Monday 30th June | Head of School Letter
It continues to be super warm in school and we’re still working hard as we head towards the final month of the academic year.
We are really looking forward to welcoming our new Year 7 students for their two transition days on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, and new staff on Wednesday. The coach park will be busier on these days, so we appreciate your patience during pick-up and drop off.
Celebrating 65 Years
The Cottesloe Heritage Project This week, Mr. Jones is leading our assemblies, marking a special milestone: sixty-five years of our school! In honour of our 65th anniversary, we've developed the Cottesloe Heritage Project, an online collection that is a dedicated space for our entire school community – past, present, and future – to delve into the rich history of The Cottesloe School. We invite you to embark on a journey down memory lane, to browse through photographs that capture decades of school life and pivotal moments, relive stories shared in past newsletters and publications, and see photos that showcase the evolution of The Cottesloe School, from its beginnings as 'Wing Secondary School' to what it is today.
Warm Weather
A reminder that we’re going to continue with wearing PE kits for this week at least. It’s predicted to be the hottest day today and we’ve changed our usual lunchtime plans so there will be no football and tennis, or sports clubs, to ensure that students don’t overheat in the midday sun. Students will be encouraged to stay in the shade and drink plenty of water.
Sixth Form Induction
It was an absolute pleasure to welcome our Year 11s, and lots of external prospective Year 12 students into school last week for their Sixth Form Induction. They looked great, dressed smartly in their Sixth Form office wear adjusted for the warm weather! Spread out across three days they were immersed in learning what makes our Sixth Form truly brilliant. The induction focused on preparing them for September, specifically highlighting the key differences between Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 study. Students gained valuable insights into the academic rigour, independent learning expectations, and diverse opportunities that Sixth Form brings, ensuring they are well-equipped and prepared for the exciting journey ahead. Thanks go to Mr. Youngs, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. McMonagle, and the entire Sixth Form team for meticulously planning and delivering such a successful and impactful induction.
Sixth Form Transport
Mr. Youngs has recently written to all Year 11 families whose child has made an application for Sixth Form in September. We are aware that Buckinghamshire Council has changed its spare seat scheme for the new academic year, and we understand that some parents have contacted us with concerns about post-16 transport to school. As a school, we are actively looking for potential solutions to help with these transport arrangements. While Buckinghamshire Council has made their position clear that it is parents' responsibility to ensure their post-16 child can get to school, we want to find a solution to assist our families if we can. To help us assess the situation, please complete the Google Form (link on letter) if you received Mr. Youngs' letter.
Sparx Success
We're incredibly proud of our students' engagement with Sparx Maths over the past couple of years, and the enthusiasm for Sparx Science since its launch with Years 7 and 9 earlier this term. Their dedication is evident in the numbers: our students in Years 7-11 have correctly answered a staggering 1,516,419 Maths questions and completed 21,073 hours of Maths practice this academic year! Sparx XP (Experience Points) are central to recognising this effort. Students earn XP by completing tasks, with more challenging homework like 'XP Boost' and 'Target' tasks yielding higher points – truly rewarding deeper engagement, regardless of the level the student is working at. We encourage students to boost their XP by completing all optional homework, showcasing consistent effort and learning. The Sparx team has shared a list of our top XP earners across all year groups. These students truly embody success and will each receive a well-deserved Sparx Star pin!
Maths
- Year 7 - Rose B
- Year 8 - Evelina D
- Year 9 - Eloise G
- Year 10 - Bethany G
- Year 11 - Anthony W
Science
- Year 7 - Rose B, Hope L and Austin B
- Year 9 - Grace S and Isla B
3G Pitch Footwear
This week, lots of tarmac will be arriving for the next stages of the 3G pitch development. To ensure everyone's safety and keep our pitch in top condition for years to come, all users must wear the correct footwear – specifically, 3G-compliant trainers or astro boots. As a reminder, everyone will need a pair of these boots for PE in September.
Careers Hub and Prepare for Success blog
High-quality careers guidance is a cornerstone of our students' development, empowering young people to make informed choices about their futures. It helps them to develop their interests and potential, guiding them towards pathways that are truly right for them as they progress into the world of work. Such guidance is vital in breaking down barriers to opportunity, improving the skills necessary for success in employment, and ultimately contributing to national productivity and economic growth. Our comprehensive careers programme proudly aligns with the government's vision, which aims to significantly improve careers advice in schools and colleges, alongside guaranteeing two weeks of valuable work experience for every young person. We are very proud to share that we continue to have achieved all 8 out of 8 Gatsby Benchmarks for Careers Education. Mr Matcham and Mrs Gunn, our Careers Leads, continue to do a fantastic job in supporting all our students with their future careers plans from Year 7 upwards. We’re looking forward to supporting Year 10 on their imminent work experience later in July.
We have recently launched a new blog: Prepare for Success, to guide students through their career guidance education.
Navigating the UK's Evolving Job Market
Big changes are on the horizon for the UK job market, and as Cottesloe students, it's crucial you understand how these shifts will impact your future careers.
Summer Food Bank Collection
Make a Difference! A reminder that we're continuing our tradition of supporting our local community by organising a Summer Food Bank Collection for Leighton Linslade Helpers, and the Wing Food Bank. Donations need to be taken to E2 or Main Reception by Thursday, 10th July 2025.
Wing View Care Centre
Good relationships with our neighbours are important to us. As the care home next door on Church Street prepares to reopen after refurbishment, they've installed a new sign explicitly requesting that their car park not be used for school pick-up and drop-off. If you are bringing your child to school by car, please use the coach park entrance. Thank you for helping us be good neighbours!
Safeguarding newsletter
Please see Mrs Hankin's Safeguarding updates this month here
Sports Fixtures and Results
There’s no sport to report on this week.
Year 12
Good luck to the Year 12 Art students taking their Year 12 practical exam this week.
Year 10
A letter has been sent home about the Year 10 into 11 Preparation Evening planned for next Monday. We look forward to seeing you there.
Stay cool and have a lovely week. Thanks for your ongoing support of our school.
Best wishes,
Louise Baldwin
Head of School