Achievement | Diversity | Respect
2 February 2024
Parent and Carer Weekly Mailing
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 5 February 2024 is Week B
Standing Items are located at the bottom of the mailing
Headteacher's Welcome
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
Positive Feedback of the Week 👍
Good News
Cotham school is very keen on employing Year 9 Student Librarians. The Librarian relies on their help to ensure the library runs smoothly and is well stocked and organised. They also are always sharing great ideas to improve their library space!
This year we are pleased to announce that over 29 Year 9s have applied for the role of Student Librarian SO FAR. This is a record. The interviews have started and the applicants are really impressing me with their answers. Here are just a few examples:
"I would love to be a Student Librarian but I am very shy. I think it will give me confidence and I need to do something out of my comfort zone, whilst also helping my school."
"I want to do this job because I love books and I like being around books. I read a lot and so I think I would be able to help other students choose books they might enjoy."
"I love coming to the library because I think it is a happy and quiet place. I feel safe and calm here. I also would like to help keep it tidy and organised so it can look it's best."
"I am hardworking and sensible and would love to help the Librarian. She always looks really busy and I would be very good at putting the books away. I also have some good ideas for new books to buy and designing book displays."
"I want to gain experience because I think it will help me get a job in the future. I also want to be a part of the school community and give something back to the school."
Thank you
Announcements and Reminders
Weekly Mailing Parent Survey Feedback
A big thank you to the amazing parents and carers who've shared their feedback on our weekly mailing! Your insights are invaluable in helping us shape and improve it to better meet your needs and the needs of your children.
We value your voice, so please take a few moments to fill out the form if you haven't already.
Cotham Grand Iftar - Thursday 14 March 2024 from 5.00pm to 7.30pm
We warmly welcome our whole school community and their families to the Cotham School Iftar where we will be coming together to celebrate fasting in different faiths. We will also be breaking fast (Iftar) together to celebrate Ramadan. We have an exciting programme planned for the evening and the opportunity to enjoy a meal together. More details to follow soon.
End of Term 3
Please note that next Friday 9 February 2024 is the last day of Term 3 and the classes finish at normal time. Students are required to wear school uniforms.
Monday 19 February 2024 is the first day of Term 4. All students are required to come back to school on that day.
Lost Property at Student Reception
If your child has lost an item they should go to Student Reception and look in the lost property cupboard by Friday 9 February 2024 12.30pm. Any items not collected by then will be donated to charity. Please ensure that your child's items are clearly labelled to assist with returning any lost property.
Free School Meal Vouchers - February Half Term
For parents and carers who are in receipt of Free School Meal Vouchers this week to clarify it is £15.00 for the week per child.
PQA Bristol Wicked the Musical - February Half Term Workshop
Monday 12 February - Wednesday 14 February
10am - 4pm | Cotham School.
£135
Booking Form - https://forms.gle/csfBCHxxtYNxZMg49
Student Leadership Charity Events for St Peters Hospice
Charity Pancake Sale - Wednesday 7 February in HUB at break time
Pancakes with a selection of toppings £1
Pancake Flipping competition - Who can flip the most pancakes in 1 min? Prize for the winner!
Charity Valentine Cookie Sale - Thursday 8 February in the HUB at break time
Cookies £1 - All money raised for St Peters Hospice .
Charity Sponsored Swimathon - Sunday 3 March 10.30am - 11.30am at Clifton pool
Please email Mrs Arnold at arnoldl@cotham.bristol.sch.uk for more information.
A Just Giving page will be set up.
Language of the Month - Cantonese
Dive into Cantonese with Fei!
Fei is a Cotham School student who speaks fluent Cantonese. She has made a quick video about this vibrant language, its rich history, diverse communities, and captivating culture.
School of Sanctuary
A school that plays an active role in building a culture of welcome by connecting with and supporting local refugee organisations, collaborating with other institutions to raise awareness and advocate for a kinder approach towards those seeking safety.
Library News - Design A Bookmark Competition
To celebrate World Book Day on Thursday 7 March 2024 Cotham School are having a competition to design a bookmark . Students will vote for their favourite. Winning designs will be printed and prizes given!! Come to the library to pick up a design template.
Draw a piece of artwork inspired by your favourite book, favourite book character or just be inspired by the world of words and reading.
DRAW ANYTHING YOU WANT BUT IT HAS TO BE ORIGINAL !
No digital images please – You can use pens/paint or pencils.
Colour or black and white.
Your choice.
PLEASE HAND IN YOUR DESIGN BY FRIDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2024
The winners will have their bookmark printed and also WIN A PRIZE
Careers Fair Badminton School
Students from BEP schools (and their parents) are invited to Badminton’s annual Careers Fair. The event is tailored to pupils in Year 9 and above and will feature a range of exhibitors from a variety of sectors and also higher education providers. There will be a range of seminars to attend (including a bespoke talk for each year group) where attendees can gather insights into their future options. For more information contact Liam Sapsford: LSapsford@badmintonschool.co.uk
Head Teacher's Detention for Lateness to School
With effect from Monday 19 February 2024 (start of term 4), students arriving to school after 8.30am on more than three mornings in a week will receive a Headteacher’s Detention on the following Friday. This provides a clear reminder for all of our students that good punctuality contributes to a more effective learning experience for everyone involved.
Parents/carers will be informed of the detention by letter.
Year Group News
Please select the Year Group of interest.
Year 8
Ninja Warrior Trip Update
Thank you to all the students who have filled out the forms and paid for Ninja Warrior. The trip is next week and if you require transport, please let Mrs Buckley know.
There are many budding footballers in Year 8, however the girls were feeling that they weren't able to play on the all weather pitch when it was Year 8s turn, due to the number of boys who also wanted to play. We carried out a vote last week, in which the students decided they wanted separate days for boys and girls.
Year 8 Football Training
Another fantastic week of extra curricular sport. 34 boys in Year 8 came to football training on Thursday. All of them showing superb motivation, attitude and skill development.
Mr Moody
Year 9
FREE Health Careers Webinar, Wednesday 28 February at 4:00pm
The session will provide an overview of roles, entry points, apprenticeship and graduate opportunities, job vacancies, useful resources and latest trends/changes. There’ll be a Q&A so please bring your questions, or send them in when you register.
Please click here to register now.
Year 9 Update
This week the Year 9 football team had there opening match against a strong Bristol Free school team. Unfortunately, the Cotham school team lost, however it was a great team effort which the team can take some good learning from. Year 9's Rehearsal for this years performance of Twelfth night are going well in preparation for their performance on the Thursday 29 February 2024.
Year 9 Oracy Pioneer Trip
Having taken part in several Oracy workshops themselves, last week Elaf, Salma, Willow and Ivy went to Clifton College to work with students there on designing their own Oracy workshop. It was great to see the students from the two schools collaborating so well together. They have clearly learnt a lot about the skills that underpin effective public speaking, and will be passing these skills on to our Year 7 students when they deliver the workshop to them next term.
KS4 Pathways: Choosing Subject Preferences
I hope that you have now managed to successfully log on to the SIMS Options Online and started making subject choices with your child. If you are experiencing any difficulties with this, please email ks4pathways@cotham.bristol.sch.uk
2. Logging in and Selecting Subject Preferences - KS4 Pathways - Anilla Khan.pptxYear 10
Spotlight on GCSE Music - Ms Dawson
From learning the basics of Jazz improvisation on piano to playing through Rock and Roll songs on guitar, the music students have covered a wide range of skills this term. Students are currently working on a mock of component 1 and are tackling the task with focus. Keep it up!
Spotlight on GCSE Music: Serena Studies Music
"I chose GCSE Music because I have a passion for music. The course is creative and allows me to express my own work. "
Year 10 Shout Outs
Ms Martin gives a massive shout out to 10a5. They behaved brilliantly completing the specific heat capacity investigation, and showed great resilience drawing graphs and calculating gradients!
Year 10 Drama Star of the week: Hana for energy and enthusiasm.
Year 11
Mock Exams Monday 29 January - Friday 9 February
Please ensure your child has received and checked their revision timetable which was sent to their gmail account. This details their seat number and candidate number for the exams. They will need to know this information when entering the exam hall. Please ensure your child has full stationary including a geometry set and calculator for maths and science exams. Attached is the whole school mock exam timetable for your information. Please ensure your child is in full school uniform at all times.
Link to the Year 11 Mock Timetable: Link
Year 11 Period 6
I have been very impressed this week with the smooth start to the GCSE Mock Examinations. Year 11 students have shown incredible resilience and maturity. Please remind your child that Period 6 will continue during the exam period and if your child must attend of selected for additional exam support.
Mrs A Khan
Assitant Head teacher
FREE Webinar for Parents of Year 11
Explore Post 16 pathways and find out about the growth and opportunities in the green jobs sector. The webinar will discuss some of the course options available locally, including A-levels, T-levels and BTECs, as well as the apprenticeship route. We will also show you how you can use Careerpilot to explore these pathways as well how to find out more about a range of green jobs and the routes in to them.
Please click here to complete the form by Friday 2 February 2024.
Parents & Carers - Apprenticeship Information Evening
Clear and relevant information and guidance for parents and carers. With a panel of experts who will share their real life experiences of apprenticeships. Tickets are FREE !!!
Please click here.
Date - Tuesday 20 February 2024
Time - 17.30pm to 19.00pm
Venue - Bristol Cathedral Choir School
North Bristol Post 16
Student Achievement
A huge well done to Elias, Miyo and Abby who have enrolled in the 'JalaChamp', Japanese Speech Contest for Primary and Secondary schools, organised by the Japan Foundation London. They have been studying Japanese as a heritage language together at the Bristol Japanese Kids Club. They submitted a fantastic video for the Video Category, Secondary School Division with the assigned topic 'What we want to save for the future'.
Charities and Events
We would like to congratulate our Charity and Events Team for their fundraising efforts. A P16 movie night was held to raise money for Somaliland Mental Health Support Organisation. We also celebrated World Hijab Day with a cookie sale and a screening of 'Hijab & Me'.
Subject Announcements
Please select the faculty area you are interested in viewing.
Maths
Equipment for Year 11 Maths Mock Exams
A reminder that for GCSE Maths exams and the Mock exams (calculator paper on Tuesday 6 February), all students should have pen, pencil, ruler, protractor, compass and scientific calculator. These can be bought at most stationery shops and large supermarkets, as well as in the school library. Students should not expect to borrow equipment on the day of the exam. Thank you for your support in ensuring that students are organised and well-prepared.
Chess Tournaments
Well done to our 2 Cotham chess teams who played in the tournament at Bristol Grammar School last Monday, with 35 other teams also there.
Some impressive games took place against stiff competition - well done in particular to our new players who took part.
There will be another tournament just for Year 7/8 coming up shortly (Monday 11 March) - students should ask at chess club (every Thursday lunchtime in A209) if they would like to be involved.
Mr King
STEAM
Steam News and updates Below 🙂
Year 8 Bobotie
Year 8 have been making Bobotie this week. Pronounced ba-boor-tea, this much-loved South African dish is a delicious mixture of curried meat and fruit with a creamy golden topping, not dissimilar to moussaka. Our Year 8 students uphold high standards for washing up and cleaning which is also an important part of the lesson!
Work of the Week
This week, the Year 11 art students have been learning how to paint in acrylics. They've painted these oranges which will be part of their 'All you can eat' project.
Humanities
PSHE Policing Sessions with PC Ryan
From Tuesday 20 February, PC Ryan is delivering in class sessions on the work of the police, what happens when you report an incident as well as specific topics per year group. He will also be available at breaktime for any questions students have.
Please note this is not in response to any incident, and is part of the wider PSHE curriculum, which we are hoping to repeat every school year to build community and conversation.
Please contact Ms Ingham - inghamm@cotham.bristol.sch.uk for more details.
PE
Year 10 - Football
Year 10 boys are successfully through to the 2nd round of the Woodcock Shield Cup. They beat St Mary Redcliffe in the first round with goals from Dylan and Toby. Other notable standouts were Ben who controlled the midfield and Luka who demonstrated exceptional game awareness
Performing Arts
Steel Pans Concert - Wednesday 7 February 2024
We are delighted to announce our Steel Pans concert on Wednesday 7 February in the Main School Hall.
Doors for the performance open 6.45pm for a 7.00pm start. It is anticipated that the performance will last approximately 60 minutes with no interval.
Tickets can be purchased via Wisepay.
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday 7 February and thank you in advance for your support.
House Announcement
World Hijab Day Cookie Sale
Our amazing House Teams leaders (staff and students) have raised an outstanding amount of money for World Hijab Day!
They managed to raise £450 in 7 minutes during the Thursday breaktime ! All money raised was donated to Islamic Relief to provide humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people affected by the conflict in Gaza.
Bristol Education Partnership
We are hosting our second Philosophy society event on Wednesday 7 February 2024.
After the success of our inaugural hosting event last year for Cotham, we are doing it again as part of the Philosophy Society in Bristol. Several students of the NBP16 are presenting on the topic of Philosophical issues raised by Artificial Intelligence. It is a fully joint effort by RGS and Cotham which is a great advert for our Sixth Form. Do look out for more news on the how the event goes!
Student leadership Training
Last week the Student Leadership Trainees attended their 4th session of year at Badminton School, this time on coaching skills. (Following from previous sessions on communication, teamwork and what makes a good leader) .
The students really enjoyed working with their peers from a range of the BEP schools from the state and independent sector.
They are currently planning a Culture Day as part of their Social Action Project. Well done to Vismaya (Year 10) Ankit and Isabelle (Year 11)!
Literacy
KS3
Word of the Week
Perseverance
'Pur-si-veer-uhns'
Meaning:
To keep trying to do something despite difficulties or initial failure (noun).
Example:
You've shown great perseverance.
The key to success is perseverance.
Synonyms:
Determination, persistence, dedication
KS4
Word of the Week
Unwavering
'Un-way-vuhr-ing'
Meaning:
Never changing or becoming weaker (adjective).
Example:
He shows unwavering loyalty.
She was driven by unwavering determination to succeed.
Synonyms:
Steady, unchanging, consistent
Digital Literacy Corner
internetmatters.org
Internet Matters is a not-for-profit organization based in London, England, that provides child internet safety advice to parents, carers, and professionals. It was launched in May 2014 by the UK's largest internet service providers BT, Sky, TalkTalk, and Virgin Media. Internet Matters provides a wealth of resources and expert guidance on a wide range of online safety issues, including:
Cyberbullying
Inappropriate content
Sexting
Self-harm
Screen time
Radicalisation
Online grooming
Online pornography
This week we have included an online safety guide for parents and carers with children ages 14+
Our latest: Seneca Learning and GCSE Pod Usage
Seneca offers high-quality free online learning courses for students to study from a computer, tablet or phone. The courses are suitable for students aged 13 and above and cover KS3, KS4 GCSE and KS5 A Level subjects.
We are Premium subscribers to this service which unlocks further features of the platform.
Total Seneca Learning Assignments Set for Term 3
147
Total Seneca Learning
Study Time for Term 3
871 Hours
Total Seneca Learning Study Time for this Academic Year
5545 Hours
Welcome! GCSEPod is the perfect resource to help your child learn, retain and recall all the information they need to achieve their GCSE goals.
Pods Watched this Academic Year
1200
Number of Pods Watched so far in Term 3
164
Most Watched Subject This Week
English