Dear all,

I have to start this week by paying tribute to Year 11 and Year 13. The last few days were certainly a slog (and the heat didn't help!), but the vast majority of students have now finished and are enjoying their very well deserved summer holidays. We are all so proud of them - they have faced a huge amount of uncertainty with calm fortitude and optimism. We couldn't have asked for any more, and I look forward to celebrating with Year 13 at their Leavers BBQ, and with Year 11 at their Prom. For now, they all deserve a wonderful summer holiday.

Their results days will be on Thursday 18th August (Sixth Form) and Thursday 25th August (Year 11) and I can't wait to see them receive the results they have worked so hard for. 

Of course, the focus now turns to Year 12 and Year 10. Mr Hogarth was delighted to see so many families last night at the Year 10 Information Evening; please can I remind parents that Year 10 begin their period 6 lessons on Monday, with their school day extending to 15:55. This gives them an additional five hours of teaching a week - the equivalent of an extra school day - so we really do appreciate your support!

As you'll no doubt be well aware, end of year assessments have begun for Years 7-10 and 12. We've been very impressed so far by the focus students have shown in their assessments, which bodes very well for the future. Well done to them all.

It's not all been exams this week though. Students on all three of our creative Sixth Form courses (Extended Diploma Art and Design, A Level Fine Art and A Level Photography) have been working incredibly hard to put together some stunning exhibits for the Year 13 exhibition, a few of which I've included below.

In a busy week for the Art department, some of our younger artists are also having their work exhibited in the first ever GLT KS3 Art exhibition. Their work is on display at Yate and District Heritage Centre in South Gloucestershire, alongside artwork from across the entire trust. I'm looking forward to visiting next week - the pictures look fantastic!

We've also had two great photography trips, a very successful Athletics meet with Severn Vale, a Year 12 UCAS trip and a fantastic CCF trip to RAF Brize Norton. As always, you can find photos over on our Instagram page.

Best wishes,

Mr Farmbrough