Cotham School
Weekly Mailing
27 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 2 March 2026 is Week A
Headteacher's Welcome! 👩🏫
Headteacher's Welcome! 👩🏫
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
Positive Feedback of the Week 👍
Positive Feedback of the Week 👍
Reflecting on Grand Iftar from Last Evening!
"Thank you to all those families who attended the Grand Iftar. It was great to see so many students with their families supporting such a memorable event."
Mrs A Khan
Assistant Headteacher
Email Received
"Dear Ms Butler and everyone at Cotham School
I would like to share a few words about the event .
It was a great pleasure to attend the Grand Iftar hosted by Cotham School staff and students on the evening of Thursday 26 February 2026.
The evening started with a introductory speech by Ms Butler, followed by a Quran recitation .
Multi faith speakers from different religious backgrounds graced the occasion and shared their views and experiences about their own faith and multi cultural approach we have today .
The Cotham community was United with a spirit of sharing and kindness as most of the food was donated. The fast was broken after a special prayer with customary dates and water. Everyone was served a tasty grand feast of Biriyani, Samosa, onion bhaji naan, dal, cakes and fruits.
The beauty of being together was evident from the start till end; from organising , planning till cleaning at the end. It takes a lot of effort in arranging a successful event like this.
Staff, students, parents and guests gathered together with happiness and warmth. The togetherness reflected the unity among diversity and showcases the celebration of community and traditions which truly defines life in Cotham as it upholds it values of achievement, respect and diversity.
My heartfelt thanks to the Cotham Community for their cordiality.
Mrs Sagarika Saha"
Another Positive Feedback Received
"Dear Ms Butler
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mrs Khan for her incredible work in organising last night's Grand Iftar at Cotham. A huge thank you is also owed to all the sponsors whose generosity made such a community event possible.
Attending with my daughter and my best friend, we were struck by the warmth and energy of the evening. This was my third consecutive year witnessing this event and it continues to be a source of immense pride and pleasure to be part of such a vibrant community.
We thoroughly enjoyed every moment and are already looking forward to next year!
Kind regards
Lopa"
Parent and Carer Calendar 🗓️
Parent and Carer Calendar 🗓️
Announcements 📢
Announcements 📢
WORLD BOOK WEEK NEXT WEEK!
WORLD BOOK WEEK NEXT WEEK!
World Book Week is next week! The theme is READING FOR PLEASURE. Cotham will be having lots of BOOK themed activities, competitions, writing workshops & author visits to celebrate our love of READING. Years 7 & 8 are asked to dress up as their favourite book character on FRIDAY 6 MARCH (teachers too!). £1 Donation to charity on the day. FREE world book day books will be in the library and book tokens available for ALL YEARS. For all the WBD information please click on the link.
2026 World Book Week Information WORLD BOOK WEEK - FOUR AUTHOR VISITS
WORLD BOOK WEEK - FOUR AUTHOR VISITS
For World Book week, we are welcoming four amazing authors for a series of assemblies and workshops for Years 7, 8, 9 & 10.
The Year 9s had an amazing visit this week from inspirational author Ashley Hickson-Lovence, who also led a workshop where students wrote 'with flair & without fear' And they really did!
Please CLICK ON THE LINK below for all the info on all the authors talks/workshops and how to purchase all their signed books.
Please note ALL books are available to borrow from the library too.
WM 4 AUTHORS POSTERS WITH QR CODES AND LINKS ABM Catering Update
ABM Catering Update
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback in our recent catering surveys – we really appreciate you letting us know what’s working well and where we can do even better. Your comments help shape our menus, service, and overall dining experience, and we’re grateful to everyone who took part. You can see what you've said and what we've done here!
We’re also excited to share two fantastic upcoming theme days, with full menus available to view via the links provided:
🌊 Rock Salt – Friday 6 March
A seaside-inspired celebration featuring fresh flavours and classic coastal favourites.
🌴 Jerk: Taste the Caribbean – Wednesday 11 March
A vibrant menu packed with bold spices, smoky jerk seasoning, and colourful Caribbean dishes.
We look forward to welcoming you and hope you’ll join us in celebrating these delicious theme days!
ABM Catering - You Said We Did.pdfABM_06_03_2026_Theme_Day_Rocksalt.pdfABM_11_03_2026_Theme_Day_Jerk_Taste_The_Caribbean.pdfChinese New Year Assemblies
Chinese New Year Assemblies
Our school’s Chinese New Year assembly, led by Ms Forbes, was a vibrant celebration of culture and community. The event featured engaging presentations and explanations of key Lunar New Year traditions. Our student leaders played an important role throughout the assembly, helping to introduce items and support the smooth running of the programme. Thanks to their efforts and Ms Forbes’ organisation, the assembly went wonderfully and created a memorable experience for everyone.
Cotham School of Sanctuary
Cotham School of Sanctuary
We are very pleased that one of our Unity projects, Seats of Resistance, led by Miss Knight and created by our Unity students, has been mentioned in the Bristol SOS Spring Newsletter.
SoS Spring Newsletter.pdf
Year Group News 🏫
Year Group News 🏫
Year 7
Year 7
Update
Year 7 have returned from the half-term break refreshed, energised, and ready to learn! It has been absolutely wonderful hearing all about their adventures. From exciting trips to beautiful countries to cosy days spent with family and friends, it sounds like everyone made the most of their time away from school. Many students enjoyed well-earned rest and relaxation, and they have come back full of positivity and ready for the term ahead. We are so proud of the fantastic attitude they have shown already!
Last term, we had great fun with our “Guess the Number” challenge, where students tried to work out how many sweetheart sweets were in the jar. It quickly became the must-do activity at lunchtime, with a very long queue forming as everyone eagerly made their guesses! The excitement built and we were thrilled to have two winners who guessed the exact number. The prize was split and shared between 7FRA and 7DSE — a fantastic achievement and a lovely way to end the term!
Year 7 Parents Evening is next week Thursday 5 March, I am looking forward to meeting you all.
Mrs Arnold
Year 7 Learning Coordinator
Year 10
Year 10
Work Experience Opportunities
We have been regularly uploading our Google Classroom with Work Experience opportunities. If your child has yet to secure a placement, please point them in the direction of their Google Classroom where a few opportunities have been posted.
Thank you
Mr Lawrence
Year 10 Learning Coordinator
Year 11
Year 11
Update
This week, Year 11 students who study a language have taken part in their speaking mock examinations. I am delighted to share that the process has gone extremely well and the feedback from teachers has been excellent. We are very proud of the effort and preparation they have demonstrated.
Looking ahead to next week, the Year 11 Prom Committee will be hosting their first fundraising event. A bake sale will take place in the HUB at breaktime on Thursday 5 March. Cookies will be available to purchase for £1 each, with all proceeds going towards the end of year prom celebration. I hope this will be a successful start to their fundraising efforts.
Also on Thursday, Year 11 students will attend a careers assembly featuring a guest speaker who will be presenting information about apprenticeships. This will provide students with valuable insight into post-16 pathways and future career opportunities.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Kind regards
Mr Arnold
Year 11 Learning Coordinator
Year 11 Parent Information Session
Our last Year 11 Parent Information Event takes place on Wednesday 4 March 2026 at 5.00pm -6.00pm in the main hall. No need to register/book. Please arrive via visitors reception on Cotham Lawn Road from 4.45pm.
Mrs Khan
Assistant Headteacher
North Bristol Post 16 🚀
North Bristol Post 16 🚀
A Busy Month Ahead at Post 16!
Post 16 students settled back in to term 4 well this week. Our Foundation students have returned from their work experience having learned valuable skills for their future. There are lots of exciting events ahead, with Year 13 student leadership group fundraising as part of the Holy month of Ramadan, the RESPECT group planning our International Women's Day celebrations and Year 12 Assembly on Wednesday 4 March on Mock exams. Lots of hard work happening at Post 16!
Subject Announcements 📖 ✏️ 🔢 🧪 🌍 🏛️ 🖥️🧮 🎨 🎭 🎵 🔨 🧑🍳 🏃♂️
Subject Announcements 📖 ✏️ 🔢 🧪 🌍 🏛️ 🖥️🧮 🎨 🎭 🎵 🔨 🧑🍳 🏃♂️
STEAM
STEAM
Food Science - Year 8 make Egg Fried Rice!
Before and after half term, Year 8 have been sharpening their knife skills and continuing to learn about conduction - How heat transfers from the hob to the pan to cook food successfully. A great mix of culture, cooking and science. Very fitting this time of year as the Chinese New Year Celebrations unfold! Great results all round Year 8!
Miss Burt 👩🍳
Work of the Week
This week, Year 11 students explored the intricate art of Orizomegami, the Japanese art of folding and dyeing paper, to gain a deeper insight into the techniques and visual language of artist Philip Taaffe.
ENGLISH
ENGLISH
Why does Macbeth Resonate so Strongly with Young People?
We are excited to highlight an upcoming production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth at the Factory Theatre. This "dark and atmospheric" staging promises to be a gripping experience, making it the perfect introduction (or revision!) for students studying the Bard.
Dates: 19 Feb – 28 Mar 2026
Location: Raleigh Rd, BS3 1TF
Booking: Tickets from £15
Please click here or call 0117 902 0344
In the latest blog feature, Ciara Rodwell (Head of English at The Oratory School) shares why Macbeth is the most-studied GCSE text. She highlights how its themes of ambition, envy, and guilt resonate powerfully with young people today.
Ciara also reflects on the "lightbulb moment" of live performance—how seeing the play on stage helps the complex language, characters, and dramatic irony finally "click" in a way the classroom alone cannot.
To watch the official rehearsal trailer below! They have created this in collaboration with talented local Boomsatsuma students. These young creatives joined them behind the scenes to gain hands-on experience in the industry, capturing the energy and tension of our production.
Careers 💼
Careers 💼
Update
Update
Career of the Week.....is PHOTOGRAPHER
Could this be a career for your child?
Does your child love taking photos? Capturing beautiful moments? Are they constantly capturing the world around them through a lens? If they love story telling through imagery and find joy in "capturing the moment," a career as a PHOTOGRAPHER might be a perfect fit!
Sirona Healthcare Placements!
Sirona Healthcare Placements!
Exciting work experience for 14-18 year olds from Sirona Healthcare.
Applications opened Monday 23 February 2026, use the QR code to sign up.
WEX Sirona poster with QR.pdfHouse Announcement 🏠
House Announcement 🏠
Design an Eid Card Competition
With many of our students and staff observing Ramadan and Eid 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.
Omega House Prefects Meeting
Mr Sebana will be meeting with the Omega House Prefects to discuss this term’s projects for our house, as well as fundraising events for the upcoming inter-house activities.
It promises to be a very exciting meeting, as all prefects will have the opportunity to collaborate with their Head of House to plan and create engaging and fun events for the house.
Literacy 📖
Literacy 📖
KS3
KS3
Word of the Week
Word of the Week
Proportion
Proportion
'Pruh - PAW - shuhn'
Meaning:
A part, share, or number of one thing compared to another (noun)
Example:
The proportion of cake she received represented the fact that it was her birthday.
Their reaction was out of proportion to what I said.
The cat’s eyes were out of proportion to the rest of their body.
Synonyms:
Part, amount, percentage, share, portion
KS4
KS4
Word of the Week
Word of the Week
Substanial
Substanial
'Suhb - stan - shuhl'
Meaning:
Large in size, value, importance (adjective).
Example:
He was earning a substantial amount of money.
There are many substantial arguments about why reading is important.
Synonyms:
Considerable, significant, sizeable…
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_16.pdfCommunity 🏘️
Community 🏘️
Free World book day Books at E-ACT Fairlawn Primary school
Free World book day Books at E-ACT Fairlawn Primary school
To ensure every child in Bristol has a book to enjoy, E-ACT fairlawn Primary is acting as a community distribution hub from Monday 9 March to friday 13 March.
Families are invited to visit the Fairlawn front office to collect a free World Book Day title (available for all ages, from Early Years to Young Adult).
Times: 9:30am–2:30pm and 3:30pm–4:00pm
Vouchers: Bring your £1 voucher to swap, but don't worry if you don't have one—all children are welcome to choose a book!
Please see attached poster for more information.
Fairlawn WBD book distribution hub poster.pdfFriends of Alalay Concert 2026
Friends of Alalay Concert 2026
Join us on Wednesday 15 April at St Matthew’s Church, Bristol, for an evening of world-class music in support of Bolivian street children at Alalay.
We are thrilled to welcome back international virtuosos Michael Kevin Jones (cello) and John Bryden (piano), performing a beautiful program of Berteau, Beethoven, and Cesar Franck.
Date: Wednesday 15 April
Location: St Matthew’s Church, Bristol (Ample free street parking)
Cause: Supporting the vital work of the Alalay Foundation.
Please see the attached leaflet for full details. We look forward to seeing you there!
Leaflet Concert April 2026.pdfIftar & Bounce @ Jumpin Fun Bristol
Iftar & Bounce @ Jumpin Fun Bristol
Please feel free to join on Friday 20 March and 27 March (7–9 PM) at Jumpin Fun, Eastville Retail Park (BS5 6XX) for two family-friendly Ramadan events.
All proceeds go to charity, and the evenings offer a great networking opportunity for students to meet local leaders and business owners.
Highlights: Inflatables, henna, halal food, and a dedicated prayer area.
Tickets: Limited capacity; first-come, first-served.
Please see the poster for full details.
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.
The Power of Fostering!
The Power of Fostering!
Five Rivers are looking for dedicated individuals within the Cotham School community to help transform a young person’s future. Here are five reasons to join Five Rivers fostering team:
Build Brighter Futures: Empower a child to reach their full potential.
Share Family Life: Provide the stability and warmth every young person deserves.
Join an Ethical Team: Become part of a highly experienced, professional network.
24/7/365 Support: Receive expert guidance and professional backup at any hour.
Expert Training: Access regular development opportunities to grow your skills.
Your home could be the turning point in a child’s life.
FR_FiveReasonsToFoster_Leaflet_A5_Print_04 (1).pdfFive Rivers Fostering Poster.pdfReminders 🔔
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
Page updated
Report abuse