It has been a super busy week in school this week with a whole host of activities taking place despite the disruption caused by the ongoing industrial action.

This week has seen the vast majority of Year 10 students out on work experience. I am always astounded by the range of work experience placements our Year 10s manage to secure and this year is no exception. We have students completing work experience with independent bookshops, large car dealerships, engineering companies, agricultural supply stores, hair studios and heating specialists. Many of our staff have been out visiting our students at local primary schools, hospitality venues, fitness centres and more. It is always pleasing to receive feedback from employers on how well our students are doing and what good ambassadors they are for our school.

This week also saw students in 8Y take part in our annual Year 8 Multi-Faith day (8X did this on our Flexible Learning Day back in November).  This Multi-Faith day gives students the opportunity to learn about a variety of faiths. This includes learning key facts about each religion and knowing how to separate fact from fiction, something that is so important in this age of misinformation.

On Thursday Performance in Education came into school to deliver a careers play based on future career choices to the whole of Year 9. The basis of the performance was to show Year 9s the thought processes that they will need to follow when thinking about not only their post-16 choices but also their post-18 choices and beyond. The performance challenged the notions that money = happiness and that university is only for the academic elite. It was a really thought-provoking performance, performed in student friendly way. 

Today was our annual Sports Day. The sun shone and the students had the opportunity to perform in an inter-tutor athletics competition as well as a football competition. The standard of the performances was excellent, as was the sporting spirit on display. I hope the students enjoyed what was a fabulous day.

We also held our two Year 6 Induction Evenings for the class of 2028 this week. It was great to see so many parents and students and welcome them to Severn Vale. We are all looking forward to getting to know them and to working with them over the next 5 years.

Finally, my regular reminder that a recent analysis showed that approximately 10% of those who are entitled to Free School Meals are not currently taking advantage of this scheme. If you think your child may be eligible for Free School Meals you can click on this link to find guidance on the eligibility criteria and the application process. It's a quick process and we are notified of all FSM entitlements by GCC each Monday. I would urge you to take a look if you think you may benefit from financial assistance. 

I do hope you enjoy a great weekend.

Regards,

Richard Johnson 
Headteacher