On Tuesday 27th January, a number of Year 9 students took part in a Chemistry at Work event at the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Widnes. This event provided an amazing opportunity for our students to put classroom science into an everyday context.
Our students got to meet and engage with scientific industries and to find out about the different careers available, what a typical day looks like in one of these jobs and the pathways to getting a similar job before taking part in a practical science activity related to that company.
Cowley’s students fully embraced the experience and they were a credit to the school.
Catalyst Science Discovery Centre – A unique interactive museum for all ages.
Held annually on 27th January, Holocaust Memorial Day falls on the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp where more than a million people died during the Second World War.
The Holocaust is central to Holocaust Memorial Day when we remember the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered.
Today, Sam Neumann (Northern Holocaust Education Group) attended Cowley to share the story passed down from his mother, Bobby, who as a Jewish teenager in Nazi Germany allied Hungary, was deported to Auschwitz concentration camp in 1944 – a terror she endured and survived. Sam presented to our Y9 students.
To mark Holocaust Memorial Day on 27th January, we reflect on the recent MFL trip taken by a group of Year 11 pupils to Munich and Salzburg. As part of this visit, pupils took part in an educational guided tour of Dachau concentration camp, located just north of Munich.
The visit was deeply sombre, yet incredibly informative, helping pupils to understand how and why the Holocaust began and how it expanded throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Dachau, established in 1933, was the first concentration camp created in Nazi Germany, several years before the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939. During the tour, pupils heard powerful testimonies about prisoners of all backgrounds, nationalities and ages.
The Year 11 pupils conducted themselves with maturity, respect and attentiveness throughout the visit and were a real credit to the school.
A sign displayed in one of the Auschwitz exhibitions reads, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it” (George Santayana). As time passes and the number of living witnesses continues to diminish, this message feels more poignant than ever. On Holocaust Memorial Day, we encourage our school community to pause and remember the six and a half million innocent people who lost their lives in the Holocaust across Europe, including a small number from the UK armed forces and the Channel Islands.
Learn more about Holocaust Memorial Day.
On Thursday 22nd January, Cowley welcomed Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, who visited the school to hear about our commitment to sustainability and reducing energy costs through the installation of Great British Energy solar panels.
The visit was also attended by Councillor Anthony Burns, Councillor David Baines, and Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotherham.
Cowley is one of a number of schools to be named to have panels installed in efforts to cut bills, reduce carbon emissions and invest in a more sustainable future for their students and the community.
During his visit, Ed met with members of the school’s Eco Club, taking time to listen to the issues that matter most to them. Students spoke passionately about sustainability and shared their recent experiences in attending the local Junior Climate Change Day at the Town Hall.
Ed toured the school, visiting classrooms while lessons were underway.
The Eco Club students were later interviewed by ITV, helping to highlight the importance of young people’s involvement in conversations about climate change and the future of energy.
On the visit, Principal, Mr Cormack said: “We were delighted welcome Ed Miliband to Cowley.
“Renewable energy is an integral part of the school’s curriculum, offering students a meaningful way to learn about sustainability while leading by example.
“Watching our Eco Club students speak so confidently about solar energy and sustainability was a genuinely proud moment. Their thoughtful questions and informed discussions reflected the passion of a generation that truly cares about the future of our planet. Experiences like this don’t just bring learning to life; they build confidence and show our students that they have a voice and a real role to play in creating positive change, both in school and beyond the classroom.”
The visit was an inspiring experience for students, demonstrating the real impact of student voice and showing how schools can play a leading role in shaping a greener, more sustainable future.
Celebrating Our Student Leadership Team
We are delighted to welcome four new members as Student Leaders, strengthening a group of students who play a vital role in shaping our school community and ensuring that student voice is central to decision-making.
Our student leaders work across a range of key school priorities, including attendance, behaviour, enrichment, and wellbeing. Through these areas, they help represent the views of their peers and contribute ideas that support positive change and continuous improvement across the school.
The Student Leaders regularly meet with staff and senior leaders to discuss current issues, share feedback from students and explore ways to enhance school life. As a result, they are an important point of contact for both students and staff, helping to strengthen communication, understanding and collaboration throughout the school.
Taking on this role requires commitment, responsibility and confidence, and our student leaders demonstrate these qualities – we are so proud of them!
If any student is interested in being a Student Leader, please speak with Mrs Smith.
“We have a remarkable opportunity to ensure every student’s voice is heard and the school can change for the better.”
Student Leader, 2026
Our Annual Presentation Evening took place on Monday 12th January, celebrating the achievements of students from Year 7 through to Year 13 across the 2024–2025 academic year, as well as current Year 7 students who have made a fantastic start to their journey at Cowley.
The Sports Hall was beautifully decorated and filled with parents, families, governors and staff, all gathered to recognise and applaud the hard work, dedication and success of our students. The atmosphere was one of pride and celebration as awards were presented throughout the evening.
Mr Cormack opened the event by paying tribute to former teacher, Ray French, who sadly died last year. Ray’s impact and legacy will never be forgotten. He is forever a Cowleian.
The event was led by Mr Bennett, alongside Mr Watkins, who together presented awards and acknowledged the outstanding efforts of students across all year groups.
We were also honoured to welcome our guest speaker, Dr. Rose Kogie-Henshall, whose inspirational speech captivated the audience. Rose shared her remarkable journey from growing up in Kenya to becoming a doctor, encouraging students to believe in themselves, aim high and never allow obstacles to hold them back. Her powerful message and practical advice left a lasting impression on everyone present.
The evening was a wonderful celebration of achievement and aspiration, and we are extremely proud of all our students for their commitment and success.
Dear Parent/Carer,
As we approach the end of what has been an incredible term, I want to express how proud I am of our students. Their aspiration to achieve, their resilience, and their energy have been truly inspiring. Let’s finish strong this week, making it a fantastic week for attendance and a memorable one with friends and our dedicated Cowley staff.
Arrangements for Friday:
- Start Time: College begins at 8:30am.
- Christmas Jumpers: Students are welcome to wear a Christmas jumper alongside their full uniform. Staff will also be joining in and donating to Willowbrook Hospice.
- Activities: The day will include a mix of lessons and celebrations, including the return of Cowley’s famous Masked Singer! Who will be behind the mask this year?
- Dismissal: Students will finish at 12:20pm, ready for a well-deserved Christmas break after such a busy term. If there are any transport issues, please ask your child to speak to their Year Team.
I would like to thank our staff for their tireless work in providing an excellent term of learning, and to you, our parents and carers, for your continued support. Education is a team effort, and we couldn’t do it without you.
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, and we look forward to welcoming students back on Wednesday, 7th January at 8:30am.
Happy Christmas,
Mr Cormack
Dear year 8 Parents/Carers
All Year 8 children are being offered the HPV immunisation which protects against a range of HPV related cancers. Please access the below link for further information and complete your child’s form even if you DO NOT want your child to receive this immunisation as this will avoid you receiving further correspondence from our service and assist with campaign delivery.
https://econsent.merseycare.nhs.uk/
If you would like to discuss anything further, amend your child’s form or require support, please don’t hesitate to contact the immunisation service on 0151 351 8805 or mcn-tr.schoolimmunisations@nhs.net
Please do not re-submit a further form.
Many Thanks,
School Based Immunisation Services
Dear year 9 Parents/Carers
Important action required.
All year 9 children are due routine immunisations to boost their antibodies and ensure they remain protected against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, and Meningitis ACWY into adulthood. Also, if your child missed their HPV immunisation in year 8. It’s not too late.
Please access the below link for further information and complete your child’s form even if you DO NOT want your child to receive any immunisations, as this will avoid you receiving further correspondence from our service and assist with campaign delivery.
https://econsent.merseycare.nhs.uk/
If you would like to discuss anything further, amend your child’s consent form or require support, please don’t hesitate to contact the immunisation service on 0151 351 8805 or mcn-tr.schoolimmunisations@nhs.net
Please do not re-submit a further form.
Many Thanks,
School Based Immunisation Services
Dear year 10 and 11 Parents/Carers
Did your child miss any school immunisations? It’s never too late to get protected.
All secondary school children are offered immunisations to protect them against HPV related cancers and boost their antibodies against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio and Meningitis ACWY ensuring they are protected into adulthood. Please access the below link if your child has missed any routine immunisations and complete the relevant forms. If you are not sure, please don’t hesitate to contact the immunisation service on 0151 351 8805 or email
mcn-tr.schoolimmunisations@nhs.net who will be happy to check your child’s immunisation records.
Click here to complete forms https://econsent.merseycare.nhs.uk/
Many Thanks,
School Based Immunisation Services
As we approach the end of a fantastic first term, we have an action-packed final day planned for all students. Attendance is especially important as we continue high-quality learning right up to the end—and there’s plenty to look forward to!
🎭 The Masked Singer Returns!
Back by popular demand and bigger and better than last year, our very own Masked Singer will take place on the last day of term. Staff will once again be performing in disguise…
Can you work out who’s behind the mask?
🎟️ Attendance Prize Draw
We are holding a special Attendance Prize Draw on the last day.
Students earn one ticket for every full week they are in school, and each ticket equals one entry into the draw. The more you’re in, the more chance you have of winning! There are some excellent prizes up for grabs.
📚 High-Quality Learning Until We Break Up
Learning continues right to the end of term.
We will be teaching the full curriculum up to and including the final day, and attendance remains a top priority. Every day matters.
🏆 Achievement Assemblies
We will finish the term with our Achievement Assemblies, where we celebrate:
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Outstanding effort
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Personal accomplishments
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Successes across the curriculum
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The incredible progress made this term
These assemblies give students a chance to reflect, recognise their achievements, and celebrate together as a community.
Cowley International College is delighted to share that we have been appointed as a Lead School for Sound! Music Hub, the newly established music hub for the Liverpool City Region and Warrington.
This appointment recognises our school’s strong commitment to high-quality music provision and our dedication to supporting the musical development of children and young people across our wider community.
What is a Lead School?
Sound! Music Hub’s Lead Schools Network is made up of 15 schools from across the Liverpool city region and Warrington— including primary, secondary and special schools. These schools will work closely with Sound! Music Hub to help shape music education across Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Warrington.
Lead Schools act on behalf of their local school networks and communities, representing a broad range of voices, sharing best practice, and helping to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to engage with music in meaningful ways.
Our Role
As a Lead School, Cowley International College will:
- Actively support and promote music education and the work of Sound! Music Hub across the region.
- Collaborate with local music services, fellow Lead Schools, and other schools to develop opportunities and resources.
- Develop and deliver CPD, mentoring, peer support, and learning networks.
- Co-create and participate in collaborative projects, events, and the sharing of practice and resources.
- Provide in-school support where relevant to areas of expertise.
- Support career pathways into music for young people.
- Advocate for inclusive, diverse, and high-quality music education across the region.
- Share examples of great practice and innovation in music education.
- Represent the voices and needs of local schools and communities.
- Help shape the direction of music education across the region
What is Sound! Music Hub?
Sound! Music Hub covers the areas of Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Warrington. It is part of a national network of 43 music hubs which are dedicated to providing music education and opportunities to young people across the UK.
Serving the areas of Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Warrington, Sound! Music Hub brings together a variety of organisations to deliver music education and career pathways to children and young people.
In collaboration with local music services and both regional and national music organisations, Sound! works with 555 schools, reaching over 210,000 pupils, including those who are home schooled or educated through alternative methods. The hub aims to increase access to music activities both in and out of school, fostering a stronger connection between the two and ensuring every child and young person has the opportunity enjoy, experience and champion music.
Sound! Music Hub is funded by the Department for Education through Arts Council England and is led by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority – the Hub Lead Organisation (HLO).
To find out more about Sound! Music Hub and its work across the region, visit www.soundmusichub.com
We are delighted to announce the return of the St Helens Secondary Schools’ All Stars Awards for 2025, proudly founded by the St Helens Association of Secondary Headteachers (ASH).
Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the awards are back to once again celebrate the outstanding achievements of students from across all ten local secondary schools.
Each school has nominated pupils across 11 categories, with the winners set to be announced at a special ceremony on Thursday 23rd October at the St Helens Rugby League Stadium.
We have four students up for awards in the following categories:
- Kind and caring student of the year
- Outstanding contribution to the school community
- Creative and Performing Arts student of the year
- Sportsperson of the year
This promises to be another inspiring and uplifting evening, shining a spotlight on the remarkable dedication, talent, and resilience of our young people.
Awards will be presented by Councillor Burns in the following categories:
- Academic grit and determination award
- Student leader of the year
- Sportsperson of the year
- Outstanding perseverance and resilience
- Outstanding contribution to the school community
- Outstanding contribution to the St Helens community
- Creative and Performing Arts student of the year
- Kind and caring student of the year
- Environmental student of the year
- Young carer of the year
- New for 2025 – Team of the Year
