Monday 16th June | Head of School Letter
Last week was buzzing with activity across all year groups, from Year 7 to Year 13
As students immersed themselves in a variety of learning experiences both in and out of the classroom. While our Year 11 and 13 students are now on study leave, it's been fantastic to see so many of them making the most of revision opportunities in school. They've been actively seeking support and advice, whether in structured masterclasses or through individual and small group sessions with their teachers. For our Year 13s especially, their teachers have remained available during timetabled lesson times, offering continued teaching and revision support. We understand that students revise differently, so for those who thrive in the quiet of their own homes, the same comprehensive support has also been available virtually.
Red Bull Racing
Students across KS3 had an incredible time on Thursday and Friday last week when we welcomed the Red Bull team to school. Students had the opportunity to learn more about careers in Formula 1 from working in the pits during a race weekend, to the engineers back in the factory designing and developing the next part of the car to ensure Max Verstappen continues to win. A cardboard cutout of Max came along, alas, it wasn’t the real Max who was preparing for the Canadian Grand Prix yesterday. Students built and tested their own mini F1 cars, developing a range of skills and working collaboratively to successfully make a car that travelled along the specially built test track. A number of teachers who love F1 were equally excited to support the students during the day.
Thank you to Mrs Moore for organising the two days.
Primary Transition Visits
Over the next few weeks, Mrs Knightley, our experienced Head of Year 7, along with Mr Jones, Mr Fox, and I, will be visiting primary schools. These visits, which take place before our main Transition Days in July, are a wonderful opportunity to meet some of our new Year 7 students and tell them all about TCS!
Thank a Teacher Day
National Thank a Teacher Day is this Wednesday, 18th June. A UK-wide celebration of all teaching and support staff. If you know a special teacher, a dedicated support staff member, or school department/team that deserves a shout-out, you can tell them via an e-card at the Thank a Teacher website. It's a wonderful way to let them know how grateful you are.
Year 10 exams
Last week, some of our Year 10 students sat their GCSE Statistics exams, and more will take Functional Skills Maths this Thursday. We're incredibly proud to share the wonderful feedback from our Exam Invigilation team. Our invigilators praised students' exemplary conduct throughout the exams. They noted how politely students followed instructions and even tidied their chairs before leaving the room – small actions that speak volumes about their respect and self-discipline. For many, this was their first experience of a formal, "real" exam. It's truly fantastic to see our students uphold our high expectations, even when faced with unfamiliar invigilators and strict JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) rules. These rules, which differ from when many of us took exams, mean teachers can't enter the exam hall once papers are distributed or view the question paper until 24 hours after the exam. Knowing our students demonstrated such maturity and independence under these conditions is a testament to their character and preparation. Well done, Year 10!
Wingrave Wasps
Last weekend brought more wonderful news of our students demonstrating TCS Healthy Relationships attributes in the wider community! Wingrave Wasps JFC held their inaugural football tournament, and a dedicated team of Cottesloe students stepped up to volunteer, with some committing to a full day's work to ensure its seamless execution. Special recognition goes to some talented referees: Henry, Alex, Donnie (Year 9), Ethan, and Tyler (Year 8). They all delivered an excellent performance, receiving widespread praise from visiting coaches. Equally vital were the support crew: Lloyd (Year 9), Barnaby, Lucas, Owen (Year 8), Lucas, and Finn (Year 7). These students tirelessly served as car park marshals, runners, and general event support, contributing significantly to a hugely successful day for the club. We are incredibly proud of all these students. Their exceptional efforts and strong community spirit not only represented Wingrave Wasps brilliantly but also brought immense pride to TCS and their families.
Getting things right
Thank you to everyone who kindly completed our parent survey earlier this academic year. Your feedback was incredibly valuable, affirming many areas where we excel, and also gently reminding us that there are times when we don't quite get it right. When concerns do arise, we genuinely appreciate you letting us know. To ensure the quickest and most effective resolution, we always recommend contacting the staff member directly involved in the first instance. We understand it can feel natural to go straight to the top, but our Home School Agreement is built on a foundation of open communication and prompt concern resolution. Our established communication protocol is designed to guide you through these initial steps, which often resolve issues far more swiftly and amicably than moving straight to a formal complaint. Your cooperation helps us maintain a strong, positive partnership. This is our Complaints & Resolutions Policy.
Student Success Outside of School
We know our students are incredibly talented, not just in school but in the wider community too! If your child achieves something amazing outside of school – whether it's in sports, performing arts, volunteering, or anything else – we'd absolutely love to celebrate their success with our school community. Please email the details to office@cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk and we'll be thrilled to share the news.
Cheddington Fete
A date for your diaries.. the Cheddington Village Fete is back! Mark your calendars for a fantastic day of community fun on Saturday, 12th July, from 12pm to 5pm at the Cheddington Recreation Grounds. There’ll be a bar, delicious food, a variety of stalls and great music. The fete will be supporting Isla and Olivia, in Year 10, who are fundraising for an incredible trip to Peru with The Cottesloe School and Camps International next summer. It's the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends and neighbours, have some fun, and support a brilliant cause. If you’d like to book a space for your own stall, please contact cheddingtonvillagefete@gmail.com
Drowning Prevention Week
This week is the RSS Drowning Prevention Week, and with temperatures set to rise this week, a news report of two people drowning in a lake in Eyri (Snowdonia) served as a reminder that although inland lakes and rivers can be enticing, they can quickly become very dangerous due to the cold water. The Royal Lifesaving Society Child Drowning Update (Sept 2024) sadly reports that the number of child drowning deaths has doubled, with 125 child fatalities in England across the last four years. 51 children drowned in inland open water. 16% of these were aged 5-12 years old and 41% were 13-17 years old. For more information, please click on these resources: 10 Drowning Facts and Drowning Prevention Week.
Sports Fixtures and Results
Because of the 3G pitch build taking place this summer, it’s not possible for us to put on a normal Sports Day; this is in part due to the lack of a 400m track (a new track will be marked out once the 3G pitch is completed). We do have a smaller 200m track, and to ensure students can participate in summer sport, there will be two events taking place. A District Sports Trial Day will take place on Friday this week to select students to participate in the District Sports Event in July. It will also provide Year 10 GCSE PE students with an opportunity to have their events filmed as evidence for the practical assessment of the qualification. Later in July, the PE department will host a Summer Sports Tutor Group Challenge, with tutor teams competing against each other to win the Sports Day Cup for this year. Whilst we’re disappointed we can’t run Sports Day as usual, we’re pleased there is a chance for the cup to be won!
Fixtures this week include Rounders Tournaments for Year 7 and 8 at AHS on Wednesday and a Year 9 and 10 Rounders Tournament at Waddesdon on Thursday.
Vacancies
We’re looking for a positive and enthusiastic new colleague to join our brilliant support staff team. Please share with anyone you know who would be interested. For more details on the role, please see our website: Join Our Team
Year 13
The end is in sight...with the Chemistry students taking the final A-Level exam on Friday this week in the morning. Some students have completed their exams already, whilst others will finish earlier this week. Congratulations to all of them for their resilience and efforts; they deserve the break.
Year 12
Year 12 are off to Bedfordshire University today to visit a UCAS Discovery Fair, as they begin to consider their next steps beyond school. UCAS Discovery Bedford 2025 A Level Drama students are completing a mock exam on Tuesday. Psychology students are off to the School of Psychology at Buckingham University on Wednesday to attend Psychology Fest.
Year 11
Year 11 students have their final exams on Wednesday this week, with GCSE Product Design in the morning and Level 2 Further Maths in the afternoon. Congratulations to everyone - it’s been a long six weeks of exams from the MFL Speaking exams that took place the week of 28th April to now. We are really proud of everyone. To celebrate the end of exams, it’s Prom on Thursday! We’re really looking forward to seeing everyone in their prom outfits and enjoying a great evening.
Today is your last chance to order your child's Year 11 Yearbook for FREE Delivery.
You can still order after this date, but a delivery charge will apply.
- Login or create your account: www.imagophotography.co.uk/account/login
- Add your gallery: Use the details on the contact sheet your child brought home.
- View, select & order: Choose your favourites from the 'My Library' tab and click 'Create Order'.
If you have any questions, please contact Imago directly - 01252 728457 or enquiries@imagophotography.co.uk
Year 10
Good luck to Year 10 students taking Functional Skills Maths on Thursday this week. There’s an important assembly on Friday about Work Experience for all Year 10 students.
Year 9
Options letters have been handed out in tutor time today. Please check your child’s school bag for confirmation of their KS4 options subjects. Year 9 parents received a letter about this on Friday - unfortunately, our communication systems don’t permit a mail merge with this information to be mass-emailed to you. If you have a question about Options, please email options@cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk or see our website page KS4 Options.
Year 8
Choices letters will be coming out later this week, in the same format as the Year 9 Options letters. A letter to parents will be shared to confirm the date letters will be given to students in tutor time. For any Choices queries, please email choices@cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk or see our website page KS3 Choices.
Year 7
Very excitingly, Year 7 students are off to the National Space Centre for a sleepover on Friday night. We hope they have an amazing time! Thank you to Mrs Moore and members of the Science department for giving up their Friday night sleep to go with the students.
Have a great week. Thank you again for your support of our fabulous school.
Best wishes,
Louise Baldwin
Head of School