As we reach the end of another incredibly busy term at Cotham Post 16, it feels appropriate to pause and celebrate everything our students have achieved. From charitable work in the community to progressing through to national finals, our students continue to inspire us with their commitment, creativity and compassion.

We began this term with our annual Wellbeing Week , which set a positive tone for the weeks ahead. Students participated in craft activities, wellbeing walks, and workshops focused on managing stress and anxiety. A particular highlight was the visit from Jade, our therapy dog, who brought smiles and much-needed calm to many students during what can be an intense time of year. It was heartening to see students prioritising their mental health and embracing the range of support available to them.

Individual student achievements this term have been truly remarkable. We are immensely proud of Sooniya, who has made it through to the Grand Final of the "Rolls-Royce Future Apprentice of the Year" competition. This is an extraordinary achievement, and the final will be held in Manchester at the end of February. The grand prize is an apprenticeship offer from Rolls-Royce – something Sooniya is exceptionally keen on. We wish her every success and will be cheering her on.

 

Equally inspiring is the community work being undertaken by our students. Amina has been working with 'Brown and Black Minds Matter', a community charity working alongside CAMHS to support young people. She has also been a sports leader, encouraging Muslim girls to play football and breaking down barriers to participation. Meanwhile, Grey has demonstrated remarkable entrepreneurial spirit as co-owner of a charity organising international Minecraft competitions every Sunday. They have already raised an impressive £1,500, showing how passion and innovation can create real impact.

We also want to wish the very best of luck to Luca, who will be representing British Cycling at an international competition in Spain over the half term break. Competing at this level requires incredible dedication and skill, and we are proud to have such talented athletes among our student body. We look forward to hearing all about the experience when Luca returns.

Our Year 13 students have been navigating the university application process with impressive maturity and determination. So far, 126 UCAS applications have been submitted, and offers are beginning to arrive – a testament to the hard work students have invested in their personal statements, research and preparation. For those still finalising their choices or awaiting responses, support remains available through our Futures team.

The Futures Conference earlier this term provided Year 13s with essential preparation for the next stage of their lives. Students participated in sessions on student finance and budgeting for independent living, gaining practical insights into managing money at university. We also facilitated important discussions around sexual harassment and gender-based violence. The level of maturity, engagement and insight shown by students throughout was exemplary. Looking ahead, we will be hosting a Student Finance Evening next term. This year, it will be held online and recorded, ensuring that anyone unable to attend the live session can still access this vital information.

Core sessions have continued to broaden horizons and challenge perspectives. This term, we were privileged to hear from three remarkable speakers. Manu Maunganidze from Sparks Bristol shared his powerful experiences working with refugees in the Creative Industries, highlighting the transformative power of creative expression. Paul Williams, a producer and photographer from the BBC Natural History Unit, talked about his career journey and the dedication required to work in wildlife filmmaking. Professor Shawn Sobers, a visual anthropologist working across writing, photography and filmmaking, explored narratives of belonging and identity. Students can find slides from these sessions on the Core page of the Student Hub, and we encourage anyone who missed them to catch up.

Our annual Raise the Bar conference at UWE offered students a creative and reflective experience this year. Sessions focused on art-based activities using mixed media stencilling and graffiti, allowing students to express themselves whilst connecting with peers and thinking critically about education and identity. The hands-on, creative approach was a refreshing change and students left feeling energised and inspired.

Congratulations are also in order for our French debate team, who won the regional MFL debating competition held at Clifton College this term. Competing against schools from across the region, our students impressed the judges with their eloquence, quick thinking and command of the French language. It's a fantastic achievement that reflects both their linguistic ability and their dedication to extracurricular activities.

For our Year 13 students, January mocks represented a significant milestone. The resilience, maturity and focus they demonstrated throughout the examination period was commendable. It's important to remember that mocks are fundamentally a learning experience – the feedback from teachers and how students respond to that feedback are the most valuable elements of the process. Our Year 13 post-mock surgery will take place next term, and parents/carers will receive an email and phone call if invited to attend.

Year 12 students now have their mock exams on the horizon, scheduled for 27 March to 2 April. Timetables have now been issued, giving students time to plan their revision schedules effectively. We encourage all Year 12s to make use of our brilliant Academic Mentors in Upgrade, who can support with organisation, revision techniques and a wide range of study skills. The Upgrade page of our NBP16 Hub contains an extensive bank of bespoke resources and information, created by NBP16 staff and students, to support the assessment process and help manage anxieties. A reminder that students eligible to use a reading pen in exams can borrow one from Ms Beaver for in-class assessments to practise using it.

As we approach the break, we want to remind students and families about the importance of wellbeing. This has been an intense term for many, and the break provides a crucial opportunity for rest and self-care. We encourage students to explore the ideas and resources in our Wellbeing Bulletin, which can be accessed here. Whether it's spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, getting outside or simply catching up on sleep, taking care of mental and physical health is essential. 

All that remains is to wish everyone a well-deserved and restorative break. We look forward to welcoming students back next term refreshed and ready for the exciting opportunities ahead.