament on Wednesday. Against Denmark Road, the girls won 12-8. Their sportsmanship and team spirit ware, as always, superb! Teanna's batting was incredible, scoring 4 full rounders in one innings and fielding was excellent all over the pitch. In the District Tournament, the girls lost to Ribston, drew with Holmleigh Park and won against Crypt. It was a great way to finish off the rounders season. Teanna was awarded batter of the tournament and Kacie fielder of the tournament.

All-Star Cricket – our All-Stars team played their latest fixture at Gloucester Academy this week. GA opened the batting strongly, with both batters retiring on 30. Our team kept the bowling relatively tight from that point onwards, restricting them to a target of 85 runs. Our batting got off to a difficult start, losing an opening batter early on due to some very strong fielding. However, Quin and Olly steadied the innings with some composed and impressive batting. Olly retired on 30 runs, with Quin not far behind. Unfortunately, we fell just short, losing by 5 runs in what was a very close and competitive game. 

On Monday evening, our GCSE PE field event athletes travelled to Holmleigh Park for their first joint assessment. These joint moderation opportunities have become an integral part of our GCSE course, and play a key role in supporting student success. It was fantastic to see our students performing so well, allowing us to establish accurate and reliable marks for this component of their practical grade.

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.    

The weather forecast suggests a period of hotter weather approaching. I have written separately detailing our plan to move to PE uniform next week. Whatever the weather, I do hope you have a great weekend.

Regards

Richard Johnson
Headteacher