Cotham School
Weekly Mailing
30 January 2026
30 January 2026
Keep us posted - It would be great if parents/carers could let the school know of any student achievements outside of school. We would like to find out what students are doing in their own time and celebrate their achievements.
Email us: weeklymailing@cotham.bristol.sch.uk
Week commencing Monday 2 February 2026 is Week B
Dear Parents and Carers,
Please find our weekly mailing which I hope you will find both useful and interesting!
With very best wishes for a relaxing weekend.
Kindest regards,
Ms Jo Butler
Headteacher
Email received
"You and your colleagues have done so much to support my child. Please know I am grateful for all the effort you and your colleagues have made. And if people ask me I always say Cotham is a really great school who do everything they can to help students succeed."
Post 16 Parent
Cotham played their second chess tournament of the academic year on Monday 26 January at Bristol Grammar School, taking three teams along to the event. This was open to students from Years 7-13.
The Cotham A team and B team showed impressive resilience in the upper section of experienced opponents, coming 15th and 16th out of 20. The Cotham C team in the lower section of the tournament came a very impressive 3rd out of 10. Well done to all the players!
We are excited to be hosting our first Cotham School Open Mic night. We would like to extend the invite for parents/carers to perform with their child. The event will be held in the main hall on Thursday 26 March from 6:30pm - 8:00pm. If you would like to apply for a slot, please fill out the form by clicking here and we'll be in touch!
In aid of NATIONAL YEAR OF READING & WORLD BOOK WEEK we are having our annual DESIGN A BOOKMARK competition. Be inspired by your favourite book, favourite book character or just be inspired by the world of words and reading. I need entries by Monday 2 March so that they can all be displayed in the library during world book week.
Students will be VOTING for their favourites during this time. Lots of VOUCHERS and PRIZES to be won. So please join in and celebrate BOOKS with us. Please see information below:
Thursday 5 February
Break time in the HUB
Cookies £1 cash only
In aid of Year 7 Guide Dog Puppy Appeal
We have lots of exciting things going on in Year 7 over the next 2 weeks!
Year 7 Disco
Wednesday 4 February 5.00pm - 7.00pm
Please enter through the main reception where you will need to be signed in and given a wristband.
There will be a Tuckshop - cash only
Cookie Bake Sale
Thursday 5 February
Break time in the HUB
Cookies £1 cash only
In aid of Year 7 Guide Dog Puppy Appeal
Year 7 Tutor Bake Off
Wednesday 11 February
9 bakers will bake off against each other to see who is the overall Tutor Star Baker
Year 7 Shout Outs
Cotham student Shout Outs continue to come in daily for the Year 7 students, 175 in total since we launched it. Well done to all that receive one.
Drama Stars of the Week!
Lukas
Shani
Mavis
Ms Howfield gives a Shout Out to 7CG for focus and hard work writing an article about the printing press. A fantastic effort from everyone!
Well done everyone!!
Mrs Arnold
Year 7 Learning Coordinator
It is amazing as I sit at my desk to see so many 'Cotham Shout Outs' coming through on a daily basis for the Year 8 students, highlighting something they have done well in lessons.
A reminder to students to use the library and change their books on a regular basis. Ms Payne, Librarian is very dedicated and is always enthusiastic to help students find a book they will enjoy. If your Year 8 needs a bit of inspiration please do encourage them along.
Ms D Dickerson
Year 8 Learning Coordinator
Options Pathways and Ongoing Success
All students now have access to their own area in SIMS online where they can complete the GCSE options process. These conversations are still going on in school and the deadline for subject choices is Friday 13 February 2026. Your child can log on at home should you wish to see the portal and how this process will look in terms of the subjects available.
Don't forget, should you have any questions, please email KS4Pathways@cotham.bristol.sch.uk.
Kind regards
Mr O Knight
Year 9 Learning Coordinator
Year 10 WEX Deadline Fast Approaching
Half term is fast approaching, and this is a reminder that work experience placements should ideally be confirmed before the break. Many students have secured placements independently, which is great to see. If your child has not yet been able to arrange one, we encourage parents and carers to support them by contacting local businesses or personal contacts. Work experience is a valuable opportunity, and your help can make a real difference.
Mr T Lawrence
Year 10 Learning Coordinator
This week Year 11 have been preparing for the upcoming final mock exams beginning next week. On Thursday morning an additional assembly was held to provide further support and guidance ahead of the exams. All students will now have received their exam timetables. Arriving on time and ready to go will ensure a successful start to the exam.
I am aware exam periods can be a stressful time with lots of feelings of pressure and expectations. If any students are concerned or have any worries, please reach out to the Year Team. Additionally YoungMinds have fantastic articles providing detailed advice written by young people who have similar experiences. https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/exam-stress/
A massive well done to the Year 11 students who supported with the World Hijab Day Assembly. Students represented the year group brilliantly and displayed a fantastic sense of community and leadership within the school.
Mr H Arnold
Year 11 Learning Coordinator
This week we had our relaunch of our fantastic Enrichment offer, coordinated by Ms Din. She delivered an excellent assembly to Year 12 on Wednesday, outlining the array of activities on offer throughout the week, including Sports, First Aid, Chess Club, Dungeons and Dragons, Film Club, Origami club and more. Ms Din explained the link between enrichment and improved wellbeing, more effective future applications and better academic achievement. We would love to see even more students take part!
Mr G Buchanan
Deputy Director of Post 16
This week in English, Year 8 have been participating in creative writing sessions in the Library. Well done to Yara who has produced some fantastic work which can be read here.
KS5 Language Debates at BGS
We are incredibly proud of our Year 12 French linguists, who recently competed in the city-wide KS5 French Debates hosted at Bristol Grammar School. In a challenging field featuring schools from across the city, students were tasked with debating the motion: « Les jeunes Français ont perdu les valeurs traditionnelles. »
Our three French superstars rose to the occasion, delivering sophisticated arguments and impressive linguistic flair to secure 1st Place. Bravo to the team!
Year 11 Maths Mocks - Equipment
A reminder that it is essential that Y11 students have the correct equipment for their GCSE Maths mock exams (starting Monday 2 February). They will need a pen, pencil, ruler, protractor, compass and (for Paper 2) a scientific calculator. These can be bought from larger supermarkets or stationary shops. Students should NOT expect to borrow equipment on the day.
The Year 8 art students have been looking at the work of Charlotte Caron, who is an artist that has created a visual language to represent multiple dualities. Her work is a combination of photography and painting that deals with human and animal forms.
Inspired by her work, students have merged self-portraits with a chosen animal to create these striking zoomorphic portraits!
Food Science
This week Year 7 students explored heat transfer through conduction while cooking a Tomato Ragu using the reduction method. Heat was transferred from the hob to the pan and then into the sauce, causing water to evaporate. This reduced the sauce and made the flavour stronger. Students also learnt how controlling temperature is important for successful cooking and they are becoming more confident with their knife skills. Great results Year 7!
Miss Burt
Food Technology Technician
World Hijab Day - What it means to me?
On Monday 2 February, we will be celebrating World Hijab Day and the theme this year is 'What It Means To Me'. To recognise this day, we have had assemblies run by Mrs Ahmad and Mrs Khan and next week students will be allowed to wear any colour hijab they like. Anyone who does not wear the hijab is invited to try one on for the day. There will also be a station set up in the Hub at break time where students can write on a comment card what the Hijab means to them.
Valentine's Day Sale
Send a Valentine message and chocolate to someone special; a friend, a teacher, or even yourself! All money raised will go to charity! Spread love and joy this Valentine's Day!
Messages and chocolates to be delivered on Friday 13 February ♥️♥️♥️
'Ant - ith - i - sis'
Meaning:
A person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else.
Example:
Macbeth is the antithesis of Banquo
Synonyms:
Contrast, opposite, contradictory…
Antithesis
'Ant - ith - i - sis'
Meaning:
A person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else.
Example:
Macbeth is the antithesis of Banquo
Synonyms:
Contrast, opposite, contradictory…
Please find our latest online safety newsletter attached.
Important Notice:
This newsletter is intended for adults and includes discussions on online safety, including sensitive topics such as the online exploitation of children. Some of this content may be upsetting to both adults and children.
We strongly encourage parents and carers to prepare themselves before reading and to carefully consider which information to share with their child, based on their age and cognitive ability. The language and explanations used may not always be suitable for younger children, so please use your discretion when deciding what is appropriate for your child.
Your awareness and thoughtful approach is vital in ensuring a safe and informed discussion about online safety.
Kind regards
Farhan Ahmed
Digital Strategy Lead
Email: AhmedF@cotham.bristol.sch.uk
We are pleased to share a unique opportunity from Channel 4's BAFTA-nominated series, The Dog House. The show is currently looking for kind-hearted local families who are considering adopting a rescue dog and would be willing to share their journey.
This is wonderful way to explore themes of compassion and responsibility as a family. If you have been thinking about welcoming a new four legged member to your home, you can find out more and apply at c4thedoghousetakepart.co.uk or by emailing thedoghouse@fivemilefilms.co.uk.
Is your child a star in the kitchen? Love Productions is looking for Britain’s best young bakers aged 9–15 for the next series of Junior Bake Off on Channel 4!
Who: Bakers aged 9–15 years old.
Deadline: applications close Sunday 15th March 2026.
Filming: July 2026.
Apply online today at: 👉 www.applyforjuniorbakeoff.co.uk
For more information, please contact the production team at 0207 067 4833. Good luck to all our Cotham School bakers!
Cotham School is sharing an opportunity for parents to join the Strengthening Families 13-week course at Wellspring Settlement. This popular program helps you build positive relationships, manage stress, and gain practical discipline strategies.
Deadline: Course closes to new attendees on Thursday 5 February.
When: Thursdays, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm
Incentives: Free to attend + free bookable crèche.
Ready to join? It takes 2 minutes to sign up via the Parent Self-Referral Form.
If you would like further information or would like to discuss a referral do get in contact with Sally or Laura on 0117 3041400 ext 155 or 07492 870 557.
We are delighted to share the upcoming season for Cotham Club, a monthly live global music club right here in the heart of our community. Known for its "epic gigs and grassroots vibes", the club celebrates the diverse sounds that unite us.
Upcoming Event: Friday 30 January Cotham Club Presents: Eastern Strings
Tango/Klezmer Quintet Join us for a transcendent evening of Argentinian Tango and Eastern European Klezmer. Featuring a world-class quintet, this performance blends oud, double bass, and strings into a mesmerizing musical journey.
Venue: Cotham Parish Church, BS6 6DR
Tickets: Under-18s £2 | Concessions £5 | Standard £14 (advance)
Please click here for further information.
We know that parenting can sometimes put a strain on even the strongest relationships. To support our school community, we want to highlight Relationship Works (formerly Relate Avon). With over 80 years of experience in Bristol and Bath, they provide expert relationship counselling to help parents navigate challenges. Because children thrive when family relationships are positive, their services—available both in-person and online—can make a real difference. Visit relationship-works.co.uk to learn more or see the attached flyer.
Comedy Cuts – February Half Term Filmmaking Camp
Monday 16 to Wednesday 18 February 2026
9.00am to 3.00pm
Cotham School, Bristol (BS6 6DT)
A creative, hands-on filmmaking course for students in Years 7–9.
Students will:
Develop ideas and stories as part of a creative film crew.
Explore comedy performance, visual gags and screen storytelling.
Take on real filmmaking roles including director, camera, sound and performer.
Plan and shoot their own short comedy film.
No previous filmmaking experience required.
For more information and booking please click here.
Please inform the school by 9.00am on the first and subsequent days of absence.
School procedure is as follows:
absence message sent if absences have not been reported.
if no response to the absence message, a follow up letter requesting reason for absence will be sent.
If you haven’t already, please download the free Studybugs app, or register on the Studybugs website, and use it to tell us whenever your child is ill and unable to attend school.
Get the app or register now by clicking here.
Thank you
Cotham School
Term 1 Monday 1 September 2025 to Friday 24 October 2025
Term 2 Monday 3 November 2025 to Friday 19 December 2025
Term 3 Monday 5 January 2026 to Friday 13 February 2026
Term 4 Monday 23 February 2026 to Thursday 2 April 2026
Term 5 Monday 20 April 2026 to Friday 22 May 2026
Term 6 Monday 1 June 2026 to Friday 17 July 2026
Monday 1 September 2025
Friday 26 September 2025
Friday 14 November 2025
Monday 30 March 2026
Monday 20 April 2026