Monday 19th Jan | Head of School Letter
Today is often labelled ‘Blue Monday’ - supposedly the gloomiest day of the year. While social media might suggest January is a month to simply endure, my own experience is a little different as January is a month of birthdays in my house, so the mid-winter gloom is usually offset by celebration and cake. It is a helpful reminder that there can be more to this month than the ‘depressing’ narrative suggests.
The atmosphere in school today reflects a similar sense of purpose. This morning, our Year 11 students began their mock examinations. Watching them settle into the exam hall, it was clear they were focused and ready. They are currently a great example of our school values in practice—putting in the preparation, holding onto their aspirations, and taking the first big steps toward their own success. We are incredibly proud of the way Year 11 have conducted themselves so far, and we wish them a calm and productive fortnight ahead.
I know that many of our families may be navigating their own challenges at this time of year; parenting teenagers (and pre-teens) can be tough, especially when balancing the pressures of exams, choosing KS4 options, and managing the inevitable friendship issues that are all part of growing up. Please do remember that we are here to support you; if you feel your child needs extra help or if there is anything we need to know, please get in touch with their form tutor or Head of Year.
KS4 and KS5 Holocaust Trip to Berlin
Last weekend, nearly fifty students from Years 10 to 13 attended our Religious Studies and History trip to Berlin. Having accompanied the group myself, I can say it was an incredible and sobering experience. The biting winds, snow, and ice at the Sachsenhausen Memorial reinforced for all of us quite how difficult conditions would have been for prisoners wearing only striped pyjamas during the 1930s and 40s.
The continuity of historical challenge was brought home throughout the weekend as we visited museums and memorials from the First World War through to the Cold War legacy at Checkpoint Charlie. A particularly moving moment was our visit to the Memorial to the Sinti and Roma Victims of National Socialism near the Brandenburg Gate. The dark, circular pool where a fresh flower is usually placed every day was covered in ice. It was a powerful reminder of the systemic persecution of the Sinti and Roma people, alongside the Jewish community and other minorities.
For those students who have previously visited Auschwitz and Treblinka in Poland, this trip to Germany offered a different and vital perspective on the systemic nature of persecution within Germany itself. This visit provided a deeper context to their studies, allowing them to reflect on the lived experiences of those in Germany before, during, and after the war. Beyond their academic engagement, the students were truly brilliant representatives of the school. In fact, the British Airways crew on both flights commented on how exceptionally polite and well-behaved our students were; a testament to their character on such a demanding trip. My thanks go to Miss Lay as the trip organiser, and to Miss Gray, Mrs Knightley, and Mr Dawson for giving up their time to support such an emotionally challenging visit.
Assembly Theme: Holocaust Memorial
The timing of our return from Berlin is particularly poignant as our assembly theme this week is Holocaust Memorial, ahead of the international day of remembrance on 27th January. These assemblies are being led by Miss Gray, who is involved with the Holocaust Educational Trust’s ‘Lessons from Auschwitz’ Project. In March, Miss Gray and two of our Year 12 students will travel to Poland for a one-day visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau. This project is a significant educational and personal journey; it challenges us to ensure that the lessons learnt from this history actively influence our own thinking and shape the values we uphold, both as individuals and as a wider school community.
KS4 Options Process
Last Friday marked a significant milestone for our Year 9 students with the launch of our inaugural KS4 Options Conferences. I was incredibly impressed by the maturity and engagement they showed throughout the day. To support this process, a letter containing more detailed information and guidance will be shared with all Year 9 parents later today. We recommend taking time to support your child’s decisions; there is no rush to submit the form immediately, and we prefer that no forms are submitted until after our Options Evening this Thursday. Key Dates:
- Thursday 22nd January: Face-to-face Information Session - 6:30pm in the hall.
- Thursday 5th February: Online Year 9 subject-based Parents’ Evening.
- Thursday 12th February: Deadline for submitting the final Options form.
Should you have any questions, please contact options@cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk and we will respond as quickly as possible to support the decision-making process.
Year 11 Progression Evening
It was a pleasure to meet so many families during our Progression Evening last Thursday. These conversations, grounded in the ‘Post-16 Intentions’ shared via Unifrog, are essential in ensuring every student has a secure pathway for September 2026. If any family missed their appointment, we will be in touch to offer an alternative time, or you can email data@cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk to arrange a convenient time.
Sports Report
It has been an exceptionally busy and successful week for our sports teams, with victories across football, netball, and basketball. Well done to all teams, squad members and their coaches for showing resilience and determination.
Football
Our footballers have been in clinical form this week. A special mention goes to our Year 7 Boys, with a 100% unbeaten record following a dominant 12-0 win against AVA.
- Year 11: Secured a 5-2 win against AVA; a huge thank you to the Year 10s who stepped up to support the team.
- Year 10: A solid 2-0 victory over AVA.
- Year 9: A high-scoring 8-1 win against AVA.
- U18s: A Team won 4-3 against AGS, and B Team fought hard in a 2-8 loss.
- U13 Girls: A super 3-1 win against Waddesdon; Millie A was Player of the Match.
Netball
Our netballers showed excellent skill, in the triple-fixture against Royal Latin.
- Year 11: Won a nail-biting game 13-12.
- Year 10: Won 10-5 (Player of the Match: Olive G).
- Year 9: Won 12-5 (Player of the Match: Elsie Jane).
Basketball
Our Basketball teams are currently on a 100% winning streak across the board! This week, the Year 9 team defeated The Grange 58-42, and the Year 8 team secured a 26-8 win against STFM.
Badminton Our Year 11 mixed team played a competitive set of games against Waddesdon, though they unfortunately lost overall on this occasion.
Parent Survey 2026
Your Feedback Matters We have had 131 responses so far, a fantastic start! The survey remains open until next Tuesday, and we would love to hear from even more families. The survey link can be found in your emails.
Events happening at school this week:
- Wednesday: Dear England theatre trip
- Wednesday: Young Carers Workshop
- Wednesday, 6pm: Ski Trip 2026 meeting for parents.
- Thursday, 6:30pm: Year 9 KS4 Options Evening (School Hall).
Have an excellent week. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Best wishes,
Louise Baldwin
Head of School