We recently ran a competition inviting students to design an eco-themed poster for inclusion in the 2026–27 student planner. We were delighted with the number of entries received, showcasing the creativity and environmental awareness of our students.
The standard was incredibly high, and it was clear that our students have a real talent for combining powerful messages with creative design.
Here are a selection of the fantastic submissions.
Cold water shock
Cold water shock can have a dramatic effect on your body, such as causing you to breathe in water, make your muscles weaken, and can even cause your heart to go into abnormal rhythms, ultimately resulting in death.
Anything below 15°C is defined as cold water. Average UK and Ireland sea temperatures are just 12°C.
If you find yourself in trouble in the water
If you find yourself in trouble in the water, float to live. Do not panic, float on your back until the effects of cold water shock pass. When the cold water shock has passed, swim to the edge or call for help.
If someone else is in trouble in the water
If someone else falls into the water, call 999 straight away and ask to speak to the fire service and ambulance.
Never enter the water to try and save someone, even if you are a strong swimmer. Shout to the person in the water ‘swim to me;’ The water can be disorientating, and this can give them a focus. Depending on where you are there might be lifebelts or throw bags – use them. If they are attached to a rope, make sure you have secured or are holding the end of the rope so you can pull them in.
Enjoying the water safely
Spending time in the water
If you are thinking of entering the water, consider your exit point, and any emergency exits, before you get in.
Do not jump into open water as this can cause potentially fatal cold water shock, even on the warmest day. Think twice before swimming in open water such as rivers or lakes. You have no idea what’s beneath the surface, there could be unseen currents and reeds, which could pull you under.
Do a risk assessment on the water for the dangers present, it pays to know any dangers before you go swimming. Always consider your exit point, and any emergency exits, before you get in the water. Make sure you feel fit and well before swimming.
Spending time near the water
When running or walking next to the water, stay clear of the edges. Riverbanks and cliff edges may be unstable and give way – particularly after bad weather. Look out for trip or slip hazards – pay attention to your footing and avoid walking or running next to water if levels are high.
If you are walking the dog and they end up in the water, do not go in after them.
Useful resources
- Further water safety advice is available on the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) Water Safety Advice website page;
- Read more about cold water shock on the RNLI Cold Water Shock – Water Safety Tips website page;
- Further information on winter water safety is available on the RLSS Winter Water Safety website page;
- Watch this RNLI: Float to Live video so you’re prepared if you unexpectedly find yourself in water;
- Stay safe on the beach with this RNLI Beach Safety advice;
- The RLSS website has more Open Water Safety Tips;
- The RNLI website has more Open Water Swimming Advice;
Click image to open to use links in the document
We are incredibly proud to celebrate the success of four outstanding Cowley students who have been selected for the 2026 Rugby Football League Girls Talent Hubs – a prestigious six‑week development programme designed to identify and nurture the future stars of Rugby League.
This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the dedication, commitment and talent these girls consistently show both in training and in competition.
Selected Students
North West U15s
- Amber
- Isabelle
- Amelia
North West U16s
- Georgia
To be selected for these regional squads is an honour in itself, and all four players should be extremely proud of their accomplishment. Their success reflects not only their individual effort but also the strong rugby culture that continues to grow here at Cowley.
Inspiring the Next Generation
These girls truly embody what it means to be role models. Their hard work, resilience and passion for the game are inspiring younger students across the school, showing that with commitment and determination, fantastic opportunities can be achieved.
It is brilliant to know that they are motivating the next generation of players to get involved in rugby and enjoy everything the sport has to offer.
Get Involved in Girls’ Rugby at Cowley
Girls’ rugby continues to go from strength to strength at Cowley, and we are proud to offer opportunities for players of all year groups to get involved.
Training takes place every Thursday after school on the top field, and all abilities are welcome—whether you are completely new to the sport or already have experience.
If you are interested in joining, please speak to Miss Leigh or Mrs Sheridan for more information.
A Proud Moment for Cowley
Congratulations once again to Amber, Isabelle, Amelia and Georgia. This is a huge milestone in your rugby journeys, and we cannot wait to see what you achieve next.
We could not be prouder!
We would like to confirm that tomorrow (Friday 15th May) will be a normal school day at
Cowley, and the college will be open to all students.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding over the past two
weeks while we have managed the impact of industrial action.
We will share further updates as they become available. As outlined in our
previous communications, the trade unions currently have no further strike days
planned.
Please use the link below for work set as guidance for 12-14th May.
Twenty five ‘number crunchers’ from Year 7 and Year 8 at Cowley have won certificates in a UK junior maths challenge.
Lower school students recently participated in the UK Maths Trust Junior Mathematical Challenge and the results are brilliant for the school with 25 students taking away certificates.
In April, students from Cowley joined schools from up and down the country to compete in a nationwide maths challenge. The challenge is organised by UK Mathematics Trust and requires students to use mathematical reasoning and techniques to think-outside-the-box and solve sophisticated mathematical problems.
One student achieved the coveted Gold certificate, seven achieved Silver and 17 bagged bronze.
Year 7 student, Laura, achieved an impressive score and secured a Gold certificate. Laura has been invited to take part in the Junior Kangaroo Maths Competition which takes place on 9th June.
A massive thank you goes out to our Maths Department, for all the training and encouragement given to our competitors.
We also give thanks to the parents and carers who continue to support their daughter/son in their academic and extra-curricular endeavours.
Find out more about the UKMT Junior Maths Challenge here
On Thursday 30th April, a number of Year 8 students took took part in an engaging workshop focused on hydrogen-powered cars at the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Widnes. Students got to explore galleries and take part in hands-on experiments, providing an amazing opportunity for our students to put classroom science into an everyday context.
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.
A message from our Year 11 team
Today has been a fantastic day! We’ve celebrated with lots of prizes awarded to our amazing Year 11 students, along with our attendance prize draw
And of course… the big moment everyone was waiting for — the reveal of the bunny’s name! 🐰✨
A huge congratulations to Rebecca, our winner! Well done!
What a brilliant day all around — we’re so proud of you all! Here is a poem especially for you all 💙
Cowley celebrated a fantastic achievement at the NODA Regional Awards, held on Saturday 7th March at the Brick Community Stadium in Wigan.
The awards, organised by the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA), recognise excellence in amateur theatre across the region. Cowley’s recent production of The Addams Family Musical, performed to sell-out audiences from 22nd–25th October, was nominated in an impressive ten categories and went on to secure four major awards on the night.
The production received the following honours in the Noda District 6 Awards:
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Best Musical Director of a Youth Production
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Best Choreographer of a Youth Production
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Best Leading Male Character in a Youth Musical
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Best Youth Musical
These awards recognise the exceptional talent, dedication and teamwork of everyone involved in bringing the production to life, both on stage and behind the scenes.
Being nominated in ten categories was a significant achievement in itself, and winning four of the region’s top awards highlights the outstanding quality of Cowley’s performances. The success reflects months of hard work from the cast, creative team and volunteers who helped make The Addams Family such a memorable production.
Miss Radford, Head of Performing Arts said: “I am incredibly proud of the success of our production of The Addams Family at the NODA District 6 Awards. To win Best Youth Musical, Best Musical Director, Best Choreographer, and Best Leading Male Character in a Youth Musical in the North West Region, alongside numerous additional nominations, is a fantastic achievement for Cowley International College.
“This recognition reflects not only the exceptional talent and commitment of our students, but also the dedication of our staff, Corey Gerrard (Musical Director), Sam Westhead (Director), Charlotte Carroll (Stage Manager and Assistant Director), Lydia Butler (Assistant Choreographer and Stage Manager), and Matt Conway (Lighting Designer), who worked tirelessly every day after school and across weekends to bring the show together in just six weeks.
“We were also incredibly fortunate to perform with a full professional orchestra, something many schools do not have the opportunity to experience, which helped elevate the production to a truly professional standard and made it especially deserving of the Best Youth Musical award.
I would also like to thank our Principal, Mr Cormack, for his continued support in making opportunities like this possible, and our fantastic caretaking team, Andrew Roberts, James Boardman and Daniel Guest, for their endless help with the logistics surrounding rehearsal spaces and the set.
We always knew the quality of what had been achieved, so it is incredibly special to see that excellence recognised on such a prestigious regional stage.”
On Thursday, 12th February, our Year 7 and Sixth Form Mandarin students enjoyed an exciting educational visit to Manchester as part of this year’s Chinese New Year celebrations.
The trip offered students a valuable opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture beyond the classroom. Throughout the day, they participated in a series of engaging cultural workshops designed to deepen their understanding of traditions associated with the Lunar New Year. Activities included intricate traditional paper cutting, where students carefully crafted intricate designs symbolising good fortune and prosperity for the Lunar New Year. Each cut required precision and creativity, allowing students to engage with a centuries-old art form that holds deep cultural significance. They also took part in lively folk dancing sessions, learning traditional steps and movements that are often performed during New Year celebrations. The combination of hands-on artistry and energetic dance gave students a vivid sense of Chinese cultural traditions and the joy that accompanies festive gatherings.
These immersive activities helped students appreciate the communal spirit and festive energy of Chinese New Year celebrations, showing how art, music, and movement are intertwined with cultural rituals. By participating directly, they experienced firsthand how traditions are passed down through generations, and how celebrations bring communities together in joyful, meaningful ways. This deeper understanding complemented their classroom learning, making the language and customs they study in school come alive in a tangible, memorable way.
Well done to all the students who took part! You were a real credit to the school and Sixth Form.
