Monday 9th June | Head of School Letter
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Are you looking to become a volunteer?
Although the weather wasn’t great, I want to extend my warmest wishes of Eid Mubarak to all our families and members of the school community who celebrated Eid al-Adha over the weekend. I hope it was a time filled with joy, peace, and togetherness, shared with loved ones.
I was slightly premature in telling you about the fencing going up on the coach park for the 3G pitch - I’ve been told we can expect it to go up at some point this week. This is likely to impact cars coming onto site and therefore thank you in advance for your patience when dropping off/picking up from the coach park.
Physics Olympiad Success
Last month, students in Year 7 to 10 enthusiastically embraced the challenge of the British Physics Olympiad, and we are absolutely thrilled to share the outstanding results! The BPhO runs annual competitions to promote the study of physics and inspire young physicists, and our students certainly rose to the occasion. Years 9 and 10 tackled the Junior Challenge, designed to extend their abilities beyond the GCSE curriculum with broader knowledge and problem-solving, while Years 7 and 8 participated in the Year 7/8 Challenge, focusing on KS3 topics. Students navigated two demanding 25-minute online quizzes and required the following scores for a coveted Gold Award: 70% in the Year 7/8 Challenge and 69% in the Year 9/10 Junior Challenge.
Overall we achieved 37 Gold Awards across the four year groups, with: 10 students in Year 7, an impressive 23 students in Year 8, 1 student in Year 9, and 3 students in Year 10 achieving this top recognition! A huge congratulations to our highest achievers in each year group: Freddie in Year 7, Reece in Year 9, and Joseph in Year 10. Special recognition goes to Felix in Year 8, who achieved the highest score in the entire school with an incredible 90%! The achievements of all our students is a testament to the students' dedication and the invaluable support from our Science teachers. A big thank you also goes to Miss Gamage for her excellent coordination of this event.
Thank a Teacher Day
National Thank a Teacher Day is just around the corner, on Wednesday 18th June, and we're joining this UK-wide celebration of all teaching and support staff. Our school thrives thanks to the incredible dedication of every single member of our team. From the teachers guiding learning in the classroom to the support staff who keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes, they truly go above and beyond to help our students succeed. They deserve recognition for their unwavering commitment to our school community.
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.
Volunteering Opportunities
Join The Cottesloe School as a volunteer and play a vital role in helping our students Prepare, Aspire, and Succeed. We're passionate about providing incredible opportunities for our students, and with your support, even more young lives can be positively shaped. Every hour you give – whether it's supporting reading, mentoring, or helping with school trips and activities – directly impacts a young person's future. How could you help? Below are some examples of what becoming a volunteer at The Cottesloe School could look like:
- Helping with reading: Ignite a lifelong love of books and literacy in a young mind, opening doors to new worlds and opportunities.
- Mentoring students: Provide invaluable guidance, support, and a listening ear, helping students navigate challenges and build confidence.
- Supporting extracurricular activities: Whether it's sports, drama, music, or a different club, you can help facilitate enriching experiences that build teamwork, resilience, and passion.
- Assisting on school trips: Contribute to unforgettable learning experiences outside the classroom, from educational visits to adventurous excursions.
- SEND Support: Are you a passionate advocate for neurodiversity? You can make a difference to a student that needs that extra helping hand.
This is also a great opportunity particularly for young people who are looking to maximise their CVs.
To find out how you can, click here: https://bit.ly/CottesloeVolunteer or to express your interest, please complete this Google Form
Wingrave JFC International Tournament
Over half-term, 12 students from TCS participated in a fantastic twinning trip to La Bouexiere in northern France, as part of Wingrave JFC. This incredible weekend saw an Under 12s team (players are currently in school years 7 and 8) and their families fully immerse themselves in French culture, staying with local host families.
Beyond enjoying a memorable visit to Mont St. Michel, the highlight for many was undoubtedly the football! Wingrave JFC faced off against the local French team and, although they didn't win, their performance was so impressive that they were invited back the very next day for a mixed tournament. Students from TCS were amazing ambassadors for the team, bravely stepping out of their comfort zones and wholeheartedly embracing French culture.
A huge well done to our students who represented Wingrave JFC: Chloe, Leo, Owen, John, Toby, and Cameron. It takes real courage to embark on such an experience, and their willingness to try something new and unfamiliar is brilliant!
Sports Fixtures and Results
We’re not having much luck with British summertime because the weather stopped play for a number of teams last week. Despite some unfortunate cancellations, our teams that were able to get out there showed great spirit and determination on the field!
Our U15 Girls Cricket team travelled to John Colet on Monday, where they played a competitive match but ultimately lost by 26 runs.
On Tuesday, our Year 10 Girls Rounders team took part in a triangular fixture against AHS and Waddesdon. They secured a good win against Waddesdon, showcasing their skills and teamwork, before playing a close game against AHS.
Well done to all the students who represented the school with such commitment!
Multi Sport Primary Festival
We’re looking forward to welcoming over 250 Year 2s to school on Wednesday for a Primary School Multi Skills Sport Festival.
KS3 Performing Arts trip
On Friday, KS3 students taking Drama, Music or both are off to the theatre in London to watch Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts 1 and 2. I have been lucky enough to see the show - it’s an incredible visual spectacle; the students are going to have an amazing time!
Vacancies
We’re looking for new colleagues to join our brilliant support staff team.
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PE Assistant Teacher - application deadline Tuesday 10th June
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SEND Operations Manager - application deadline Thursday 19th June
For more details on either role, please see our website: Join Our Team
Year 12
Year 12 A-Level Art students are visiting High Ash Primary school on Wednesday to deliver a series of workshops on portraiture with Year 3/4 students. There’s also a Health and Social Care trip with Year 10, to Aylesbury College, on Wednesday.
Year 10
Health and Social Care students will be out on a trip with Year 12, to Aylesbury College on Wednesday. On Thursday, Mr Youngs and Mrs McMonagle are taking a group of students to Somerville College at Oxford University to gain insight into university life and the opportunities available to students considering making an application to a university such as Oxford. For Students - Somerville College Oxford Also on Thursday, some students are participating in a STEMx Red Bull Racing Race Day experience. Experiences – STEMx by Oracle Red Bull Racing
Year 9
Some students are participating in the STEMx Red Bull Racing Race Day experience with Year 10 on Thursday.
Year 8
Some students are participating in the STEMx Red Bull Racing Race Day experience with Year 7 on Friday.
Year 7
It’s Parents’ Evening on Wednesday. If you’ve not got appointments booked or have had trouble accessing the online registration system, please contact the main school office. Some students are participating in the STEMx Red Bull Racing Race Day experience with Year 8 on Friday.
Have a great week, whatever you’ll be doing. Thank you again for your ongoing support for our great school.
Best wishes,
Louise Baldwin
Head of School