Head of School Letter 17th June 202417/06/2024

Dear Parents/Carers,

This week we are really hopeful that the rain and cold of the last couple of weeks will stay away, at least for the first part of the week as another group of Year 9 students set out on their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award training expedition today and tomorrow, and for athletics fans across the school, it’s Sports Day on Wednesday. The BBC Weather app suggests that we should be ok!  

National Thank a Teacher Day 2024 On Wednesday 19th June, it’s National Thank a Teacher Day, where everyone can celebrate the incredible dedication and hard work of the nation’s education communities. This year, the focus is on celebrating not only our brilliant teachers but also the support staff, assistant teachers, school caterers, caretakers and site teams, and everyone who plays a crucial role in making the schools, early years settings, and colleges up and down the country thrive. If you’d like to find out more, or thank someone on The Cottesloe staff, please follow this link: https://thankateacher.co.uk/nationalthankateacherday/ 

Wing Family Fest - Saturday 6th July 2024 Another boost for Wing Family Fest - only three weekends away! We’re still looking for volunteers to make Wing Family Fest a real success, so if you are able to help, even for an hour or so, please complete this form: Wing Family Fest Volunteers 

Colour Run at Wing Family Fest Tickets are selling well, and with some time slots now sold out, if you need to book for a specific session, we advise you to do so as soon as you can. Tickets for the Colour Run are available here: Friends of Cottesloe PTA Colour Run  As a community event, it’s open to everyone, not just families with children who attend either school. Please share with friends and neighbours and encourage them to come along for a brilliant day.

Head of Year and Pastoral team changes There will be some changes to the structure of our pastoral team and Heads of Year. These adjustments have been made with the aim of providing the best possible support to our students as they progress through the school, coming into effect as of September 2024. However, to support a smooth transition, where changes are happening, staff are already working with their new year groups and may contact you this half term. 

Year 7 Mrs Knightley will remain in her specialised role as Head of Year 7. Her extensive experience will continue to be invaluable as she supports our new Year 7 students in their transition to secondary school life at The Cottesloe School.

Year 8 Mr Magill will be moving to the role of Head of Year 8. He will be building on the strong foundations laid in Year 7, guiding the students as they continue their journey through Cottesloe. 

Year 9 We welcome Mrs Small to The Cottesloe School, as Head of Year 9 and a teacher of Maths. Mrs Small brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our team, having been a Head of Year at her previous school in Milton Keynes.  

Year 10 As our current Year 9 students move into Year 10, Mrs Woodburn will continue to support them in her role as Head of Year. Her consistent presence and dedication to the students' development will provide stability and continuity.

Year 11 Mr Toon will remain with his year group as they advance into Year 11, the crucial examination year. His ongoing support and guidance will be vital as students prepare for their exams in Summer 2025. 

Year 12 and 13 Mr Youngs will continue as Assistant Headteacher in charge of Sixth Form, supported by Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Smith and Mrs McMonagle, Sixth Form Administrator. 

Assistant Heads of Year Miss Lewis will support both Years 7 and 8 as Assistant Head of Year, working closely with Mrs Knightley and Mr Magill to ensure consistent and effective support for our younger students. Mrs Carter will be the Assistant Head of Year 9, ensuring a comprehensive support system for our Year 9 students.

Sports Fixtures and Results Last weekend a number of students competed in the County Athletics Championships but we’ve not yet received the final results. The County Athletics Championship is the selection event for the Nationals; we believe that at least one Cottesloe student has qualified for the National Schools Athletics Track and Field Championships that will be held at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham in July. We will keep you posted when we have more news (hopefully next week!)

The weather meant only one cricket match was played this week, with the U13 girls playing Radcliffe. They lost in a close game, however, Miss Keveren is very happy with the team’s progress.

Scheduled for this week, as well as Sports Day, there’s a U14 boys’ cricket match and a girls’ Year 10 rounders tournament taking place. 

Year 12 Students will be visiting a UCAS Fair at the University of Bedfordshire today, prior to starting their summer exams next week. 

Year 10 Drama students will be undertaking a practical assessment on Friday. We wish them luck in this important aspect of their GCSE.  

Have a great week and thank you, as always, for your ongoing support.

Best wishes, 

Louise Baldwin

Head of School