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 2 June 2025 is Week A
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 and the end of Term 5 break.
Kindest regards,
Ms Jo Butler, Headteacher
Year 10 Conquers Duke of Edinburgh Expedition!
"Year 10 took part in their Duke of Edinburgh expedition last week, with two days of training around Bristol followed by a two-day hike in the Quantocks. Students showed great teamwork, resilience, and supported each other brilliantly. Instructors were full of praise for their behaviour, and they represented Cotham School exceptionally well. We had lovely weather overall. A huge well done to all who took part!"
Mr Barber
Thank you
As we continue through the school year, we wanted to send a friendly reminder about our school's uniform expectations. Wearing our designated uniform helps foster a sense of community, promotes a focused learning environment, and reduces distractions.
Please help us by ensuring your child comes to school each day in the correct uniform, as outlined in our Cotham School's website. We appreciate your cooperation in upholding these standards.
Thank you for your continued partnership!
We would be incredibly grateful for your donations of pre-loved uniform, especially those pieces proudly sporting the Cotham logo!
Giving these items a new home not only helps other families but also supports our school community.
It's super easy to donate: just drop off your contributions at Cotham Visitor Reception on Cotham Lawn Road.
Thanks for helping us make a difference!
Give your child the gift of cycling confidence! Clifton High School will be running Bikeability Level 2 (morning) and Level 3 (afternoon) training at Clifton High School on Thursday 29 May and Friday 30 May.
This training, led by Life Cycle's qualified instructors, is perfect for Year 7 and Year 8 students. They'll learn crucial road safety, cycling confidence, and planning skills. All sessions are taught by Life Cycle’s qualified, DBS-checked instructors. Click on the picture for details of how to book.
Clifton High Bikeability May 2025.pdfOn Friday 27June (3.00pm - 4.30pm), Cotham School will be hosting it's first ever Pride Picnic. We would like to invite families to come and celebrate with us.
There will be a student parade, family picnic and showcase of student artwork. Some light bites and fizzy pop will be provided, however please feel free to bring in your own snacks too.
Please RSVP here.
We are delighted to announce the launch of a new, more efficient and secure system for reporting your child’s absence, called Studybugs.
Studybugs will replace our current procedures for reporting your child’s absence, which will be switched off on Monday 26 May 2025. From Monday 2 June 2025 all reporting of absences must be via Studybugs.
So that all parents/carers can start using the Studybugs portal to tell us whenever your child is ill and unable to attend school, we need all parents to download the free Studybugs app, or register on the Studybugs website.
Get the app or register now .
Top 3 reasons to use Studybugs
It’s integrated with our systems so we know right away if your child is unaccounted for.
It’s quick and easy to register and use and automatically reminds you to keep us posted.
You’ll be helping the NHS and other public health organisations improve children’s health.
Please click here for more information.
Please find Spring 2025 newsletter attached from Alalay.
2025 newsletter spring.pdfJust another reminder to log into our online library (ePlatform) to enjoy eBooks and Audiobooks throughout the half term break. You can read books on your computer at home or on your phone on the move! There are over 2000 books to choose from. It is really easy to register using your Cotham School email and password. It is also FREE. Please see the attached for more information.
2024 weekly mailing eBOOKS holiday - Della Payne.docxThis week, Cotham School hosted a special coffee morning for Somali parents, led by Ms Jama and our student digital leadership team. The session introduced parents to Sparx Maths, Sparx Reader, Seneca Learning, and Google Classroom, helping them support their children's studies at home.
With hands-on guidance, parents gained confidence in using these platforms, fostering stronger connections between home and school. A huge thank you to Ms Jama, our student digital leaders, and all who attended—together, we are building a more engaged learning community!
Well done for an excellent Term 5! Reading Lampie with you has been an absolute joy - I have loved hearing all your ideas about the story and seeing how respectfully you listen to one another. You also took your exam really seriously, showing what mature learners you have become - well done!!
Miss K Jamshidi
A small group of Year 8 students have been working with the University of Bristol in their Writing Wrongs Workshops. This programme supports students' writing skills with a series of workshops targeting specific writing skills (e.g., essay and evidence based writing), and showing how those skills contribute to success in the study of Arts subjects/careers.
The feedback from the University has been fantastic and I know the students will be looking forwards to their tour and pizza rewards.
Gain your Bronze Industrial Cadets Award this May half term : a 3 day experience that provides students with experiences of routes available into STEM education and career pathways. It is a widely recognised industry led accreditation inspired by HM King Charles III:
Wednesday 28 May 2025 - Mott-Macdonald
Thursday 29 May 2025 - University of Bath
Friday 30 May 2025 - Leonardo
Find out more and apply online here.
Congratulations to 9BSA for winning this term's Quiz with 39 correct answers!
Well done to 9JBA and 9FW for being on the podium as well with 37 correct answers!
Thank you to all the students who participated. I can't wait to see who will win the ultimate Summer Quiz next term!
Exeter Maths School - Online Opening Evening, aimed at Year 10 students and their families, on Thursday 5 June at 5.00pm-6.00pm. Students and their families who would like to attend the Open Evening can sign up to express interest by clicking here. You can read more about our admissions process here - Exeter Maths School How It Works
Year 10 female students - opportunity to attend a two day in person insight programme and mentoring scheme. Students experience the world of technology and business with speakers from internal KPMG teams, alongside external speakers from leading Bristol technology businesses. The insight programme will be held on Thursday 3 to Friday 4 July 2025 and will consist of two days held in our Queen Square, Bristol office. Please use the link to apply.
Year 10 have been working hard in English towards their Speaking and Listening assessment as part of their English Language GCSE and it's been great to hear about their own passions and interests. During a recent visit to a range of English lessons, Year 10 students were engaged in persuasive writing, close analysis of of poetry, research, and deliberate practice of creative writing - the level of focus and independent study was exceptional: well done Year 10!
All 16-18 years are required by law to stay in learning. We are required by law to share your chosen intended destination with the Local Authority for statistical purposes. Please complete this short questionnaire to confirm which post 16 provider you have been offered a place with. Please email Miss S Paice if you have any questions or require help and support to find an offer of a place.
Please advise your child to fill up the form which was shared in Google Classroom.
Year 11 Celebration Leavers Assembly will take place on Thursday 19 June - 10.30am - 1.00pm.
Students will be able to bring in a shirt to sign, collect Yearbooks and celebrate their time at Cotham.
More information will follow with confirmed times and the entrance to school for Year 11 students.
Thank you to those who have purchased a Prom ticket. Tickets are selling fast but we still have a limited amount left so we will extend the date to purchase them to Wednesday 18 June.
Please speak to Mrs Arnold if you need financial support with the cost.
Please remember that once you have purchased the ticket you must complete the google consent form that can be found in the letter and on Wisepay.
Without this form completed your child will not be able to gain access to the venue and Prom.
As we break up for the half term, I would like to say a huge well done to the Year 11 students who have been amazing during the GCSE exams over the last 2 weeks. Please take some time over the holiday to reset and relax between revising.
Exams, Revision sessions and using the library -
Please remember that students need to be in full school uniform and have their lanyards for exams and whenever they are on the school site.
A reminder that all students need a full set of equipment including: at least 2x black pens, 2x pencils , eraser, sharpener, ruler, protractor, compass, highlighter.
Scientific calculators will be required for the following exams: Maths (calculator paper), Science, Geography.
Only clear pencil cases and transparent water bottles (no label) are permitted in the exam hall/room.
Students and parents can register their place at the final free virtual Get Into Medicine conference of the academic year on Sunday 22 June 2025 from 9.30am - 3.30pm here.
We welcome Year 8 students to sign up for the Germany 2026 trip. This is a popular trip open to all. Students have the chance to visit the mountain region of the Black Forest and to take part in some exciting activities; a toboggan run, a water park, entry to Germany's largest theme park, a visit to the medieval town of Freiburg, a cable car ride, a lake visit and more! A letter has been emailed to parents/carers. Any questions, please email: Germany2026@cotham.bristol.sch.uk
The Year 8 students have been making cardboard bugs. Looking at the designs they made, they have drawn and cut out the shapes then layered and glued them to create these impressive 3D insects!
We had a fantastic time working with Year 8. The students brought so much energy to the classroom, and this passion made for some lively discussions. The students developed their writing skills over six workshops. The focus was on social justice issues, with students being asked to write about ‘The Society I Would Like’; they handled this brilliantly. If this is the next generation of writers, we have a lot to look forward to. Keep using your voices to be the change you want to see!
Gamma’s ice lolly sale on Thursday 22 May was a huge success! We were raising money for the Bristol and Weston Hospitals Charity and thanks to the generosity of our students, we raised an impressive amount. A big thank you to everyone who donated or bought a lolly, and a special shout-out to our fantastic student leaders who helped run the sale so smoothly. Your support makes a real difference—well done, Gamma!
Well done to our amazing Year 10 students who bravely applied and interviewed for the role of prefect! Interviewed by their Heads of House, they showed maturity, confidence and a real passion for leadership. We were incredibly impressed by the quality of all applicants. The successful candidates will be announced in the Year 10 assembly after half term—good luck to all, and thank you for stepping up!
Well done to Gamma House for securing the highest attendance!!!
Simultaneously
'Sim-ul-tay-nee-us-ly'
Meaning:
Occurring, operating, or done at the same time. (adverb)
Example:
The semi-finals will be played simultaneously.
To ensure accurate results we completed the experiments simultaneously.
The student insisted they could do their homework while simultaneously watch the film.
Synonyms:
At the same time, concurrently, together
'Suh-blime'
Meaning:
Something of great excellence or beauty that makes you feel awe or insignificance (adjective).
Example:
The speaker marvels at the sublime natural landscape.
The sublime beauty of nature has inspired many writers and artists.
Synonyms:
Awe-inspiring, magnificent, imposing…
VR is a 3D computer generated environment that users can explore wearing a VR Headset.
Meta Quest Parental Controls
Meta Quest are one of the more popular VR Headsets. Users aged 13+ can use Meta Quest (children between 10 and 12 years old can use it through a parent managed account). Meta Quest state that VR Headsets are not recommended for use by younger or smaller-sized children for a variety of reasons including eye strain. Optional supervision tools are available for those aged 13–17. Find out more here:
https://familycenter.meta.com/uk/our-products/horizon-and-quest/
Meta Quest has a Safety Centre; it includes health and safety warnings and how to set privacy settings.
https://www.meta.com/gb/quest/safety-center/
Gorilla Tag
This is a popular game and whilst rated as PEGI 3 (even though young children should not be using VR), it is important to note that it does include in app purchases and players can interact so there is a risk of offensive/inappropriate language.
https://www.esrb.org/blog/a-parents-guide-to-gorilla-tag/
What can I do?
Check what games your child is accessing and make sure they are appropriate.
Play together.
Set time limits and ensure plenty of breaks.
