Cotham School
Weekly Mailing
26 January 2024
26 January 2024
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 20 October 2025 is Week B
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we come to the end of the school week, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the upcoming Diwali celebrations.
For all our families celebrating the Festival of Lights this weekend, we wish you a truly happy and joyful Diwali. May your homes be filled with light, laughter, and the warmth of family and friends.
For all other families, we hope you enjoy a very relaxing and peaceful weekend.
Please take a moment to look through this week's update—we hope it's both interesting and helpful!
With very best wishes for a relaxing weekend.
Kindest regards,
Ms Jo Butler, Headteacher
Email received
"A massive well done to Ms Wyles and many thanks for all her hard work. And thank you to Post 16 for offering my daughter yet another wonderful opportunity to grow. The Youth Talk initiative is wonderful and I felt so privileged to listen to 10 brave young people talk about some really hard hitting subjects. "
Many thanks
Post 16 Parent
[Insert Calendar]
Monkhouse will be offering 20% off all uniform purchases from Monday 27 October - see attached for more details. To allow for stocktaking ahead of this, all online and click and collect orders will be paused from 13-22 October 2025.
News!
On Friday 10 October, Year 7 celebrated World Mental Health Day. The day began with an inspiring assembly led by Mr. Arnold and Mr. Byworth, focusing on the importance of looking after our mental wellbeing. During lunchtime, students took part in a fun “Guess the Bananas” activity, which everyone really enjoyed. Congratulations to Zuhayr, who correctly guessed the number and was named the winner!
Students also had the opportunity to decorate a sunflower picture to represent positivity and growth. A prize will be awarded for the best sunflower, and all the decorated sunflowers will be displayed to celebrate the creativity of Year 7.
Congratulations to Marnie! She correctly guessed the name of the Guide Dog Puppy — Yogi! Marnie won the cuddly puppy, and together we raised £15 for the charity. A big thank you to everyone who took part and supported this great cause!
The Year 7 inter-tutor quiz was held on Thursday and was so much fun! Four students from each tutor group battled it out to see who had the best general knowledge. The scores were all very close. A huge congratulations to 7DSE who were the overall winners. They won chocolate treats to share in the tutor group.
News!
8ZU has been fantastic in English this term! They have shown excellent listening skills and have participated really well in class discussions. I have loved hearing all of their insightful ideas about Gothic literature and seeing them listen so respectfully to one another. Well done!
Miss Jamshidi
News!
We had a fantastic first match of our tutor football competition. 9ECH won the boys match and 9BOP taking the win for the girls. The remaining tutees were showing a great level of respect to those playing and it was a joy to see everyone come together to celebrate their achievements. This week we have 9GD vs 9HMI.
News!
We have had some excellent conversations about Work Experience with our Year 10 students over the past few days. It is fantastic to see so many students getting ahead of their peers across the city and securing some great placements. There are still plenty of opportunities available, so please keep enquiring and applying, ensuring that all information and details are uploaded onto Unifrog. Your child should have received their Unifrog login details in their school email inbox.
News!
A reminder that Year 11 mock exams begin next week, starting Monday 20 October. All key info, including timetables and revision support has been shared via Google Classroom and at the Parents' Information Evening. Please speak with your child to ensure they know their schedule and have all required equipment. Thank you for your support!
Youth Talks Final Showcase
Last week, Martha and Petra from Year13 took part in the final showcase of student talks for this Bristol-wide public speaking competition. Inspired by TEDX, these talks require students to create, learn and deliver a talk on a subject of their choice to an audience in the MacKinnon Theatre. Both our students put in amazing performances. I look forward to sharing the YouTube links to their talks in the near future.
This Week in Food Science!
Last week, Martha and Petra from Year13 took part in the final showcase of student talks for this Bristol-wide public speaking competition. Inspired by TEDX, these talks require students to create, learn and deliver a talk on a subject of their choice to an audience in the MacKinnon Theatre. Both our students put in amazing performances. I look forward to sharing the YouTube links to their talks in the near future.
Year 7 & 8 Rugby Teams
What an incredible performance by both teams against Oasis Academy Brightstowe! Year 7 won 6-1 and remain undefeated - an amazing run! They work hard for each other and always give their best. Year 8 dominated 13-1, with standout performances from Jacob and Clemmey. Huge well done to all players keep it up! Cotham Rugby is stronger than ever!
Year 7 & 8 Rugby Teams
What an incredible performance by both teams against Oasis Academy Brightstowe! Year 7 won 6-1 and remain undefeated - an amazing run! They work hard for each other and always give their best. Year 8 dominated 13-1, with standout performances from Jacob and Clemmey. Huge well done to all players keep it up! Cotham Rugby is stronger than ever!
Year 7 & 8 Rugby Teams
What an incredible performance by both teams against Oasis Academy Brightstowe! Year 7 won 6-1 and remain undefeated - an amazing run! They work hard for each other and always give their best. Year 8 dominated 13-1, with standout performances from Jacob and Clemmey. Huge well done to all players keep it up! Cotham Rugby is stronger than ever!
We are thrilled to announce the election of our new Year 7 student leaders! After impressive interviews showcasing their dedication, creativity, and passion for leadership, they were chosen to represent our year group. Each brings unique strengths and ideas, and we’re excited to see how they will guide us through the year ahead. Congratulations to Leen, Matthew, and Theo – we look forward to all you will achieve as our new student leaders!
Exciting news! The first Cotham Student Council meeting of the year will take place on Monday, 20th October. Student leaders from Years 7–11 will gather for oracy training with Miss Madge, learning vital skills for effective communication. They'll also be setting the agenda for this year's key priorities, ensuring that student voices continue to shape our school community.
It is my pleasure to introduce the Omega Hall of Fame! We celebrate students, past and present, who have made an extraordinary impact. This award honours those who dare to be great, inspire change, and lead by example. Students who work hard, respect others, and go above and beyond in lessons and in the wider community. You are role models who make us proud and show what true excellence looks like!
'Im-ply'
Meaning:
To hint at something but not say it directly
Example:
I did not mean to imply you were bad at football.
Synonyms:
'Ih-rad-i-keyt'
Meaning:
To destroy or get rid of
Example:
This cure will completely eradicate the disease.
Synonyms:
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
Get ready for action this half-term! Our Outdoor Activity Programme is running engaging Half and Full Day Holiday Clubs for young people aged 8–16 years old.
Clubs will be based at Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre and surrounding locations, including the Mendip Hills. Activities range from paddling on Bristol's harbourside to caving through an underground adventure—there really is something for everyone to enjoy!
Half day Kayaking - £20.00
Ful Day Wt and Wild - £45.00
Free Holiday Events
Don't miss these two fantastic, free events taking place over the break:
🧘 Wellbeing and Social Action Festival
When: Thursday, October 30th, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: Admiral House, Manor Road, BS16 2EN (fear.oasis.sparks)
Suitable for: Young people aged 10–20
Details: Activities include yoga, making wellbeing packs and stress balls, music with ‘The Cause,’ and local organization stalls. Free food will be available! NO BOOKING REQUIRED—just turn up!
🎭 'Wonderland' Exclusive Performance
When: Friday, October 31st, 10:45 am for an 11:00 am start
Where: Merchants Academy, Gatehouse Avenue, BS13 9AN
Suitable for: Young people aged 4–11 and their families
Note: This is a FREE performance by the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, open to everyone, but booking is required.
In addition to these holiday events, remember Young Bristol offers ongoing support through Community Youth Clubs, the Youth Club on Wheels, and the Outdoor Employment Programme.
Please click here for more details.
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
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
Monday 1 September 2025
Friday 26 September 2025
Friday 14 November 2025
Monday 30 March 2026
Monday 20 April 2026