Achievement | Diversity | Respect
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 25 November 2024 is Week B
Standing Items are located at the bottom of the mailing
Dear Parents and Carers,
Please find our weekly mailing which I hope you will find both useful and interesting!
With very best wishes for a relaxing weekend.
Kindest regards,
Ms Jo Butler, Headteacher
Email sent to Heads PA
"Dear Jo
We haven't been in touch for some long time - which amongst other things must mean that all is quiet and civilised on the streets of Kingsdown and Cotham!
I felt that you (and the School) deserved some encouraging feedback as you begin the slog up to Christmas.
A neighbour of mine's young son started his secondary education this term. He had visited Cotham School and also Redland Green School and they also considered private education. Following on from visits and much thought, the young son said that Cotham School was the most impressive, had an ethos (at age 11 I couldn't even spell ethos!) that he liked (especially because of the evident mix of students from all sorts of backgrounds) and felt motivated by the staff that he met. The parents agreed with him wholeheartedly - actually called on us to say that they'd all agreed Cotham School was clearly for them. I'm not surprised, but truly haven't exaggerated anything that I've written here.
And I met the mother in the street the other day - she said that Cotham School was proving an outstanding success, the son had a number of good supportive chums, the teaching that their son was experiencing was super, he was motivated and challenged, actually looked forward to going to school each day and they all felt they'd made a really sound decision. They're the sort of parents who will take a lot of sensible interest in their child's education, so I think they'll be good for the School too.
Naturally I'm delighted."
Thank you
Please see attached the Bristol Bordeaux Exchange 2025 - Expression of Interest letter for Year 9 and Year 10 students currently studying French.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Kennedy at kennedys@cotham.bristol.sch.uk.
Expression of Interest - Bordeaux Bristol information sheet 2025.pdfThis took place on Wednesday 20 November at 5.00pm and was really well attended. Thank you to all those parents who took the time to come. In case you did not manage to attend, please find in the link below, the PowerPoint that was delivered on the night. I would also strongly advise browsing through the KS3 Parent Information Event Portal on the school website which is also linked below. Please watch the introductory video which talks you through what was presented on the evening. Also, below is a link to the parent survey which is also on the portal. We would be really grateful if you could give us some feedback on how well the evening went and what you think of the portal so we can continuously improve.
Cotham Library is having a READATHON again!
This is a sponsored read that helps raise money to buy books and storytellers for children in hospital. Cotham Library receives book vouchers too for taking part!
You can read ANYTHING. From comics, eBooks and song lyrics to recipes, science books and storybooks.
Come to the library and get your sponsor form and FREE BOOKMARK.
It is really easy for sponsors to pay by cash or please go online at: www.readforgood.org/sponsor - Click below for more info.
WEEKLY MAILING READATHON 2024 25 Readathon-Letter-to-Share-with-Parents-and-Guardians-2024 .docxThis Open Evening is an opportunity to learn more information about future employment opportunities 6.00pm -7.00pm neurodiverse friendly slot. Scan the QR code in the poster for details.
Open Evening PosterAre you having a clear out?
As a School of Sanctuary, we are committed to supporting students facing hardship, including asylum seekers, refugees, and other vulnerable students. We are currently seeking donations of good-quality clothing for teenagers. This includes both everyday wear and Cotham School uniforms.
If you'd like to help, please have students bring their donations to any of the following intervention rooms:
E211, E114, A204, B018, B008 or C003.
Your generosity will make a big difference in the lives of our students.
Thank you!
If you are reporting the absence of your child, you must notify attendance on a daily basis. Please fill out the Year 7 - 11 absence form which is on our website. Absence must be reported by 9.00am, otherwise it will result in an absence message still being sent home. If there is no response to the message, a follow up letter requesting reason for absence will be sent home.
St Joseph's Home (66 Cotham Hill, Bristol, BS6 6JT) would like to extend a warm invitation to their annual Christmas Fair at St Joseph’s Home, which will be held on 30 November from 11am to 3pm. This event is a cherished tradition for our residents, staff, and the local community, and we would be delighted to have the school join us in the festivities.
Christmas Flyer (A4).pdfDear Parents and Carers
Please see the updated Parent Governor Election letter and application form.
To support applications from new joiners to the school and to Bristol, we are going to accept applications without supporting nominations from other parents.
The closing date for application is by the end of Monday 2 December 2024.
Kind regards
Sandra Fryer
Chair of Governors
Parent Govenor Letter and Nomination Form November 24 (V2).pdfKurdish Sorani, a vibrant language spoken primarily in Iraq, Iran, and Turkey. It is a fascinating member of the Indo-European language family. With its unique grammatical structures and rich vocabulary, Kurdish Sorani offers a captivating glimpse into the cultural heritage of the Kurdish people.
Our students have created some wonderful videos to introduce you to the basics of Kurdish Sorani.
Year 7 had a successful Family Consultation Day last week. Thank you to all the parents that attended.
Well done to the following students who are all in 7ALE and currently have the highest achievement points in the year group.
George
Zuben
Barbora
Luz
Penelope
Congratulations to Leonard who won a Martial Arts competition last weekend.
7ZV English: You have been amazing this week. Every single one of you are always ready for learning. You work so hard and with such gusto! Well done! Also you have been so consistent with your Sparx Reader, every week meeting the deadlines. Special commendation to Demi, San and Finn who made the top 15 in the year group for Sparx Reader points. Aweeeesome!
Ms Papworth
This week our attendance groups for Term 2 have begun - this mentoring intervention is focused on identifying barriers, developing healthy routines, and supporting students to improve their attendance. It was great to see both the engagement and problem-solving skills of the students on display.
Last week saw Year 8's complete surveys on their Home Learning - giving them a chance to share their valuable input and offer feedback. This will help us learn more about the students' experience, satisfaction, perception, and interest with Home Learning.
Our tutor football league is heading into its final stages, and the excitement is building! Over the past term, all nine teams have faced off every fortnight, vying for ultimate Year 9 glory. Now, with just two game weeks left, 9JG and 9SI are battling at the top of the table. The stakes couldn’t be higher as these two titans prepare to clash on Monday 2 December. It’s shaping up to be a thrilling match – don’t miss it!
Meanwhile, on the girls' side, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of the House Football Tournament, also kicking off on Monday 2 December. This is a fantastic opportunity for your daughters to get involved, showcase their skills, and enjoy some friendly competition. Encourage them to join in – there’s a prize waiting for the winning team, and bragging rights are, of course, priceless!
In other news, this academic year my office has a new neighbour – the steel pans room. At first, I braced myself for constant noise and wondered how I’d ever get any work done. But I’m delighted to admit that I’ve been proven wrong! Instead of disruption, I’ve been treated to some incredible music. A special shoutout goes to the 9B group, whose Tuesday Period 4 practices are a highlight of my week. Their ABBA medley is beginning to sound great, and I highly recommend coming along to hear them when it is performance time. Who knew steel pans and Swedish pop were such a match made in heaven?
Here’s to another exciting, tuneful, and competitive few weeks in Year 9!
9YA ENGLISH: A big well done! Your focus and Dystopia work this week has been fabulous. Special commendations for those students who have completed their Sparx Reader homework every single week since September: Ali, Kayvaan, Umeyma, Elias, Luiz, Daisy, Gaja, Edie, Harry, Marcus, Annas, Coco, Zoe, Basheer.
Ultra congratulations to Annas and Umeyma who came in the top ten of the year group!
A very proud moment for Miss Papworth !!!
This week in Year 10 students enjoyed house assemblies with a number of students picking up rewards for consistently demonstrating our values of respect. A particular shout to Mr Cony's Maths class for excellent effort and progress. Keeping with theme of Maths, Year 10 students had an in class assessment this week.
Finally, the Year 10 boys lost 3 tries to 2 to a strong Oasis Brightstowe team. With 10EK student winning man of the match for Cotham!
Period 6 will continue this term.
We have noticed that attendance has slipped. Period 6 is compulsory. If your child was selected for Period 6 last term they will continue with the same timetable up until Christmas.
If for any reason they cannot attend please let Mrs Arnold know.
Please note that Period 6 will be NOT be running on the following date:
Thursday 5 December: due to Year 10 Parents Evening
Mr Woodward gives a shoutout to Renad and Bakhtawar have been working particularly well in Maths.
Ms Ingham gives a shout out to Archie, for being really focused in PSHE today and bringing in a really interesting discussion question on whether emotions were real or not.
Ms Ingham gives a shout out to Alafiyah, for completing all of her tasks really quickly in PSHE.
Save the Date - Year 11 PROM will be on Wednesday 25 June 2025!
More information to follow.
Applications for the free online King’s College London Medicine and Dentistry Lecture Series are now open! Year 11, 12, and 13 students who are interested in becoming a doctor or dentist. Applications will close on Friday 10th January. Support with the application process: UCAT, personal statements, and interviews.
Lectures will be held on Tuesday eves. 6:00 – 7:30pm. Starts Tuesday 4 February 2025. Eligibility; students must be currently attending a state school. Click here for info & apply.
The November edition features TV celebrity Steph McGovern sharing why she thinks more individuals should take up apprenticeships, 5 ways to search for apprenticeship vacancies, engineering careers, top tips from BBC Bitesize career coach Mark Anderson, and much more!
We held our first student prom committee meeting this week where we discussed fundraising to support the cost of prom tickets and organising the year book. We look forward to sharing our fundraising events with the students in school. Thank you to the students who attended.
Year 11 student will have their meetings next week.
The purpose of this discussion is to help support students make the right decisions about their subject choices at Post 16. We will meet with everyone in year 11. If NBP16 is not right for them, we will redirect them to someone in the careers team who can give them guidance about an alternative placement.
Where: K block
When: Thursday 28 November and Friday 29 November
Who: They will be speaking with a member of the Post 16 team
Students have now received their invitation to the meeting via their school email address. Please remind your child to check their date and time. Even if they have secured a placement elsewhere they still need to attend so that we are aware of the choices they are making.
We celebrated International Men's Day by selling flowers as part of 'give a man flower' project. Our students managed to raise £125 in half hour for a local charity Second Step towards their men's mental health programme. A huge well done to all involved.
Thank you to many of our parents and carers who attended Year 12 FCD this week on Wednesday. If you missed it, or were unable to make an appointment, please feel free to contact skinnerk@cotham.bristol.sch.uk who will be able to put you in touch with your young person's Tutor.
Year 10 Food students created a delightful brunch, showcasing impressive skills and global flavours. They aimed to master poached eggs, which paired beautifully with fluffy homemade brioche and freshly baked bread. Sweet pancakes added a comforting touch, while shakshuka—a vibrant Middle Eastern dish of eggs in spiced tomato sauce—brought zest. Traditional Nigerian, Jamaican, Afghan, and Colombian breakfasts added depth and richness.
We believe that art education is essential for a well rounded education. It fosters creativity, critical thinking and self expression.
Students are using art as a powerful platform to express their passions and concerns. Through their creative works, they are giving voice to important issues, sparking conversations, and inspiring change. Their art becomes a visual language, reflecting their unique perspectives and inviting viewers to engage in meaningful dialogue.
A beautiful sunset photo of our courageous KS4 rugby team. They battled hard against Oasis Brightstowe, the game ended in a 17-12 loss but so much progress and desire was shown. Well done team, Mr Moody and Mr Farmer.
Our Year 7 team travelled to City Academy to begin round 1 of the junior NBA. T hey were amazing and came away with plenty of victories and a draw against the basketball superstars of Bristol Met. Great job team.
Results:
Cotham vs Orchard 6-4 WIN
Cotham vs QEH 6-7 LOSS
Cotham vs Met 6-14 LOSS
Cotham vs Orchard 6-0 WIN
Cotham vs QEH 8-4 WIN
Cotham vs Met 8-8 DRAW
Cotham vs OAJW 8-4 WIN
This week, Cotham School celebrated a fantastic series of House assemblies! We were thrilled to introduce Mr Sebana as the new head of Omega House, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter. Tutors nominated a standout student from each group for their respectfulness, with winners receiving a box of chocolates and a certificate. The assemblies also highlighted a range of upcoming festive events, ensuring the school community is ready for a season full of celebration and competition!
Spread some festive cheer while supporting a great cause! Send a candy cane and a message to anyone at school for just 50p each (or 3 for £1). All profits will go to the Bristol and Weston Hospital Charity. We'll be selling candy canes at breaktime in the Hub on Wednesday and Thursday, so don't miss out! It's the perfect way to show someone you care this holiday season while helping those in need. 🎅❤️
"Be present today, have potential for tomorrow!"
Well done to Gamma House for securing the highest attendance for the week beginning 14 November 2024.
'Floo-uhnt'
Meaning:
To speak easily and clearly (adjective).
To speak or write in a foreign language easily and accurately (adjective).
Example:
Practise what you’re going to say, so that your speech is fluent.
I can speak French fluently.
Synonyms:
Articulate, smooth, flowing…
'Just-uh-fy'
Meaning:
To show or prove something is right or reasonable (verb).
To have a good reason for something (verb).
Example:
Can you justify your opinion with evidence.
The suspicious circumstances of the crime justified a full investigation.
Synonyms:
Prove, support, explain…
Instagram is rolling out a new feature that allows users to easily reset their algorithm recommendations across Explore, Reels, and their feed. This announcement coincides with the government strengthening its online safety regulations.
The "reset" feature is seen as a way to potentially reduce exposure to harmful content, particularly for younger users. It follows Meta's recent move to introduce more private account settings for teenagers in September.
The government, meanwhile, is pushing for stricter online safety measures. They want tech companies like Meta to prioritize safety from the beginning ("safety by design") and be more transparent about the types of harm occurring on their platforms.
Wednesday 20 November 2024 10:49, UK
Link to the full article: Link
