This week, as we approach International Day of Education on 24th January, we will be focusing on the importance of quality education for all children. This is one of the United Nations' seventeen Sustainable Development Goals, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all. The UN report explains that successfully supporting Goal 4, Quality Education for all, is the key that will allow many other Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved. When people are able to get a quality education, they can break from the cycle of poverty. Without additional measures, an estimated 84 million children and young people will stay out of school by 2030 and approximately 300 million students will lack the basic numeracy and literacy skills necessary for success in life.

To deliver on Goal 4, education financing must become a national investment priority. Measures such as making education free and compulsory, increasing the number of teachers, improving basic school infrastructure and embracing digital transformation are essential. Although some targets focus on supporting low income countries and newly emerging economies, many of them equally apply to aspects of our own education system in England that are in need of attention.

Miss Gray will lead assemblies this week, encouraging students to reflect on what quality education means to them, and the implications for children of the same age across the world. We hope our students will be inspired to appreciate the value of their own education and consider how they can contribute to a more equitable and just world.

Year 9 Options Evening 21st January

This week is the week! Letters will be coming home today with details of the option blocks, option booklet and colour routes. We look forward to welcoming families to the information evening tomorrow (21st) at 6:30pm in the school hall. Students are welcome to attend if they wish - they will hear a very similar presentation during their PSHCE lesson tomorrow.

There is lots of information on the school website: KS4 Options including a FAQ section. For subject specific queries, please get in touch with your child’s subject teacher, or the Curriculum Leader. Alternatively, there’s a dedicated email address available to contact us on options@cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk which will ensure your query can be directed to the right person or responded to promptly; we appreciate this is an exciting but potentially stressful time supporting your young person to make the right choices.  

Stargazing Evening

On Wednesday from 5:30pm, we will be welcoming astronomers from UK Astronomy to help students from across the school learn more about the night sky. Space Physics and Astrophysics are taught as part of the KS4 and KS5 Physics qualifications. It’s not too late to attend as spaces are still available - please contact the school office to sign up via ParentPay. Thanks to Mrs Moore for organising this opportunity for students. 

Camps International trip to Peru

Mr Curtis will be sharing the plans for the 2026 trip at a parents' information session on Wednesday 22nd January, 6 to 7pm for families of students currently in Y9, 10, 11 and 12. This potentially clashes for some families with the Stargazing evening - we apologise for this. The Stargazing evening was rescheduled to earlier in the term to ensure the skies were dark early enough to not make it a very late night, and the availability of the team from UK Astronomy. The Camps meeting timing is determined by the availability of the Camps representatives. If this clash impacts you, please get in touch with Mr Curtis. 

Sports Fixtures

A bumper sports report, with our sports teams continuing to impress over the past two weeks with a number of strong performances across football and netball.

Week commencing 6th January:

• Year 10 Boys Football: Showed great determination in their National Cup match against Shenfield High School, securing a resounding 6-0 victory.
• Year 11A Netball: Dominated their match against Waddesdon, winning 24-17.
• Year 8 Netball: Enjoyed a thrilling 4-3 victory over Waddesdon in a closely contested match.

Week commencing 13th January:

• Year 8 Boys Football: Played an excellent match against AVA, securing a convincing 6-2 win. Jenson was awarded Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.
• Under 13 Girls Football: Faced a tough challenge against John Colet, unfortunately losing 6-0. Eden was named Player of the Match for her resilience and determination.
• Year 11A Netball: Continued their winning streak with a 15-10 victory over Royal Latin. Baylie was awarded Player of the Match for her exceptional play.
• Year 7 Boys Football: Dominated their match against AVA, securing a 14-2 victory. Orlando was named Player of the Match for his impressive performance.
• Year 11 Boys Football: Secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against AVA. Cobby and Patrick were jointly awarded Player of the Match for their outstanding contributions to the team's success.

• These results demonstrate the dedication and hard work of our students, PE teachers and the brilliant Mr List, our PE Technician. Well done to all our teams on their achievements and wish them the very best in their upcoming fixtures this week.