Cotham School
Weekly Mailing
12 June 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 15 June 2026 is Week A
Headteacher's Welcome! 👩🏫
Headteacher's Welcome! 👩🏫
Achievement and Positive Feedback of the Week 👍
Achievement and Positive Feedback of the Week 👍
Year 13 Leavers' Feedback
"I really appreciated the clear communication throughout A-Levels, including regular check-ins on my progress and honest feedback about where I stood with my grades. Even with large classes, I felt well supported and knew I could always email for help if needed. I really enjoyed learning and experimenting with new techniques and skills, and I was always able to get support if I was struggling with ideas. Thank you very much to all my teachers and everyone in the Post 16 team!!!"
Post 16 Student
Parent and Carer Calendar 🗓️
Parent and Carer Calendar 🗓️
Announcements 📢
Announcements 📢
Youth Voice Census 2026
Youth Voice Census 2026
West of England Combined Authority is proud to be supporting the Youth Voice Census because we want to better understand the experiences, ambitions and challenges facing young people across the West of England.
Parents, carers and trusted adults can play an important role in helping young people have their say.
Please encourage any 11-30 year olds to take part. Their views will help shape future opportunities, services and support across our region.
Closing on Monday 22 June, take part here: https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/91044376/west-of-england
Pride Picnic 2026
Pride Picnic 2026
On Friday 26 June 2026, Cotham School will be hosting its second Pride Picnic, following the success of last year's event.
We would like to invite families to come and celebrate with us.
There will be a student parade followed by some nibbles, fizzy pop and water, and a showcase of student talent (3.00pm until 4.30pm).
Please RSPV by Friday 19 June by clicking here.
Year 11 Uniform Donations Needed
Year 11 Uniform Donations Needed
As our Year 11s prepare to leave, please consider donating their pre-loved school uniform to help support local families and promote sustainability.
What we need: clean, good-condition polo shirts, jumpers, trousers, skirts and PE kits.
Where: drop off at Main Reception
Thank you for supporting our school community and helping the next generation of students!
The World Cup 2026 - Read About Football
The World Cup 2026 - Read About Football
The football World Cup has begun. Fully immerse yourself in the world of football by READING about it too.
High-action, relatable FICTION football stories and fact-filled NON-FICTION football books can really help bridge the gap from the pitch to the page, building reading confidence and stamina.
Football shows us what is possible when reading feels relevant and connected to young people’s lives. Click below for information about what football has done to help READING plus fab football book suggestions!
WM 2026 WORLD CUP - READ ABOUT FOOTBALL 
Year Group News 🏫
Year Group News 🏫
Year 7
Year 7
Update
This week Year 7 had an additional assembly from Roots of Belonging.
Roots of Belonging is a project run by Unique Voice, Bristol City of Sanctuary, and the Asylum and Refugee Clinic (ARC) and the workshops will focus on celebrating diversity, building empathy, and developing emotional regulation skills as part of our Refugee Week celebrations and as a School of Sanctuary.
It was so lovely to see Year 7 engaged and taking part in the assembly .
Rubik's Cube Competition
The Rubik’s Cube competition continues to captivate our dedicated Year 7 students. Every day, competitors strive to beat their own records as cubes twist and turn at remarkable speed. Nimble fingers work their magic as students race against the clock to claim the title of fastest solver. The enthusiasm and commitment on display has made this one of the term's most popular competitions. Macario is still top of the leaderboard with an impressive 12 seconds.
Tutor Football Update
Tutor football has continued to thrive this term, with excellent participation, teamwork and competition across all tutor groups. As we head into the final few games of the season, students will have the chance to vote for their Player of the Year. We look forward to celebrating everyone's achievements at our end-of-term assembly, where we will also crown the overall Year 7 Tutor Football League winners.
Mrs Arnold
Year 7 Learning Coordinator
Year 8
Year 8
Trip
Letters for the Year 8 Thorpe Park Trip have been sent to you this week. We are excited that the trip will take place on Tuesday 14 July. Students will need to be at school by 7.30am at the latest. The first payment instalment will be required by next Friday 19 June, with the second due on Wednesday 1 July. Please ensure your forms are returned to Tutors promptly, filled out and signed, as there will be no extension for late applications.
Ms Dickerson
Year 8 Learning Coordinator
French: Surprise Me Homework
Bravo! Some Year 8 students who are studying French have created Surprise Me Homework they can really be proud of! From homemade croissant shaped earrings to delicious lemon-pistachio macarons, from art work to research projects. Je suis impressionnée!
Mme Kennedy
MFL Teacher
scan_French_2026-06-04-15-48-24 Year 10
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 Mr Lawrence
Year 10 Learning Coordinator
Year 11
Year 11
News
As we move closer towards the end of the GCSE exams, I want to say a huge well done to all students for working so incredibly hard over the past four weeks. It has been a joy to watch students demonstrating commitment and determination to achieve their goals.
On Monday 15 June we will be celebrating students hard work with our Leavers Assembly, taking place from Period 3 onwards following the conclusion of the Physics exam.
Important notices to be aware of ahead of the assembly:
Students must remain in full school uniform when attending the assembly as we will continue to have further exams in the afternoon.
If students wish to sign shirts, a spare shirt should be brought in to sign and not signing the polo shirt they are wearing.
During Year 11 Leavers' assembly, we will be collecting in student Yondr pouches which were loaned to them last year. Please ensure your child brings their Yondr pouch in on Monday 15 June to hand back to the school. If a student fails to do so, they may be charged £15.
Yearbooks that have been purchased will be handed out on the same day to ensure students have an opportunity to read through the book together and celebrate Year 11.
A reminder of the Year 11 Prom Celebration taking place on Wednesday 24 June at the Bristol Hotel. If a ticket has been purchased for your child, please ensure you have completed the attached form for dietary requirements and parental contact.
A number of generous donations have been made for prom outfits including suits, dresses, bags and shoes. If anyone requires support or would like to borrow prom outfits, please come and speak to a member of the Year Team.
Mr Arnold
Year 11 Learning Coordinator
North Bristol Post 16 🚀
North Bristol Post 16 🚀
Refugee Week at Post 16
This week at Post 16 we have been celebrating National Refugee Week with a range of different activities for our students to participate to build our community and include everyone. From Film Club screening 'The Real Mo Farah', to Create Club, a henna workshop and a community board about what courage means to our students, NBP16 once again is demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity and making our fantastic community even stronger.
Subject Announcements 📖 ✏️ 🔢 🧪 🌍 🏛️ 🖥️🧮 🎨 🎭 🎵 🔨 🧑🍳 🏃♂️
Subject Announcements 📖 ✏️ 🔢 🧪 🌍 🏛️ 🖥️🧮 🎨 🎭 🎵 🔨 🧑🍳 🏃♂️
PERFORMING ARTS
PERFORMING ARTS
Little Shop of Horrors
Little Shop of Horrors tickets are now available on WisePay! Choose your price:
£6 Concession – Pay what you can.
£8 Standard – Helps fund future productions.
£15 Pay It Forward – Each ticket subsidizes two concession tickets.
All are welcome. Come enjoy live theatre!
Little Shop Poster STEAM
STEAM
Work of the Week
The Year 10 Art students have been making clay pumpkins for their 'All you can eat' project. They have used a coiling method to create the structure, then moulded it into a pumpkin shape. When dried, they'll be ready for firing in the kiln!
Careers 💼
Careers 💼
Year 10 Work Experience Success!
We would like to recognise the hard work and commitment shown by our Year 10 students during their work experience placements.
We received extremely positive feedback from employers, praising students for their professionalism, maturity and enthusiasm during their placements. We are proud of how our students represented themselves and the school and we hope they gained valuable skills and insights from the experience.
Thank you for your support in helping make this such a success!
Career of the Week............ is Architect!
Could this be a career for you?
A good architect needs to have a mind that’s both logical and artistic.
From sport stadiums to landmark skyscrapers, buildings all over the world need architects to design them.
Budding architects should pursue subjects like art, maths and physics.
Also to focus on developing a portfolio, mastering sketching, exploring 3D modelling software (like SketchUp or Revit), and gaining work experience to understand the balance of art and technical skill required.
House Announcement 🏠
House Announcement 🏠
Cotham vs Montpelier Charity Staff Match
Get ready for an exciting afternoon of football, fundraising and House pride on Friday 19 June!
Watch Cotham staff take on Montpelier staff in a thrilling 9-a-side charity football match. Staff players will donate £2 for charity and proudly wear their House colours as they compete for glory. The House with the most staff participants will win a special MVP award.
Come along to cheer on your teachers and support this fantastic community event! 4.00pm, All Weather Pitch.
Inter-House Table Tennis Doubles Tournament
Get ready for the exciting Inter-House Table Tennis Doubles Tournament on Wednesday 17 June 2026!
Represent your house, showcase your skills and compete for the overall house trophy.
The event will take place at the Table Tennis Tarmac Area during lunchtimes.
Each tutor group can enter a doubles team of two players and tutors must register participants in advance.
Whether you are competing or supporting, come along, show your house spirit and enjoy the action!
Literacy 📖
Literacy 📖
KS3
KS3
Word of the Week
Word of the Week
Define
Define
'Di - fyn'
Meaning:
To explain what something means in a very specific and clear way (verb).
Example:
Define what the word ‘expand’ means.
Can you define what a stereotype is?
Synonyms:
explain, describe, clarify…
KS4
KS4
Word of the Week
Word of the Week
Adverse
Adverse
'Ad - vurs'
Meaning:
Having a negative or harmful effect on something (adjective).
Example:
We are experiencing adverse weather conditions.
I had an adverse reaction to the medication.
Synonyms:
Harmful, unpleasant, unfavourable…
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 🏘️
South Asian Heritage Month - Friday 1 July to Friday 31 July 2026
South Asian Heritage Month - Friday 1 July to Friday 31 July 2026
We are thrilled to share that Bristol is hosting its very first month-long South Asian Heritage Month!
The programme is packed with vibrant, family-friendly events across the city —including arts, culture, food and workshops perfect for all ages. Because the celebration is growing every day, new activities are being added all the time. Please click here for further information.
Free Employability Skills Webinars for Years 8–13
Free Employability Skills Webinars for Years 8–13
This summer term, students in Years 8–13 have the opportunity to join a free, 45-minute virtual Employability Skills Workshop hosted by IGD.
These interactive webinars give students a real-world look into the diverse career pathways within the food and consumer goods industry—from food science and sustainability to technology and business.
Key Benefits:
Skill Building: Learn the core skills modern employers look for.
Expert Advice: Hear directly from working industry professionals.
Interactive: Includes live quizzes, polls, and Q&A sessions.
Specialist Sessions:
Healthy Eating Week (Friday 12 June) – Focusing on nutrition and food sustainability.
Learning Disability Week (Tuesday 16 June) – Suitably paced sessions tailored for SEND students.
Youth Employment Week (Thursday 9 July) – Focusing on entering the world of work.
How to Book:
Sessions run via Zoom and require only a pen and paper. To view available dates and secure a free place, please click here.
Get ready for new adventures this summer with Your Holiday Hub
Children and young people in Bristol who receive benefits-related free school meals, can book lots of fun activity sessions taking place during the school holidays from 23 July to 2 September. Your Holiday Hub sessions are fully funded and include a healthy meal as part of the day. There's lots to choose from with activities ranging from sports to crafts and drama to baking and cooking, plus so much more. Join in and stay active with fun new things to see and do.
Go to www.yourholidayhubbristol.co.uk to find out more and book your place today.
BD18382 - Holiday Hub A4 Poster.pdfYHH Summer Booklet 2026.pdf
Shine Netball Training Camp – Summer Holidays
Is your child keen to keep up their netball skills over the summer break? Shine Netball is hosting a half-day training camp designed for players from any club who want to continue playing through the summer holidays.
Here are the key details:
Who it's for: Netballers aged 11 to 14
When: Friday 14 August | 10:00 – 13:00
Where: Bradley Stoke Community School
It is a fantastic opportunity for students to stay active, refine their skills and socialise with players from other clubs.
Please click here for further informaion.
The Royals - Musical Theatre - 5 day Summer School.
The Royals - Musical Theatre - 5 day Summer School.
Monday 10 - Friday 14 August | Cotham School | 10am - 4pm
£250 | | Sibling discount - £25 off second child booking. SAVE £10 discount code by quoting COTHAM on the booking form.
A musical theatre and drama experience.
Step into a world of crowns, castles, and show-stopping songs at The Royals – our 2026 summer school celebrating all things ROYAL on stage!
Across five fun-packed days, students will sing, dance, act, and create while exploring legendary royal-themed musicals and plays like Six, Hamilton, Frozen, Aladdin, Cinderella and many more regal sensations.
From powerful pop anthems to epic ensemble numbers, dramatic scenes to magical movement, performers will build skills in musical theatre, drama, and performance technique while learning exciting routines, songs, and scenes inspired by kings, queens, princes, princesses, and revolutionaries.
This summer, claim your crown and join us at THE ROYALS.
Please click here to book.
Sparks 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 five exciting days, they’ll learn filmmaking, acting, directing, special effects or animation while building 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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