Cotham School
Weekly Mailing
22 May 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 1 June 2026 is Week A
Headteacher's Welcome! 👩🏫
Headteacher's Welcome! 👩🏫
Dear Parents and Carers
Sending our warmest wishes for a blessed and joyful Eid-ul-Adha to all our Cotham families celebrating this Tuesday 26 May. Eid Mubarak!
We hope you enjoy this week's update and find the information valuable as we look toward the weeks ahead. May everyone in our Cotham community have a wonderful and restful half-term holiday.
Kindest regards
Ms Jo Butler
Headteacher
Weekly Mailing -22 May 2026 Headteacher’s Welcome-1.webmAchievement and Positive Feedback of the Week 👍
Achievement and Positive Feedback of the Week 👍
Incredible News: We made the National Top 3! 🏆
We are thrilled to share that Cotham School was nominated for the prestigious Jamie Oliver Good School Food Awards 2026!
Out of over 700 entries nationwide, our school made it all the way to the final three in our category. While we didn't take home the final trophy, being recognized by industry experts and a celebrity panel as a national finalist is a massive achievement.
Thank you to our amazing catering and school teams for making Cotham a shining example of great school food!
Cotham School Welcomes Back Alumini - Bristol Cllr George Calascoigne
Cotham School was recently thrilled to host Bristol Cllr George Calascoigne on a visit. George is a Cotham Alumni and thoroughly enjoyed visiting the school and meeting staff and students. He was particularly pleased to see Mr Geoghegan again as he taught George Drama!
Parent and Carer Calendar 🗓️
Parent and Carer Calendar 🗓️
Announcements 📢
Announcements 📢
Year 9 Artists Involved in ‘Remembered Heroes’ Exhibition
Year 9 Artists Involved in ‘Remembered Heroes’ Exhibition
We are proud to share that some of our very own Year 9 artists will be exhibiting their work as part of the Royal British Legion ArtLab Remembered Heroes Exhibition this July.
This creative project has brought together students from five Bristol schools to explore remembrance in a creative and inclusive way. Through workshops led in partnership with the Royal British Legion and ArtLab, students have reflected on stories of service and sacrifice from diverse communities and expressed what remembrance means today through art.
Across the project, students explored a range of artistic techniques including collaborative fabric work, drawing, sewing, collage, printmaking and resin art. Their final pieces are deeply personal and inspired by stories that are often overlooked within traditional narratives of remembrance.
Friday 10 July until Sunday 12 July - Circomedia, St Pauls, Bristol
Children, parents, carers and community members are warmly invited to attend and support the students involved in the project.
Art in Remembrance: Transforming History into Art
Art in Remembrance: Transforming History into Art
This week, 30 students and I had the privilege of making resin art displays. We started by learning about the history of the World Wars and how many British soldiers were not originally from the United Kingdom. For example, Khudadad Khan was a fearless gunner who stood his ground during World War I.
The opportunity was so much fun. This was my first time using resin, and I enjoyed incorporating textiles into my art piece. Seeing my artwork in an ART and History exhibition will be a blessing and a lovely way to honour the legacy of all soldiers, known and unknown.
Thank a Teacher and Win Book Tokens for School
Thank a Teacher and Win Book Tokens for School
Is there someone at Cotham who makes a real difference? Maybe they have sparked a love of reading, or simply helped make school life more fun. The Thank a Teacher campaign recognises ALL staff working in UK schools and colleges; school leaders, teachers, teaching assistants and all support staff. If you’re feeling shy you can send a card anonymously. National Book tokens have joined with the Thank a Teacher campaign to give you the chance to WIN even more BOOKS for your school's library. Info below
WM Thank a Teacher - BOOK TOKEN COMP 26.pdfMonkhouse Uniform Offer
Monkhouse Uniform Offer
We are delighted to share some fantastic news from our uniform provider, Monkhouse. To help you get a head start on the back-to-school season and save on costs, they are offering a limited-time discount across their entire range.
The Offer
Enjoy 15% off all orders, whether you choose to shop online or visit their store in person (Bedminster).
Starts: Monday 18 May 2026
Ends: Tuesday 26 May 2026
Extended Returns: End Date: Friday 11 September
Year Group News 🏫
Year Group News 🏫
Year 7
Year 7
As we come to the end of Term 5, I would like to say a big thank you to all parents and carers for the continued support you have given your children throughout this year.
This term has been a very busy and exciting one for our students, with many memorable events and opportunities taking place, including Future Brunel, St Pauls Carnival, food tasting sessions for the canteen, the Bake Off competition, and celebrations for World Mental Health Week, which included a lunchtime scavenger hunt.
This week we held our termly “Guess the Number in the Jar” competition. The jar was filled with lots of sweet treats, and we had many very close guesses. However, the winner was Emmy, who correctly guessed the exact number of 100 and won the jar for her tutor group, 7TE.
Legoland Trip
Thank you to all parents and carers who have already paid an instalment to secure a place for their child on the Legoland trip taking place on 15 July. Please remember to pay the final installment by Monday 1 June and return consent forms.
Year 7 Exams
Year 7 exams have started calmly and students have impressed me with how ready they are. Exams will continue after the holiday. Please go over the preparation booklet and exam timetable to support your child during this period. We encourage you to look through these with them so you can help them prepare effectively at home.
Please ensure your child comes to school fully equipped with:
Pens and pencils
Maths equipment
Any other essential stationery
It is also important that students take care of themselves during the exam period. Encourage them to:
Take regular breaks between revision sessions
Stay hydrated
Get plenty of rest and sleep
Make time to relax and recharge
Thank you for your support during the exam period.
Mrs Arnold
Year 7 Learning Coordinator
Year 8
Year 8
It has been a real pleasure to start reading some of the feedback from tutor questionnaires about how Year 8 students feel they are doing at school. It is so heartening to read that all students feel they have strong subject areas and they all have their own ideas on how to support the weaker subjects moving forward. One thing that really stands out is that there are some students who are throwing themselves into many of the extra curricular clubs but there are still some who are not taking advantage of this. I would encourage your young person to get involved with these clubs as it is a way of making more friendships, learn skills beyond the standard curriculum and cement themselves into the Cotham Community. Whether this be sport, music and drama, chess club or modelling club there are many to choose from and it's never too late to join. If not this year, please do encourage them to participate in Year 9.
Mrs Dickerson
Learning Coordinator
Year 9
Year 9
A Reminder on School Punctuality!
We hope that everyone has a restful break and prepare for the final push towards summer.
This term saw a rise in students being late to school. I understand that roadworks and closures were more prevalent than normal around the school and I assume this would be the reason for the rise in lateness. If I could ask that you are mindful of your child's punctuality and speak to them about the importance of being on time, that would be appreciated.
Year 10
Year 10
⚽ Year 10 Footballers Making History ⚽
Huge well done to our Year 10 footballers! The team reached the semi finals of the Woodcock Shield, eventually losing on penalties to RGS after a brilliant run. They also became the furthest progressing team in the competition in Cotham School history 👏
Even more football success this week as Jacob, Joel, Jude and Malakai helped Cotham Tigers U15s win the BSYL Plate Cup Final beating Westbury Park Foxes 4-2 on Tuesday evening 🏆
Year 10 Family Consultation Day
Year 10 Family Consultation Day will take place on Thursday 25 June 2026 between 08:30am to 4:45pm and the bookings are now open. All appointments will take place in the Main Hall.
Please click here to book your appointment.
Year 10 Family Consultation Day Full Details Letter Year 11
Year 11
Please RETURN Your Overdue Books
Good Luck Year 11 with all your upcoming exams. Please remember there are still revision guides & helpful books in the library for you to take out. But PLEASE remember to RETURN any OVERDUE or old textbooks you may have in your home. Check under beds, wardrobes and the backs of cupboards. Cotham loses lots of books every year and has to spend money to replace them, so PLEASE think of the current and future Cotham Students who need your books back. Thank you Year 11 and GOOD LUCK for the future.
WM YEAR 11 RETURN BOOKS HERE 2026.pdfWeekly Update
As we complete two weeks of exams, I would like to recognise the excellent engagement, effort and motivation shown by our Year 11 students. Their positive attitude and mature approach have not gone unnoticed, and I am very proud of them.
Following the half-term break, students will begin attending their scheduled exam revision preparation sessions. Information regarding these sessions has now been sent home to all parents and carers.
These sessions are designed to provide valuable support and guidance to help students prepare effectively for their upcoming examinations.
We would also like to remind all students and families of our expectations regarding school uniform and equipment during the examination period. All students must attend school in full uniform, wearing their lanyard and bringing their Yondr pouch each day.
Please note that students who are not in full uniform, including the required lanyard will not be permitted to sit their examinations.
Over the last two weeks, a number of students have arrived to exams without a scientific calculator and other key pieces of exam equipment. Please ensure your child is fully equipped ahead of every exam. Whilst we are able to support students with equipment where needed, the exams team only have a limited amount available.
Year Team Support and Exam Wellingbeing
Wellbeing during exams is incredibly important. As a Year Team, we are here to support all students throughout the examination period. A pack of wellbeing and revision support resources is available to students via their Google Classroom. Additionally, I am resharing a valuable resource for parents and carers on supporting your child through exam stress.
Message from the Parent Committee
LEAVERS PROM TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
The Year 11 Leavers Prom is on Wednesday 24 June (evening) at The Bristol Hotel. Tickets are on sale NOW on WisePay, including an important form to complete regarding allergies and consent.
Get your outfits ready and get your ticket NOW to avoid disappointment!
Ticket price includes buffet, DJ and Photo Booth.
Only students with a valid ticket will be allowed entry.
Yearbook
Yearbooks also remain on sale via WisePay for £8 each. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to have a memento to celebrate their time at Cotham School.
Thank you for your continued support during this important time for our Year 11 students, I hope all students have a restful half term break. Remember to keep up the revision, but also to take some time to look after yourselves as well.
Best wishes,
Mr Arnold
Year 11 Learning Coordinator
North Bristol Post 16 🚀
North Bristol Post 16 🚀
Last Week of Term 5!
Exams season is in full swing for many of our young people. As we reflect back on a busy but productive term 5, we remember the very positive Leavers' celebrations that both of our Year 13 and Foundation cohorts have had to mark their time with us. We now look ahead to Term 6 with Year 12 who will be focusing on progression to Year 13 and Futures. Well done to all at Post 16!
Subject Announcements 📖 ✏️ 🔢 🧪 🌍 🏛️ 🖥️🧮 🎨 🎭 🎵 🔨 🧑🍳 🏃♂️
Subject Announcements 📖 ✏️ 🔢 🧪 🌍 🏛️ 🖥️🧮 🎨 🎭 🎵 🔨 🧑🍳 🏃♂️
MFL
MFL
Germany Trip 2027
We are thrilled to announce our annual trip to the Black Forest, Germany, scheduled for 2027! This fantastic experience is open to all Year 8 students, regardless of the language they study.
If you haven’t received a copy of the form that was emailed to parents and carers, you can pick one up from the MFL Office.
Please note, spaces are limited to 43 students, so be sure to register your interest early to avoid disappointment.
Many thanks
Mrs Bingham
Faculty Leader
STEAM
STEAM
Work of the Week
After observing some works of art, each Year 7 student was assigned a specific section to recreate. When their individual contributions were assembled, they formed these two impressive collaborative portraits of iconic artists Frida Kahlo and Vincent van Gogh.
Food Science! 👩🍳👨🍳
Our Year 9 students got a taste of international cuisine recently as they learned how to make traditional Turkey Börek pastries from scratch.
From rolling delicate layers of pastry to preparing savoury fillings filled with onion, potato & cheese, everyone enjoyed developing new cooking skills while exploring Turkish culture and traditions.
The delicious results were a big hit and the classroom was filled with wonderful aromas and great pastries all round! Well Done Year 9 - Miss Burt 👩🍳
MATHS
MATHS
Year 11 Maths GCSE - Equipment
Students need to bring the correct equipment to all of their Maths exams. This includes pen, pencil, ruler, protractor and compass. They will also need a calculator for paper 2 (Wednesday 3 June) and paper 3 (Wednesday 10 June). These can be bought from stationers such as WHSmith or large supermarkets. The school library has a limited supply to buy if students go in advance. Students without familiar equipment will lose marks which may mean they drop below the GCSE grade they should be getting.
Year 11 Maths GCSE - Past Paper Revision
All Year 11s should be regularly completing past papers as part of their revision for GCSE Maths.
After the first and second Maths GCSE paper the students will be given (on Google Classrooms) links to a practice paper that focuses on the topics not yet covered, ie. it will help them to focus on the topics most likely to come up in the remaining exams. This is essential preparation that should not be missed. Please can you remind your child to look out for these.
Careers 💼
Careers 💼
Career of the Week............ is PROFESSIONAL DRIVER!
Could this be a career for you?
If you're physically resilient, detail-oriented and can stay calm under pressure, a career as a professional diver could be your next move. This role takes construction, inspection, salvage, and photography off the land and submerges you into a new, underwater workplace. Dive into a job where the action happens below the surface!
House Announcement 🏠
House Announcement 🏠
Omega House Got Talent
We have really enjoyed celebrating the amazing talents within Omega House during assemblies and are now opening this opportunity to all students. Whether you sing, dance, play an instrument, perform poetry, or have another talent, we would love to hear from you. The application form is available on Google Classroom and must be completed by Thursday 4 June 2026. I look forward to reading your applications and seeing the amazing talent within Omega House.
Cotham vs Montpelier Charity Staff Match
Cotham staff will take on Montpelier staff in an exciting inter-house 9-a-side charity football match on the 19 June! Staff taking part will donate £2 to charity and proudly wear their House colours. The House with the most staff participants will win a special MVP award. A sign-up spreadsheet will be shared next term, so get involved, represent your House, and come and support your teachers, fellow staff, and your House in a fun afternoon of football and community spirit!
Time: 4.00pm
Venue: Cotham School, All Weather Pitch
WildEd
This week we continued to work on and develop our container pond in the community garden. We will be completing work on this after the half-term.
We also de-weeded one of the big planters on the lower tarmac and planted some beautiful flowers here to brighten it up.
Well done to everyone in the WildEd group for working so hard on our project!!
Literacy 📖
Literacy 📖
KS3
KS3
Word of the Week Quiz
Word of the Week Quiz
Which are correct synonyms for outcome: a) Origin b) Result c) Beginning d) Consequence
ANSWER: b) Result and d) Consequence
One of the Words of the Week sounds like ‘croo-shuhl’. How do you spell this word and what does it mean?
ANSWER: Crucial means important, especially in terms of whether something is likely to be a success or failure.
If a teacher asks you to annotate something, what are they asking you to do? Why might annotation be helpful?
ANSWER: Annotate means to add notes or diagrams around a text to add ideas and explanations. Annotation is a way of recording ideas.
What was the Word of the Week for the picture below? What does it mean?
ANSWER: Distribution
Dividing something among people (noun).
Spreading or supplying something (noun).
KS4
KS4
Word of the Week Quiz
Word of the Week Quiz
What was the Word of the Week for a word that means the current state of things?
ANSWER: Status quo. The current state of things, especially in relation to social or political issues (noun).
One of the Words of the Week sounds like ‘Eye-dee-ol-uh-jee’. How is this word spelt and what does it mean?
ANSWER: Ideology. A person or a group of people’s ideas or beliefs, especially related to politics or the economy (noun).
Show you understand the word plausible by explaining which is plausible:
It’s plausible that it could rain somewhere in the UK tomorrow.
It’s plausible that aliens will invade tomorrow.
Plausible: It’s plausible that it could rain somewhere in the UK tomorrow. This means it’s likely.
If you are told to verify facts, what does it mean?
ANSWER: Verify means to check something is true or accurate.
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_18.pdfCommunity 🏘️
Community 🏘️
Exciting Weekly Youth Sessions at Full Circle
Exciting Weekly Youth Sessions at Full Circle
We are thrilled to highlight some fantastic local opportunities for our students. Full Circle, based in the Docklands (St Pauls), is running weekly sessions designed to give young people a safe, engaging space to hang out, learn new skills, and connect with peers.
Whether they are looking for a place to relax after school or want to get involved in community activities, these sessions are a great fit:
Our Featured Sessions:
Wednesday - Olderz - 6:00 to 8:00pm - Ages 12 to 16
Thursday - Boyz Club - 5:30 to 7:30pm - Ages 11 to 18
Make a Difference: Foster with Bristol City Council
Children in Bristol urgently need safe, welcoming homes. By fostering locally, you help a child stay connected to their community, friends, and school—providing the stability they need to thrive.
Why Foster?
Inclusivity: No "typical" family—we welcome all backgrounds, regardless of marital status or home ownership.
Financial Support: Weekly allowances and payments.
Benefits: Dedicated support, carer networks, and free Bristol City Council gym access.
"Fostering brings us joy and fun every single day." — BCC Foster Carer
Are you interested?
Please contact:
Call: 0117 353 4200
Email: fostering@bristol.gov.uk
BCC Fostering - poster 1.pdfFree Support for Parent/Carers this June
Free Support for Parent/Carers this June
Bristol Parent Carers has released their "What's On" guide for June, featuring a range of free support sessions and workshops for families of children with SEND. To ensure our community is supported, the programme is available in English, Somali and Polish. Whether you need practical advice or a chance to connect with other parent/carers, these sessions are here for you.
Cost: Free
Please see the below posters for further information and share this with anyone who will benefit.
Parenting Programme: Strengthening Families Strengthening Communities
Parenting Programme: Strengthening Families Strengthening Communities
Cotham School is pleased to share an opportunity for parents and carers to join the SFSC Programme, a supportive 13-week course starting Thursday, 30 April 2026.
This evidence-based programme helps families build stronger relationships, manage stress, and develop practical strategies for effective discipline and child safety.
When: Thursdays, 9:15 AM – 12:15 PM (Starting Thursday 30 April)
Where: Wellspring Settlement, 43 Ducie Road, BS5 0AX
Cost: FREE (Free bookable crèche available)
How to Join
Places are limited. It takes only two minutes to sign up using the links below:
Parents: Self-Referral Form
Professionals: Referral Form
Watch: Short Introduction Video
Enquiries: Call 0117 304 1400 (ext 155) or 07492 870 557.
A4 FOLDED LEAFLET SFSC APRIL 2026_ (1).pptxBookings 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:
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.
Eligibility-Factsheet-2026.pdfHoliday-Hub-A4-Poster.pdfSparks Film School Bristol Central presents…
Sparks Film School Bristol Central presents…
Summer Shoots - Filmmaking and Animation Camps🎬
This summer, children aged 7–14 in Bristol can create their own exciting short films and animations in a fun-filled week of creativity, action and imagination!
Across 5 exciting days, they’ll learn filmmaking, acting, directing, special effects or animation while buildin confidence, making new friends and bringing their ideas to life on screen.
Available dates:
🗓 20–24 July 2026 – Filmmaking Camp
🗓 27–31 July 2026 – Filmmaking & Animation Camps
🗓 3–7 August 2026 – Filmmaking & Animation Camps
📍 Cotham School, Bristol
👧 Ages 7–14 (animation age 7-11)
💳 Childcare Vouchers & Tax-Free Childcare Accepted
To book please visit 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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