Cotham School
Weekly Mailing
13 March 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 16 March 2026 is Week A
Headteacher's Welcome! 👩🏫
Headteacher's Welcome! 👩🏫
Achievement and Positive Feedback of the Week 👍
Achievement and Positive Feedback of the Week 👍
Email Received
"Dear Louise
Thank you so much for entering teams for our annual Swimathon. The swimmers were all delightful and their zest for life and good humour contributed much to a successful event. I hope they all enjoyed the experience and are proud of their achievements. Please pass on our thanks and congratulations.
We hope to see you next year."
With thanks and best wishes
Tony
Parent and Carer Calendar 🗓️
Parent and Carer Calendar 🗓️
Announcements 📢
Announcements 📢
Parent Governor Vacancy
Parent Governor Vacancy
Please see a letter from the Chair of Governors attached.
Parent Governor Letter and Nomination Form March 2026.pdfWorld Book Day
World Book Day
Staff and students were encouraged to dress up as their favourite book characters on Friday 6 March. They did not disappoint! This year was our biggest dress up day yet! The day felt creative, joyful and inclusive, showing students that reading is something EVERYONE can do. It isn’t a chore, but something fun, exciting and empowering.
Come and VOTE for your favourites in the library and whilst you join in with the voting, FREE world book day books are still available to take home and keep forever. Please click on the pictures to view.
Parent/Carer Webinar - Introduction to Anxiety
Parent/Carer Webinar - Introduction to Anxiety
The Mental Health Support Team that works alongside our school are delivering online workshops for parents/carers about key mental health topics. They have an upcoming webinar that will provide information and advice about how to support your child if they are experiencing anxiety. Please use the QR code on attached document to sign up.
Online Parent Carer Workshops 2026 Parent/Carer Webinars - Anna Freud Centre
Parent/Carer Webinars - Anna Freud Centre
We wanted to remind all parents/carers of our partnership with the Anna Freud Centre and the webinars that they offer around key mental health topics. There are a few more live workshops coming up this spring term. You can also access recorded versions of their previously delivered workshops. See the attached pdfs for more information and links to access these.
Live parent and carer resources Spring term 25-26 (1).pdfParent and carer on-demand webinars - guide 25-26 (2).pdfCharity Swimathon Sunday 8 March 2026
Charity Swimathon Sunday 8 March 2026
A huge thank you to everyone who took part in the swimathon on Sunday. You were all fantastic and made me very proud. Thank you to everyone who came to watch and support.
An incredible 725 lanes were swam by Cotham Swimmers.
Thank you to everyone who has sponsored the event. The just giving page has been very busy and I looked at it today and we have now raised an incredible total of £292 for the Guide Dog Puppy Appeal.
Mrs Arnold
Year 7 Learning Coordinator
Year Group News 🏫
Year Group News 🏫
Year 7
Year 7
Update
This week, Year 7 celebrated International Women’s Day with a fantastic assembly led by students in Years 10 and 11. The assembly was inspiring and highlighted the achievements and contributions of women around the world.
A big thank you to Ms Kennedy, Ms Ingham and Miss Catalina for organising such a great assembly.
We also have some exciting events coming up for Year 7 this term:
Year 7 Tutor Quiz
Year 7 Bake Off
Guess the Number in the Jar – Win Easter Eggs
We are looking forward to a fun and engaging term ahead!
Shout Outs
A huge shout out to Tamsin, Eva, Violet, Elsa and Finlay who were part of the Cotham Swimmers Team and took part in the Charity Swimathon last Sunday ( 8 March 2026). I was very proud of them all.
Mrs Arnold
Year 7 Learning Coordinator
Author Ash Bond Visits Year 7
The wonderful Ash Bond returned to Cotham to inspire our Year 7s to READ and WRITE about fantasy and adventure. She talked about the history of trials/games and how books use them to build tension within their stories. Our Year 7s excelled themselves with their knowledge of fantasy adventure books! They asked lots of brilliant questions too. Ash then took a writing workshop in the library to continue the theme of writing strong stories! Click below for more pics and info. Books in the library NOW!
WM VISIT INFO - Ash Bond 
Year 8
Year 8
Weekly Roundup
Year 8 have continued with their exams this week in a very mature fashion. Testament to the ongoing maturity is an apology letter written by a student to a teacher after what was not the greatest lesson. I was heartened to read the depth, sincerity and understanding in this apology. Despite what students might think, I'm sure all parents and carers will agree we are rarely expecting behaviour to be 100%, what we are striving for is continued improvement and learning. This is being demonstrated by Year 8 on a regular basis and it is wonderful to see.
Ms Dickerson
Year 8 Learning Coordinator
Shout Outs
Shout out to 8AB for their impeccable attention during the reading session at tutor time Last week! Miss Kennedy
Shoutout for 8b3 for a really thought-provoking discussion about AI last week during lesson. Miss Anthony
Excellent behaviour in their German Exam. All students tried and had a go! Well done year 8. Miss Bingham, German Teacher
Year 8: Pop Up - Cook your Lunch Day with Mrs Brock
Year 8 students are invited to take part in a “Pop Up Cook Your Lunch Day” with Mrs Brock on Wednesday 18 March in the Food Rooms. Students will make a hot bowl of noodles with fresh vegetables and a choice of sauces to enjoy at lunchtime. The session starts at 12:05pm and there are 20 places available. If oversubscribed, names will be drawn at random. Students should ask their tutor to add their name to the sign-up list.
Award Winning Author Rachel Delahaye Visits Year 8
Author Rachel Delahaye came to talk to Year 8 about the sequel to her award winning book Electric Life and spoke about her love of writing dystopian and futuristic fiction. Year 8 behaved impeccably throughout the assembly and asked many great questions. Rachel then ran a World Building workshop where the Year 8s got to create stories in their own unique futuristic worlds, using descriptive language and powerful imagery. All of Rachels book are in the library NOW. Click for more pictures and info.
WM VISIT INFO - Rachel Delahaye
Year 9
Year 9
Author Talk with Ashley Hickson - Lovence
Ashley came to Cotham and blew everyone away with his charismatic and powerful assembly. Engaging students AND staff. Ashley spoke about his books, including his moving semi auto biographical verse novel WILD EAST. He read parts of his novel out – off by heart and his words were emotive and inspirational. He also spoke about his own experiences growing up and explained how WRITING helped him through tough times. He was AMAZING. It was one of the best assemblies I have seen! More info and pics, please click below.
Ms Payne
Librarian
WM VISIT INFO - Ashley Hickson
Year 10
Year 10
Celebrating International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day gave us a chance to recognise the achievements, strength and influence of women across the world. It was an opportunity to reflect on the importance of equality, respect and opportunity for all. We are proud of the many young women in our school community who show leadership, kindness and determination every day and it was a pleasure to see our Year 10 girls play such a big role in our IWD 2026 celebration assemblies this week.
Mr Lawrence
Year 10 Learning Coordinator
Author Amara Sage Visits Year 10!
Author Amara Sage came to talk to Year 10 about her incredibly relevant books about the dangers of social media and their links to young peoples mental health. She spoke about the themes in her own books as well as her own experiences in life as a woman of dual heritage. Her books Influential and Girl, Ultra Processed really focus on what it is like to be a teenager today, growing up with social media and how it can negatively impact their lives. Her FAB BOOKS in the library now! CLICK for pic & info.
Year 11
Year 11
Update
It's been a busy week in Year 11 as students have begun their Yearbook photos! Three tutor groups have had their photos taken by the brilliant student photographers. It's been great to see the encouragement and support for each other.
Additionally a massive well done to the Year 11 girls who spoke in assembly throughout this week for International Women's Day. Students spoke brilliantly to all year groups and supported an important message.
An update on the bake sale last week to raise funds for the end of year prom. The Prom Fundraising Committee sold over 80 cookies in under 15 minutes completely selling out!
Mr Arnold
Year 11 Learning Coordinator
North Bristol Post 16 🚀
North Bristol Post 16 🚀
Highlights for this week!
International Women’s day this week was celebrated this week at Post 16 with a huge flower sale - the total raised and charity itself will be revealed soon. Students are also completing our gender equality survey + the winning Charnwood FM was…. (votes still being counted!
We also held an In-community revision event for parents/carers- resources will be on the website soon!
The first basketball season fixture took place at Clifton College this week: great to see the stripes back in action!
Year 12 - Parents' Evening
We warmly invite parents and carers of students to attend our Year 12 virtual online Parents' Evening at Cotham School on Thursday 19 March 2026.
The booking system is now open. Please book your appointments as soon as possible. Bookings will close on Wednesday 18 March at 18:00.
Year 12 Parents' Evening Full details letter.pdfFutures Bulletin for Post 16 Students
Stay up to date with the latest career pathways! Please click below:
Post 16 Futures Bulletin .pdfSubject Announcements 📖 ✏️ 🔢 🧪 🌍 🏛️ 🖥️🧮 🎨 🎭 🎵 🔨 🧑🍳 🏃♂️
Subject Announcements 📖 ✏️ 🔢 🧪 🌍 🏛️ 🖥️🧮 🎨 🎭 🎵 🔨 🧑🍳 🏃♂️
STEAM
STEAM
Work of the Week
Year 7 students have been exploring the intricate patterns of Zentangles, mandalas, and henna. Drawing inspiration from these styles, they developed unique responses to Islamic tile art. The students translated their designs into polytile carvings, producing vibrant prints layered over their custom-made backgrounds.
Careers 💼
Careers 💼
Update
Update
Career of the Week.....is Voice Actor!
Could this be a career for you?
Do you love drama? Are you a master at changing accents or using your powerful voice to get your point across? Vocal chords at the ready - a career as a Voice Actor might be just for you!
Vet Vibes: Veterinary Taster Day
Veterinary Taster Day at the University of Bristol Veterinary School on Saturday 28 March 2026, running from 9.00am to 4.00pm at the Langford Campus.
This is a great opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds who are interested in animal care, veterinary science, veterinary nursing and related careers to explore the subject and meet staff and current students. They will gain insight into careers within the veterinary profession, as well as the wide range of support that is available for students who wish to progress into a veterinary degree at university
This event is entirely free and designed to give eligible students a first-hand experience of veterinary study, with taster activities and insights into veterinary-related subjects and student life.
This event is primarily aimed at Years 10 and 11, but all ages are welcome to apply. More details on student eligibility criteria and how to sign-up can be found here.
Taster day event 1 (2).pdfHouse Announcement 🏠
House Announcement 🏠
Lunar New Year Poster Competition
Following last week’s Lunar New Year assemblies, Ms Forbes is launching a House competition to design a Lunar New Year poster. Create your design by hand or digitally and submit it to Ms Forbes in Room C005 by March Friday 20 March.
Everyone is welcome to enter — you don’t need to celebrate Lunar New Year. Work must be your own.
The winner will receive a prize and have their artwork displayed around the school.
Literacy 📖
Literacy 📖
KS3
KS3
Word of the Week
Word of the Week
Indicate
Indicate
'In - duh - kayt'
Meaning:
To point out or show something (verb).
Example:
Coming into the classroom quietly indicates that you’re ready to learn.
His smile indicated that he was happy.
Synonyms:
Demonstrate, show, suggest…
KS4
KS4
Word of the Week
Word of the Week
Symbolise
Symbolise
'Sim - buh - lyz'
Meaning:
Symbolising something means creating an image or gesture to represent it (verb).
Example:
What does the colour red symbolise to you?
The blood in ‘Macbeth’ symbolises guilt.
Synonyms:
Represent, signify, express…
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 Learning Lead
Email: AhmedF@cotham.bristol.sch.uk
Online_Saftey_Newsletter_17.pdfCommunity 🏘️
Community 🏘️
Bookings are now open this Spring with Your Holiday Hub!
Bookings are now open this Spring with Your Holiday Hub!
Browse activities and book here:
Activities this summer – Your Holiday Hub Bristol – take a look at the map to see what activities are close by.Help us spread the word! Share resources with your groups and contacts widely:
Our toolkit, includes flyers, posters and social media copy.
Your Holiday Hub Spring 2026 Booklet, also attached, lists all the organisations offering sessions this spring.Understanding Benefits Related Free School Meal (BRFSM) eligibility
We are often asked what the criteria for being eligible for free school meals is; so we’ve put together this helpful factsheet.
Your Holiday Hub Spring Booklet 2026.pdfYour-Holiday-Hub-toolkit-Spring-2026.pdfEligibility-Factsheet-2026.pdfHoliday-Hub-A4-Poster.pdfFinal Call: Together for SEND Event
Final Call: Together for SEND Event
There is just one week left to book your place for the Together for SEND support (pre-booking required). This is a key opportunity for the Bristol community to hear updates on the city's SEND and Inclusion Strategy and the national White Paper.
Why attend?
• Network with 150+ of Bristol educators
• Hear updates on Bristol’s SEND & Inclusion Strategy and the SEND White Paper and
• Choose from 15+ SEND sessions
• Meet 60+ services and organisations supporting schools
Your ticket includes breakfast, lunch and three networking sessions
Payment is easy - pay online or request an invoice for your school.
If you need help with booking or invoices, please email: togetherforsend@bristolparentcarers.org.uk
Sparks Film Club
Sparks Film Club
Sparks Film Club Bristol Central Presents…
Alongside our weekly Saturday morning filmmaking classes at Cotham School, we’re also gearing up for our next holiday camp!
Operation Heist – Easter Holiday Filmmaking Camp
13th–15th April 2026
9.00am – 3.00pm
Cotham School
Ages 7–14 (grouped by age in separate studios)
Make your own Heist Movie this Easter! Step into Operation Heist — a cinematic holiday camp where young filmmakers will devise daring plans, unexpected twists, and edge-of-your-seat scenes as they work together to plan, shoot, and star in their own thrilling heist film. Students will:
Create clever plots, dramatic twists, and bold characters
Work as a film crew across directing, camera, and performance
Explore suspense and visual storytelling techniques
Complete a finished film over three action-packed days
No previous filmmaking experience required.
More information or to book our holiday camp or a free trial for our weekly classes 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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