Cotham School
Weekly Mailing
6 February 2026
Embedded Files
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 9 February 2026 is Week A
Headteacher's Welcome! 👩🏫
Headteacher's Welcome! 👩🏫
Dear Parents and Carers,
February is a significant month for many in our school community, marking the start of Ramadan and Lent, alongside the celebrations of Maha Shivaratri, Nirvana Day and the Lunar New Year.
We send our warmest wishes to all our families who will be observing these occasions through fasting, prayer or celebration. We are proud to celebrate such a vibrant, diverse community and hope these observances bring peace and joy to your homes.
Kindest regards,
Ms Jo Butler
Headteacher
Positive Feedback of the Week 👍
Positive Feedback of the Week 👍
Email received
"A huge thank you for putting on the Year 7 disco last night. The Year 7s, I know were so excited to be going and had a such a fun time - a great opportunity to socialise with new friends.
Many thanks to the Year 7 team, all the staff who supported, and to the 6th form DJs."
Year 7 Parent
Parent and Carer Calendar 🗓️
Parent and Carer Calendar 🗓️
Announcements 📢
Announcements 📢
Chocolate Covered Date Sale
Chocolate Covered Date Sale
This will take place on Tuesday 10 February in the hub at break time. All students will be able to purchase chocolate covered dates. All money raised will support the Cotham Grand Iftar. Please send your child with cash on this day.
Kind Regards
Mrs Khan
Cotham Grand Iftar
Cotham Grand Iftar
This will be taking place on Thursday 26 February from 4.15-7pm. This event will be a celebration of Ramadan and all faiths as we invite guest speakers from all the major world faiths. All families are welcome to attend and enjoy a wholesome meal together (break fast) regardless of whether they follow a faith or not. Please click on the link in the attached flyer to book your place and let us know how many will be attending from your family. This is a free event.
Readathon is Closing!
Readathon is Closing!
First of all, THANK YOU for taking part in the READATHON. THANK YOU for READING and THANK YOU for trying to help raise money for children in hospital. The deadline for sending in any money is EXTENDED TO FRIDAY 13 February. Please hand in your sponsor forms and any CASH (sealed in an envelope with your name) to the library. Or if you need to know how to pay ONLINE then CLICK BELOW.
Also, thank you to any friend, family or carer who has given to this amazing charity.
WM 2026 READATHON is closing .pdfYear Group News 🏫
Year Group News 🏫
Year 7
Year 7
Disco Update
What an amazing night Year 7 had at the disco! Over 80 students hit the dance floor and partied the night away, creating an electric atmosphere from start to finish. The tuck shop was buzzing, glow sticks lit up the hall, and there were smiles everywhere!
The music was a brilliant mix, all chosen and requested by the students themselves. A huge shout-out to Ankit, Meriel and Orsi, our fantastic Sixth Formers, who kept the tunes flowing and ran an epic dance competition. Well done to Emmy, Cecily and Leai, who showed off their moves and won prizes!
Year 7 Bake Sale
The Year 7 bake sale was a huge success! The HUB was buzzing, support was amazing, and we sold out of cookies.
A big thank you to Shani, Laura and Arya for doing a fantastic job running the bake sale. Thanks as well to everyone who bought a cookie — every purchase helped raise money for the Year 7 charity, the Guide Dog Puppy Appeal.
Triple A Award
Congratulations to the 64 students who achieved the Triple A Award this term. This award recognises students with attendance of 96% or above, high-quality work, and excellent engagement in class. Certificates will be handed out in tutor time. Well done Year 7!!!
MFL lessons
MFL lessons are going well, I had the pleasure of popping into Ms Brooks French 7LN class to see the wonderful presentations that Year 7 have made. They have been working on introducing themselves and could pick any celebrity. Well done Year 7.
Mrs Arnold
Year 7 Learning Coordinator
Non-uniform day - Fundraiser
All Year 7 students will be permitted to wear non-school uniform on Wednesday 11 February if they bring in a £1 donation. All money raised will support the Cotham Grand Iftar on Thursday 26 February. Thank you for your continued support.
Mrs Khan
Assistant Headteacher
Year 8
Year 8
With tutors discussing 'Wellbeing' in their PSHE session on Friday I thought it would be timely to pass on an observation from a class this week. I noticed one of our Year 8 students looking very tired. After a conversation it became clear that they were not getting much sleep. It transpired that this was because they were on their phone up to bedtime and beyond. I asked the rest of the class who has access to their phone after bedtime and all of them put their hands up. I then asked who put their phone on silent during the night and one student out of 17 put their hands up. This means that there is constant interruption and scrolling going on well into the night. It is hardly surprising then that we have many tired students in our classes. Whilst I know many of our parents and carers are absolutely brilliant about phone management, I would urge everyone to ensure that phones are away a good hour before bedtime and not allow phones in the sleeping space at all. This way we will have bright and alert young people in our classrooms rather than unfocused, sleepy ones.
Thank you for your support with this.
Ms D Dickerson
Year 8 Learning Coordinator
Shout Out
Mrs Clement wanted to give a shout out to Learning Group 8ZE, English class for doing an amazing job in their creative writing session in the library last week. Their ideas were fantastic and they all worked brilliantly in their groups.
Miss Brooks wanted to give a quick shout out to 8ACSP2. This term, they have been an absolute pleasure to teach and have totally turned their focus around. I really enjoy teaching them! They are so focussed, engaged and polite.
Non-uniform Fundraiser - Year 8 ONLY
All Year 8 students will be permitted to wear non-school uniform on Tuesday 10 February if they bring in a £1 donation. All money raised will support the Cotham Grand Iftar on Thursday 26 February. Thank you for your continued support.
Mrs Khan
Assistant Headteacher
Shout Out to the Year 8s and Their Writing Skills!
Shout Out to the Year 8s and Their Writing Skills!
Year 8 took part in new creative writing library lessons and I have been SO inspired with each and everyone of them. Their creativity and teamwork was unsurpassed. They wrote imaginative and original stories and story plans.
My favourite part of the lesson was when they shared their ideas with each other. Being proud of their work and realising they have the skills to intrigue and entertain their peers was the best bit! I was impressed SO much, PRIZES were given!
Year 9
Year 9
KS4 Pathways
The deadline for choosing subject preferences on SIMS online is Friday 13 February at 5.00pm. Please ensure that you have supported your child in making subject choices by then. Students can change their choices at any point until this time. If you have any questions or queries, please email ks4pathways@cotham.bristol.sch.uk.
Non-uniform day fundraiser - Year 9 ONLY
All Year 9 students will be permitted to wear non-school uniform on Monday 09 February if they bring in a £1 donation. All money raised will support the Cotham Grand Iftar on Thursday 26 February. Thank you for your continued support.
Mrs Khan
Assistant Headteacher
Year 10
Year 10
Non-uniform Fundraiser - Year 10 ONLY
All Year 10 students will be permitted to wear non-school uniform on Thursday 12 February if they bring in a £1 donation. All money raised will support the Cotham Grand Iftar on Thursday 26 February. Thank you for your continued support. Mrs Khan
Mrs Khan
Assistant Headteacher
Year 11
Year 11
Final Mock Exams
As we come the end of the first week of Year 11's final mock exams, I want to say a huge well done to all students for their commitment, punctuality and effort across this week. I have been so impressed with everyone's attitude towards the exams and proud of how hard all students have been working.
A reminder, if any student is struggling with equipment please speak with the Year 11 Team and we will do our best to support.
Mr H Arnold
Year 11 Learning Coordinator
North Bristol Post 16 🚀
North Bristol Post 16 🚀
This week at Post 16
This week at Post 16
This week Year 13 had an assembly on Post Mock actions. Teachers are now giving feedback from Mock exams and reports will go home before the half term break at the end of next week.
Many of our Year 12 Foundation students had Level 2 exams this week and they have conducted themselves very well throughout.
A 'Raise the bar' trip took place on Tuesday to UWE so that some of our students could experience university life, accompanied by Ms Beaver and Ms Morris.
A great week at Post 16!
Mr G Buchanan
Deputy Director of Post 16
Subjects 📖 ✏️ 🔢 🧪 🌍 🏛️ 🖥️🧮 🎨 🎭 🎵 🔨 🧑🍳 🏃♂️
Subjects 📖 ✏️ 🔢 🧪 🌍 🏛️ 🖥️🧮 🎨 🎭 🎵 🔨 🧑🍳 🏃♂️
ENGLISH
ENGLISH
GCSE English Language and Literature A.I. Tutor Trial
As you may be aware, we are part of the Bristol Education Partnership (BEP) which allows us to share best practice, resources and networks with schools across the city.
We have recently been invited to support a team of teachers at Clifton College who have designed an online AI tutor to support students in their revision of English Literature and Language for GCSE.
The platform works by ‘talking’ to students to test their knowledge, identify gaps, and deliver tutoring to close those gaps.
Clifton College is inviting parents and students to take part if they wish to do so by purchasing credits of time on the platform for £9 per hour - a significant saving compared to in-person tutoring sessions.
Trials at Clifton College have shown a significant impact on their Year 11 students’ recent mock grades, and the platform will also share the student’s progress with teachers at Cotham so we can support students if required.
If you’re interested, please use the following links to gain more information, try a demonstration, or sign up:
To get more information, click this link.
To try a demonstration of the AI tutor, click this link.
To sign up to the AI tutor, fill in this form.
If you have any questions, please contact sainsburyj@cotham.bristol.sch.uk.
Kind regards
Ms Sainsbury
Assistant Headteacher
STEAM
STEAM
Art of the Week
Art of the Week
This week, Year 7 art students have been exploring Zentangling and learning about mandalas. Through this creative practice, students are introduced to concepts of meditation and mindfulness. They are also learning about the cultural significance of mandalas and how art can be used as a tool for reflection and wellbeing.
Year 10 GCSE Art Mono Printing
This week Year 10 GCSE Art students explored printmaking by creating monoprints inspired by the iconic Campbell’s Soup can made famous by pop artist Andy Warhol. We talked about how everyday objects can become art and how artists use repetition, color, and bold design to make strong visual statements.
Year 11 GCSE Food 2025
Throwback to the GCSE Food Class of 2025
Last year’s brief: healthier takeaway favourites — and they absolutely delivered. Think more veg, wholemeal swaps, smarter cooking methods, and creative twists like wholemeal breadcrumbs on calamari!
We can’t wait to see what this year’s Year 11 create… but exam rules mean you’ll have to sit tight until next year to see their masterpieces!
Design and Technology Year 8
Our Year 8 students have been busy prototyping in their Design and Technology lessons!
Their brief? To design and make an item that could be sold in the Bristol Zoo Project gift shop.
Taking inspiration from nature, wildlife, and animals, students are developing their ideas before creating their final pieces using acrylic plastic and line bending to produce freestanding gift items. We can’t wait to see the finished designs!
Careers 💼
Careers 💼
Career of the Week.... is Ethical Hacker
Could this be a career for your child?
Does your child love computers and coding? A career as a Ethical Hacker might be a perfect fit!
Does your child spend hours exploring how software works? They could turn the curiosity into a career as an Ethical Hacker. In an increasing digital age, these experts are the first line of defence against cyber threats. It's a creative, analytical and incredibly stable career path for any tech-savvy student.
House Announcement 🏠
House Announcement 🏠
WildEd Workshop 2
This week, we had our second WildEd workshop with volunteers from Action For Conservation. We looked at and storyboarded the problems being faced by wildlife in different habitats and the possible solutions to these issues. We then had the opportunity to go outside and look at the variety of colours we could find from nature around the Grassy Knoll and brainstormed ideas of ways in which we could increase the biodiversity of plants in this area.
Design an Eid Card
With Ramadan fast approaching, we would like you to design and submit your own Eid card. You can hand draw this or make it electronically and everyone is welcome to enter the competition whether you celebrate Eid or not. Submit your designs to Mrs Ahmad in the Science Office by Friday 13 March.
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 ♥️♥️♥️
Literacy 📖
Literacy 📖
KS3
KS3
Word of the Week Quiz
Word of the Week Quiz
Mimic
Mimic
'Mim - ick'
Meaning:
To closely copy someone’s actions or words (verb). This is often done for humour or to mock someone.
Example:
The comedian can mimic the voice of the politician.
She mimicked the barking of a dog.
Synonyms:
Copy, imitate, impersonate…
KS4
KS4
Word of the Week Quiz
Word of the Week Quiz
Resilience
Resilience
'Ri - zil - ee - uhn - s'
Meaning:
Putting up with or recovering quickly from difficulties (noun).
Example:
Never giving up demonstrates your brilliant resilience.
Synonyms:
Toughness, persistence, perseverance…
Digital Literacy Corner 💻
Digital Literacy Corner 💻
Online Safety Newsletter
Online Safety Newsletter
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
Online_Saftey_Newsletter_15.pdfCommunity 🏘️
Community 🏘️
February Half Term Opporunity - Learn to Row
February Half Term Opporunity - Learn to Row
City of Bristol Rowing Club is running a "Learn to Row" course this February half-term for students aged 12–18. This is a fantastic, low-cost opportunity to try a new sport, get fit, and socialise on the harbour.
Cost: £40 for the week.
Monthly Subs: Very affordable at £27/month.
Inclusivity: A bursary fund is available to ensure cost is not a barrier for students who wish to participate.
This is a community-focused club run by volunteers, ideal for students looking for a fresh challenge. Please click here for further information.
The Western Brick Festival
The Western Brick Festival
The Western Brtick Festival is coming soon, offering a brilliant blend of high-energy fun and hands-on learning. While the festival is a paradise for LEGO fans, it's also a fantastic learning environment for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). By engaging with complex builds and creative challenges, students can explore architectural principles and engineering logic without it feeling like a day in the classroom.
Weston Brick Festival Press Release.pdf
Girls Football Peformance Camp
Girls Football Peformance Camp
We are pleased to share an exciting opportunity for our students who are passionate about football.
AB Sports Coaching is hosting a specialised Girls Football Performance Group during the upcoming February half-term. This programme is specifically designed for players aged 13-16 who are looking to elevate their game, develop technical skills and train in a high-energy environment.
Key Details:
Date: Thursday 19 February 2026
Location: SBL Sports Centre
Age: Girls aged 13-16 years
Please click here for further information and to book.
Sparks Film School Bristol Central Presents…
Sparks Film School Bristol Central Presents…
Comedy Cuts – February Half Term Filmmaking Camp
Monday 16 - 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.
Reminders 🔔
Reminders 🔔
Reporting Student Absence - Studybugs
Reporting Student Absence - Studybugs
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
Poster with Additional Info.pdf
Key Dates - Term Dates 2025/2026
Key Dates - Term Dates 2025/2026
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
INSET Days - 2025/2026
INSET Days - 2025/2026
Monday 1 September 2025
Friday 26 September 2025
Friday 14 November 2025
Monday 30 March 2026
Monday 20 April 2026
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