Cotham School
Weekly Mailing
6 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 9 March 2026 is Week B
Headteacher's Welcome! 👩🏫
Headteacher's Welcome! 👩🏫
Dear Parents and Carers,
Happy Holi!
To all or families who celebrated Holi this week, we wish you a very happy and colourful festival. We hope your celebrations were filled with joy and time spent with loved ones.
We hope you enjoy this week's update and find the information helpful as we look ahead to the coming days.
Wishing you all a wonderful and relaxing weekend.
Kindest regards,
Ms Jo Butler
Headteacher
Achievement and Positive Feedback of the Week 👍
Achievement and Positive Feedback of the Week 👍
🥇 Gold Medal Success for Raghav!
We are proud to share that Raghav, rowing with the Bristol Rowing Club, has won a Gold Medal at the Avon County Head of the River.
This is a fantastic achievement that reflects his hard work and dedication on the water.
Congratulations, Raghav!
Positive Feedback: Year 7 Parents' Evening - Thursday 5 March 2026
I wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for the part you played in making this week's Year 7 Parents Evening such a success.
The feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive. It was clear from the conversations taking place throughout the evening that students have made a fantastic start to their time at Cotham School, and that is a direct reflection of the dedication, warmth, and professionalism you bring to your classrooms every day.
Parents left feeling informed, reassured, and genuinely proud of the progress their children are making. That doesn't happen by accident — it is the result of the relationships you have built with your students and the care you take in knowing them as individuals.
It is greatly appreciated.
Kind regards
Ms Veale
Assistant Headteacher
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 Free Books and Token to Give Away
World Book Day Free Books and Token to Give Away
We have celebrated World Book Week all this week in Cotham with many brilliant events, competitions, workshops and activities. We will share all of the exciting photos next week! For this week please see the attached information on how all students can access FREE WORLD BOOK DAY BOOKS and receive a £1 BOOK TOKEN (To use in participating shops). Come to the library next week to PICK UP YOUR FREE BOOK plus you can VOTE for one of the incredibly impressive 26 BOOKMARK entries.
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).pdfABM 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 the fantastic upcoming theme day, with full menu available to view via the links provided:
🌴 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 the delicious theme day!
ABM Catering - You Said We Did.pdfABM_11_03_2026_Theme_Day_Jerk_Taste_The_Caribbean.pdfCharity Swimathon Sunday 8 March 2026
Charity Swimathon Sunday 8 March 2026
We have 12 students taking part in the Charity swimathon on Sunday 8 March 2026.
Swimmers swim at their own pace; this is not a competitive race. Volunteers will count the number of lengths completed by each team so swimmers do not need to count lengths.
We will be raising money for the Guide Dog Puppy Appeal.
Please see the Just Giving Page for you to donate if you would like to support team Cotham Swimmers and the charity
Year Group News 🏫
Year Group News 🏫
Year 7
Year 7
Year 7 have had an exciting and inspiring week celebrating World Book Day! On Monday, students were delighted to welcome author Ash Bond to their Year 7 assembly. It was fantastic to see so many students fully engaged as they shared their favourite books and explored the imaginative worlds within Ash’s stories.
Students enthusiastically discussed magical portals, memorable characters, and the adventures found in Ash’s books. The assembly was full of energy, curiosity, and a real love of reading. It was wonderful to see so many Year 7 students celebrating books and discovering just how exciting reading can be.
Mrs Arnold
Year 7 Learning Coordinator
Year 8
Year 8
Year 8 have looked very studious as I have walked around the school this week while they are sitting exams. They should be very proud of how they have conducted themselves. It is very noticeable how mature the Year group are becoming, taking their studies more seriously and working hard. Well done!
Ms Dickerson
Year 8 Learning Coordinator
Year 11
Year 11
This week Year 11 attended an assembly all about careers with a guest speaker coming in to discuss apprenticeships, allowing students to gain insightful knowledge when considering their next steps and careers.
Additionally, this week the Prom Committee held their first fundraising event to raise funds towards the end of year prom. Students enjoyed selling cookies during breaktime on Thursday.
Furthermore, as part of fundraising efforts, two non-uniform dates will be held for Year 11 only. The first will take place on Friday 27 March and then again after the spring holidays on Friday 24 April. I encourage students, where possible, to bring in £1 as part of their contribution to the prom fundraising for wearing non school uniform.
Thank you to all parents/carers who attended the second parents information evening on Wednesday 4 March. The event included presentations from faculty leaders and an opportunity to go over best strategies to support students in the build up towards their summer exams. Further information will be available via the portal and on Google classroom.
Mr Arnold
Year 11 Learning Coordinator
North Bristol Post 16 🚀
North Bristol Post 16 🚀
Fundraising at Post 16
At Post 16 this week, the student leadership team have organised a ‘Give it Up Challenge’ as part of fundraising week in Ramadan. Staff and students have been setting themselves various challenges to give up something and get sponsors for charity. The student RESPECT group have also been doing flower pre-sales as part of our International Women’s Day celebrations on Tuesday 10 March, where everyone at Post 16 is encouraged to wear an item of purple for the day! A great week at Post 16.
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.pdfSubject Announcements 📖 ✏️ 🔢 🧪 🌍 🏛️ 🖥️🧮 🎨 🎭 🎵 🔨 🧑🍳 🏃♂️
Subject Announcements 📖 ✏️ 🔢 🧪 🌍 🏛️ 🖥️🧮 🎨 🎭 🎵 🔨 🧑🍳 🏃♂️
STEAM
STEAM
Food Science
Last week Year 7 learned how to safely prepare raw chicken for the first time, practised their knife skills by slicing peppers and onions, and season their filling with traditional Mexican-inspired spices. They carefully cooked their chicken before assembling their wraps.
The classroom was filled with wonderful aromas and everyone enjoyed tasting their creations at the end of the lesson. Well done Year 7 for your enthusiasm, teamwork and excellent cooking skills!
Miss Burt 👩🍳
Work of the Week
This week, the Year 12 art students have been working on a printmaking technique where designs are carved into lino sheets using gouges. They applied ink with a roller to the raised surface, then pressed it onto paper to create these lovely prints!
ENGLISH
ENGLISH
Ms Bentham's Year 10 class, 10B4, have been working really well with Macbeth. Particular Shout Outs to Makkah for independently annotating an extract and sharing this with the class; Zane, Mia, Rayhan, Dilshaan for reliably sharing thoughtful contributions; Zach, Kyiron, Hassan, Layla for often showing excellent understanding of the play and the characters; and to everyone who has read Shakespeare out loud.
Post 16 Film Students will be attending an Open Day at Film@59 this Saturday.
Careers 💼
Careers 💼
Update
Update
Career of the Week.....is ASTROPHYSICIST
Could this be a career for your child?
Many children gaze at the night sky with wonder, but for some, that curiosity turns into a lifelong passion for understanding how the universe works. If your child is constantly asking "why" the stars shine or how black holes form.
Does your child love space? Would they ever be interested in space travel? A career as an ASTROPHYSICIST might be a perfect fit!
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).pdfBristol Education Partnership (BEP)
Bristol Education Partnership (BEP)
A Great Week for the BEP
Student leaders visited Badminton School this week focusing on the importance of self awareness and reflection in leadership. They identified a skillset to stand out in an uncertain jobs market and developed negotiation, decision making, and networking skills. As usual, Cotham students shone for their confidence and adaptability.
Our student partnership board members also met this week at the University of Bristol where students discussed life skills and preparation for life beyond school.
Student Leaders to Dance for Cancer
BEP student leaders are planning an event for later this term...
Are you having a spring clean? Do you have a lovely but unwanted gift from Christmas? Are you a business owner who can donate an item or gift voucher?
Cancer will sadly affect most of us in our lifetime, either personally, or a loved one. Please send in anything you can for our raffle and dance competition prizes to help us maximise our fundraising for Cancer Research UK.
Collection point: Science office (Mrs Griffin)
House Announcement 🏠
House Announcement 🏠
International Women's Day Fundraiser
For International Women's Day, we sold bracelets at £1.00 each at breaktime on Thursday and Friday.
All proceeds will be donated to a Women's Shelter in Bristol
Happy International Women's Day! (Sunday 8 March 2026)
Ms Forbes
IWD2026 - Cydney Forbes.pdfLunar 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
Estimate
Estimate
'Est - uh - mate'
Meaning:
To roughly work out the value or amount of something (verb).
Example:
Can you estimate how many sweets are in the jar?
Estimate how long it will take to make the journey.
Synonyms:
Approximate, guess, judge…
KS4
KS4
Word of the Week
Word of the Week
Contradictory
Contradictory
'Con - truh - dic - tuh - ree'
Meaning:
When two or more things are very different or the opposite (adjective).
Example:
The advice I received was contradictory.
The results are contradictory.
Synonyms:
Opposing, conflicting, contrasting…
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_17.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
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