Dear Parents/Carers of Year 11 Students,
It has been reassuring to see students who have attended the extra revision classes this week. I am confident that those who have participated are benefiting greatly from these sessions, and we encourage continued commitment in the lead-up to the exams at home and at College.
As we all know, time is precious, and we cannot afford to waste it in the final weeks before exams. It’s reassuring to know that if your child is revising each day and prioritising their studies—such as following a revision timetable at home—they are on the right path.
To help you support your child in managing time, motivation, and distractions, I’ve outlined some key points below. I hope these will address and misconceptions and guide you in ensuring they are making the most of their time:
- If your child says they’ve ‘done enough’ or need ‘a break’—they are mistaken.
Yes, rest is important, but it should be part of a structured revision routine. If they are truly working hard, then a break is deserved. As Mr Westhead says, “Revise, Rest, Repeat”. However, rest only comes after focused revision. - If your child says “no one else is revising”—they are wrong.
The vast majority of students across the country are working hard in preparation for their exams. They know that these exams are crucial for their future. - If your child says “I don’t know how to revise—they are wrong.
We’ve provided resources and shared tips that are easy to follow. Please continue to encourage your child to make use of these materials and ask their teachers for support if needed. Some useful points can be found on our website here: Year 11 Exam Hub – Cowley International College – St Helens and on other online resources like BBC Bitesize here Top revision techniques for exams – BBC Bitesize - If your child is distracted by phones, friends, or video games, this is normal.
However, it’s important for us as adults to help manage these distractions. Time can easily be wasted on social media or gaming. Discipline is key to ensuring success. - If your child is staying up late and sleeping in the next day, it will impact their performance.
Maintaining a consistent routine, including regular bedtimes and wake-up times, is crucial until the exams are over. - If your child isn’t going outside and getting some fresh air, it will impact their wellbeing.
Encourage them to take short breaks outdoors, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Physical movement and daylight are important for both physical and mental health. - If your child turns short breaks into long ones, this is normal but not helpful.
As adults, we must help them stay on track. Time is incredibly valuable, and keeping to a schedule is essential in the final stretch. - If your child spends long hours in their room claiming to be “revising,” it’s worth checking in on their progress.
It’s possible they may be distracted and not as focused as they claim. Regularly checking in can help ensure they’re staying on task. If they’re taking their phone with them to study, it’s likely a source of distraction. - If your child is worried about the exams, this is completely normal.
Their concerns are a sign that they care about their performance. The best way to combat exam worry is through preparation. Encourage them to revise regularly, and remind them that they are capable of succeeding.
We all want the best for your child, and as the exams approach, time is of the essence. By supporting your child in staying focused, disciplined, and healthy, we can help them make the most of the time remaining. I believe in your child’s ability and can succeed this summer. There isn’t a great deal of time, but every extra moment spent revising will help them to achieve.
Thank you for your continued support.
Mr Cormack
Principal
Take a read of this letter from Mr Cormack for our Y11 students
Our Year 7 students have been working hard since September to earn the coveted Bronze Award as part of their Cowley Experience. This award is a recognition of their hard work, determination, and dedication to embodying the core Cowley Values: Independent, Positive Contributor, Good Communicator, Aspirational, Healthy, and Considerate.
To earn the award, students are required to provide evidence that they have exceeded the expectations set for them, both at school and at home. This often involves going above and beyond to meet the criteria associated with each of the Cowley Values.
We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of our first three students to earn the prestigious Bronze Award. Amelia achieved her award on Friday, 14th March, followed closely by Heidi and Joshua during Team Time. The students were presented with their well-earned certificates, badges, and additional prizes by Mr. Dickinson and Mr. Action during this week’s assembly.
The entire Year 7 cohort shared in the pride and excitement as these three students were recognised for their outstanding efforts. It is clear that the dedication and hard work they put into achieving this milestone has inspired others in the year group to follow suit.
Congratulations once again to Amelia, Heidi, and Joshua – we look forward to celebrating even more Bronze Award achievements in the near future!
Blue Plaque Unveiled at Cowley Sixth Form in Honour of Sarah Cowley
On 5th March, a beautiful spring day, Cowley Sixth Form celebrated a historic moment with the unveiling of a blue plaque dedicated to Sarah Cowley. The ceremony, attended by the Mayor, former staff, students, and the current Head Boy and Head Girl, paid tribute to Sarah Cowley’s legacy.
Former staff member, Rita Allcock, spoke passionately about Sarah Cowley’s lasting impact on both the school and its students. Rita’s words painted a vivid picture of Sarah’s dedication and unwavering support for all children in St Helens.
The plaque was unveiled by the Mayor. This significant moment in Cowley Sixth Form’s history is particularly timely, occurring just days before International Women’s Day. The unveiling serves as a powerful reminder of the contributions women like Sarah Cowley have made in shaping our community and inspiring those who follow.
This blue plaque will now stand as a lasting tribute to Sarah Cowley, ensuring that her legacy remains an integral part of Cowley for years to come.
Take a read of the official press release from St Helens Council here:
We are celebrating World Book Day with Hot Chocolate and Stories!
In celebration of World Book Day, we are excited to host our annual Hot Chocolate Reward Lunch for Year 7 and Year 8 students in the library!
World Book Day is an annual event that encourages students to discover the joy of reading, celebrate books, and share their love for literature. This year, we are continuing our tradition of celebrating by bringing together students and staff to share the magic of reading.
As part of the celebration, we are inviting staff from all departments to join us in reading short extracts from books to our students. This is a wonderful opportunity for staff to show their support for reading across the curriculum, and last year, we had volunteers from PE, History, and Modern Foreign Languages—all of whom brought a unique flavour to the event.
In addition to the Hot Chocolate Reward Lunch and the readings, we’re thrilled to share that the library has recently invested in a wide selection of new books based on student requests! We believe in giving our students a voice when it comes to the books they read, and this investment ensures they have access to fresh, exciting titles that spark their interest and fuel their imaginations. Take a look at some of our new books here!
Uniform and footwear
On Wednesday, 5th February, the college had the privilege of hosting the Million Meal Miracle, a charitable initiative dedicated to combating global hunger. The event saw Year 8 students roll up their sleeves and work alongside volunteers to pack over 7,000 meals.
The meals, which will be sent to trusted partners in Zimbabwe and Somaliland, aim to provide essential warm meals for children in schools and orphanages.
The Million Meal Miracle project is on a mission to engage 200 schools in meal-packing events to address the critical issue of hunger faced by children around the world. As part of an assembly, representatives from the project educated our students about the ongoing global hunger challenges, highlighting the struggles that children their age are facing in other parts of the world.
In addition to the hands-on experience, the event provided our students with an important lesson on the significance of charitable work and the global issues that affect millions. The event was generously sponsored by Rotary St Helens, whose support made the day possible.
The experience aims not only to contribute to the fight against hunger but also to help our students develop a greater awareness of the impact they can have on the world. With a new found understanding of global issues, our students are now better equipped to take part in future charitable endeavors and make a positive difference in the world
Please see images on this page for the Breakfast Boost, Lunch and after school intervention sessions to support our Y11 in preparing for their GCSEs.
Sessions start Monday, 20th January.
Dear Parents/Carers,
As we approach examination season, we are reaching out to seek your support in helping your daughter/son prioritise their academic commitments. Achieving the grades necessary for university, apprenticeships, and future employment opportunities requires focus and careful time management.
The Sixth Form Student Guide highlights the impact of part-time work on academic performance:
“Sixth Formers whose part-time jobs take up more than eight hours a week are risking the grades they need for university and apprenticeships. Research shows that teenagers working up to seven or eight hours a week marginally improve on their predicted Level 3 performance; however, results suffer when hours rise above this. Those putting in 15+ hours are scoring, on average, 36 UCAS points below their potential (that is four grades lower) — the equivalent of dropping from BBB to CCD.”
While we recognise and support the value of part-time work in providing students with extra income and valuable skills, it is important that these commitments do not interfere with their studies. Part-time work during college hours is not permitted, and we strongly recommend limiting work commitments to a maximum of eight hours per week.
Excessive working hours can significantly impact academic results, and your guidance and support in helping your daughter/son manage their time effectively will be invaluable. Mock examination results provide an important indicator of progress and should be used to create a focused plan to achieve target grades.
By reducing work commitments where possible, your daughter/son will be in the strongest position to secure their future goals, whether that is university, an apprenticeship, or employment.
If you would like to discuss this further or require additional support, please do not hesitate to contact your daughter/son’s subject and performance and development tutor.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in ensuring your daughter/son’s success.
Yours sincerely
Danny Watkins
Head of Sixth Form
Dear Parents/Carers
I hope you and your family are well and your child is feeling refreshed as we prepare for the start of the new term. College opens to students tomorrow (Tuesday 7th January at 8:30am) and we look forward to welcoming everyone back. The weather forecast is looking OK, and all staff have managed to get into College today.
As students get ready to return to College tomorrow, we understand that it can sometimes be a bit of an adjustment after time off. To help make the transition as smooth as possible for your child, here are a few key pointers:
- Early Night: A restful night’s sleep can make a big difference. Encouraging your child to head to bed a little earlier tonight can help them feel more energised and ready for the first day back.
- Prepare for the Day: It’s a good idea to check Class Charts for classes tomorrow and for the rest of the week. This will help your child feel confident about what to expect when they arrive at College and can help with what equipment they may need too.
- Uniform Reminder: As part of our uniform policy, please ensure that any false nails or eyelashes are removed – please see the Uniform policy for details, this includes our uniform and information on hair styles too.
- Mobile phones: As soon as students enter the College site, their phone will need to be powered down and in their bag.
We know that a positive start can set the tone for the rest of the term, and we’re here to support your child every step of the way.
Please inform the year teams if there are any important family updates that the College should be aware of. If your family is facing any challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to help and support you. Additionally, kindly notify the office if your contact details have changed.
There is a lot happening this term and all key dates for events and Parents’ Evenings are on the website and will be highlighted in Friday’s newsletter that is sent through Class Charts.
We look forward to welcoming your child back to College and to a wonderful start to 2025!
Mr Cormack
Principal