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. 

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 

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

• 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