With an important final few weeks of exams ahead for students in Years 11, 12 and 13, once again we are putting on some useful revision masterclasses over the Whitsun holidays for students to attend.
Students have found these additional sessions really useful in their preparations for the exams, so we’d encourage all applicable students to attend if they can.
Please find the timetables below.
Year 11
| Date | Subject | Time | Room/s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 30th May | English
Chemistry Maths |
10am-1pm
10am-12noon 10am-12noon |
M3/M7/M9
E9 TBC |
| Wednesday 31st May | English | 10am-1pm | M6/M8/M9 |
| Thursday 1st June | French (writing – Higher students)
French (writing – Foundation students) Physics |
10-11:30am
11:30am-1pm 10am-12noon |
M14
M14 E6 |
Sixth Form
| Date | Subject | Time | Room/s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 30th May | Politics
Criminology Chemistry English Literature Ethics, Philosophy & Religion |
9:30am-12:30pm
9:30am-12:30pm 9:30am-1:30pm 1-3pm 1-3pm |
B11
B14 C20 B11 B12 |
| Wednesday 31st May | English Language
Biology Law |
9:30am-1:30pm
9:30-11:30am 1-3pm |
B12
B20 C23 |
Dear Parents/Carers,
Tickets are now on sale for our production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which runs on Thursday 25th May and Friday 26th May. The show will take place in the Emerald Theatre, formerly known as the Cowley International Hall on the 11-16 site. Tickets can be purchased through the ticket office by emailing tickets@cowleysthelens.org.uk. All tickets are priced at £6.
Please note: all tickets are sold on a ‘first come first served’ basis. There are no ‘reserve and pay on the door’ tickets. A strict pay upfront policy is undertaken.
Once your tickets have been reserved via the email account, you will receive a confirmation email stating that your tickets are ready for collection. From this point, you will have 3 days to collect and pay in full at the main reception on the 11-16 site. If you do not collect your tickets within 3 days, the tickets will be resold.
Your daughter/son will soon be receiving a props/costume sheet stating some of the items that they must provide themselves. In all cases, this is very straightforward but if there are any issues with getting any items, please encourage your daughter/son to speak to me.
Cowley has a history of producing excellent quality musicals and we only achieve the standard we do due to the commitment of the staff and, moreover, the pupils. So, although the rehearsal schedule may seem daunting, it is vital we work this hard to allow us to achieve the best show possible.
I thank you in advance for your support both at the show itself and in encouraging your daughter/son to attend as required. They will benefit greatly and have an experience that they will remember forever.
Yours sincerely,
Miss C Radford
Assistant Head of Performing Arts
A number of music students from Cowley Sixth Form College performed alongside other local students at the Tunza Centre on Friday 5th May.
The event, entitled ‘Upcoming’ was organised by Cowley students with the aim of bringing local musicians and bands from local colleges together, giving students a platform to showcase their abilities to a live audience.
The event was herald a huge success and the students received a standing ovation at the end.
We wish to say a huge well done to our Y13 students on your success!
Dear Parent/Carer
PARENT GOVERNOR ELECTION
I wrote to you on 22nd March to invite nominations for the vacancy for a parent governor.
I am delighted to say that there has been a good response and there are three candidates for the vacancy. This means we must now hold a ballot.
You may vote for one of the candidates. Each parent/carer can submit one vote, regardless of the number of students you have attending Cowley. Please select the name of the person you wish to support at the bottom of this page and then click the ‘vote’ button by Wednesday, 17th May 2023.
The election will be decided by a simple majority of votes cast. In the event of a tie, lots will be drawn.
When the election has been completed, I will let you know the outcome. If, in the meantime, you have any queries, please let me know.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Cormack
Principal
Personal statements
Richard Holtby
“I am willing to stand as a parent governor to support the oversight in the school, I currently work in a managerial role and feel that this would meet the preferred experience of dealing with HR issues. I have also been a union representative for the Royal College of Nursing so have supported staff dealing with HR issues in the workplace. This enables me to see issues from both a staff and HR perspective. I have established links with the college as I currently support students attending placement learning experience as well as having a daughter studying in year 12 on the nursing cadetship.”
Karl van der Laan
“I’m an ambitious and self-motivated person, with an extensive background in delivering results in a retail background. Currently I work for Tesco Superstores PLC as a Store Manager in Liverpool. Recognised as a capable and effective leader, with good decision making skills and the ability to support the delivery of key objectives. I feel that the skills I have acquired in my retail career could help me became a very effective parent governor. As a governor I would enjoy all of the challenges before me, being part of a team that can effectively help the performance of the college and would really enjoy the opportunities to attend training courses which would help further my understanding of what is expected of me. I feel it is essential to support the school, so every child can strive to develop to their full potential, also I’ve been very impressed in how my two children have developed while at the college and would like to give something back to the college.”
Leanne Williams
“I am a mum of a child in Year 8 and also work in Human Resources so can bring the knowledge and experience requested to ensure that our children have the right staff with the right values and attitudes to give our chidren the best Education. I will ensure that the voice of parents and our children is represented and that the school continues to thrive.”
Dear Student,
The exam season is upon us and this is your time to shine! I can’t say this is going to be an enjoyable few weeks, but it is necessary and something we all go through in our lives. It won’t be long before your magical Prom and longest summer holiday ever will be here. However, we can’t ignore the fact that these next few weeks will have a significant impact on the rest of your life. To help you through, I want to give you some tips and advice to help you perform to the best of your ability.
1. There is still enough time to make significant improvements in your grades
The time studying at home and in revision classes will have a significant impact on your results, right up to the moment you walk into the exam. Keep working hard and use every moment you can to make that next grade.
2. This is nothing to do with luck
Your GCSE results are all about the effort and the work you do to prepare for your exams. No one will say those students who do well have been “lucky”; work hard and put the effort in and you will see the benefits.
3. Prioritise your time
Over the next few weeks, your exams must be your number one priority. This is the time to be disciplined about how you use the precious time you have.
4. Use the staff to help you achieve the top grades
Don’t sit at home worrying about some content you are struggling with, ask your teachers for help as they are the experts. They will always find time for you, and five minutes with a teacher could save you hours.
5. Attend all the extra sessions
Staff at Cowley always have extra sessions after college, at weekends and holidays that are carefully planned to support you with exam preparation. Don’t miss out on these important opportunities as students who come to these sessions are far more prepared and achieve higher grades.
6. Work hard at home
Evenings and weekends are long enough to fit in relaxation and revision. Each evening, you should be studying for 2 hours (not including your Period 6). Split your weekends into 3 (mornings, afternoons, and evenings) and study for 2 out of 3.
7. Reward your hard work with some ‘down time’
Relax, get outside, and do some exercise. Studies show that students who punctuate their revision with exercise outside do better in their exams.
8. Be honest and ruthless with your distractions
We all have distractions in our lives that stop us from doing what we need to do. Be disciplined with these distractions, whether this is your phone, your PlayStation or something else. For the next few weeks these must be managed. You will have plenty of time once the exams have finished!
9. Be organised and prepared for the day
Use your exam timetable to know when and where your exams are. The morning of the exam can be very busy and therefore preparation is key. Each night, make sure you have all the necessary equipment for the next day. If you are not sure on what equipment you need, please speak to your Team Tutor.
10. Use the resources provided
All the resources we have given you, including the ‘Knowledge organisers’, GCSE Pod, Revision books and past papers are all brilliant, but only if you use them! Don’t spend time copying things down or making extensive notes. Familiarise yourself with key topics, make lists of areas that you are concerned about and speak to your teachers.
You are going to be nervous; it is normal to be nervous as it means you care, and these exams mean something to you. All you must do is work hard and ask for help when you need it.
I believe in you and your ability and look forward to celebrating with you at Prom and Results Day.
Best wishes,
Mr Cormack
Principal
On Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th April, our Geography Department took Year 10 GCSE Geographers on a coastal fieldwork trip to Formby beach to help them to prepare for their GCSE exam next year.
Students spent the day undertaking a variety of techniques to collect data to compare vegetation cover on a managed with an unmanaged dune.
The fieldwork trip provided students with good quality data that they can use in their GCSE Geography exam in Year 11, as well as to help broaden their fieldwork knowledge and understanding.
Fortunately, both fieldwork days were dry and somewhat sunny, which made the visit even more enjoyable. The Geographers who participated on the fieldtrips were all a credit to the school.
Some independent study has been set for all students in Years 7-10 who will not be in College on Thursday 27th April and Tuesday 2nd May due to the industrial action.
College will be re-open to all students on Friday 28th April and Wednesday 3rd May and it is a requirement that all students attend.
Link:
Letter from Principal re: Industrial Action on 27th April and 2nd May
Two Cowley Sixth Form College students have recently received the amazing news that they have been offered places to study Medicine at the University of Exeter.
Maja and Tanishka commented on being “happy, but quite shocked,” and “ecstatic and relieved!” after receiving the good news about their applications.
Looking forward to continuing their education in the South West, both students are full of praise for the support and encouragement they have received from staff throughout their time at Cowley Sixth Form College and especially during the application process to Exeter.
Tanishka commented: “My teachers have helped with every aspect of the application, from the actual application itself to mock interviews.”
Maja explained that she was ready for each section of the application process: “As part of the application to Exeter, we had to sit an exam that included content that we hadn’t started yet, but I felt prepared anyway thanks to all the support and help from staff at Cowley.”
The University of Exeter is part of the UK’s elite Russell Group of research-intensive universities and is globally recognised as a prestigious higher education institution of outstanding quality.
Cowley Sixth Form College Head of Achievement, Mr Dunford, commented: “We are delighted by the success of these students, and all our students who have shown grit and determination to pursue their study and career goals.
“The application process for studying Medicine at Exeter is particularly challenging and so I’d like to pass on my sincere congratulations to both Maja and Tanishka for their hard work and dedication in achieving their places.”
Both students are part of the College’s high achievers Scholars Programme, which provides an extensive range of subject-based and extra-curricular activities and support for academic high-flyers. The programme includes specific help with the application and selection processes for the most prestigious universities such as Oxbridge, other Russell Group universities and medical schools.
Find out more about Cowley Sixth Form College and the Scholars Programme online at www.cowleysixthform.org.uk.
We sat down for a Q & A with Maja and Tanishka about how they’re feeling about the exciting news, here’s what they had to say:
How are you feeling about being offered the place to study Medicine at Exeter?
T – I am really happy, quite shocked, but happy!
M – Ecstatic and also relieved!
What support did you have from the Sixth Form with your application?
T – Loads! Everyone has been so helpful. Subject teachers helped with every aspect, from the actual application through to mock interviews.
M – Same. I received a lot 1-to-1 mock interview help from Mrs Faulkner. As part of the application to Exeter we had to sit an exam that included content that we haven’t started yet, but I felt prepared anyway thanks to all the support and help from staff.
In the build up to finding out how you had got on with your application, how did you feel?
M – Stressed! The process takes months. It was a relief to finally find out.
T – Really nervous.
Has the offer given you a boost?
M – Definitely. I personally feel that I have got something to work towards.
Have you enjoyed being on the Cowley Sixth Form Scholars’ programme?
T – It has been enjoyable and has definitely been a contributing factor in how confident I felt in preparing to apply to university.
What opportunities have you had as part of the Scholars programme?
M – I have attended a number of undergraduate lectures on a wide range of subjects. As well as this, the Cambridge residential helped to give me an insight into life at a top university.
T – Same. To add, as part of the Scholars programme, we are given a selection of books that really helped with talking about different topics at interviews.
Do you think that the programme impacted on your successful application?
T – Yes, 100%
M – Definitely. I’ve had lots of support that has been continuous from Year 12.
Any other comments
M – I am really grateful to the college.
Cowley’s KS3 students will perform Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat on 25th and 26th May at 5pm in Cowley’s Emerald Theatre.
Students, please see Mr Watkins, Miss Radford, Mr Gerrard or Mr Westhead for more information on auditions and tickets to the event.
21st April 2023
Dear Parent/Carer
Re. Industrial Action
As you will be aware, the National Education Union (NEU) has announced it is to take further industrial action due to a national dispute between the unions and government over teachers’ pay and funding decisions for school. The next planned strike days are next Thursday, 27th April and the following week on Tuesday, 2nd May.
Due to the number of NEU members and health and safety implications, unfortunately, after careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision that the College cannot operate a standard day. I have outlined the plans below.
During these two days, the College will only be open to Sixth Form, Year 11 and a small group of identified Y7-10 students. Students of this Y7-10 identified group will attend College in full uniform from 8.30am to 3.05pm and parents/carers will receive a personal communication in the next few days. The scheduled Year 10 Geography field trip will go ahead as planned on Thursday 27th April.
Sixth Form students will follow their normal timetable. If their teacher is not in College, they will complete independent study in the Sixth Form Study Area.
Year 11 students will have GCSE revision master classes delivered by the Senior Management Team and some students will complete their scheduled GCSE language speaking exams. Master classes are standard revision activities that we run every year when students benefit from this time to be taught specific areas that will be on their exams. Year 11 students will arrive at 8.30am, in full uniform with their standard learning equipment, and finish College at 1.15pm. The afternoon session should be used to complete exam study at home. If Year 11 students require school transport at the end of the school day, we will supervise them during lunchtime and period 5. Please inform the Year 11 team if your child requires this provision by Wednesday 26th April to enable us to make appropriate arrangements.
Year 10 Geography students who are attending their mandatory GCSE field work on Thursday, 27th April will follow the guidance communicated with parents from Mrs Francis. The students will arrive at 8.30am, in clothes suitable for the field work, and will be dismissed from College on their return from Formby at approximately 1.15pm.
All Year 7 – 10 students not attending on these two days will be provided with appropriate independent study to complete at home. Miss Barry, Vice Principal, will be providing more details about this and adding information to our website early next week.
As most students entitled to Free School Meals won’t be in school on the two strike days, Mrs Callaghan, Business Manager, has once again arranged for £2.50 to be credited to their ParentPay meal account which won’t expire until spent. We understand that times are tough for families and it is important that no student goes hungry, therefore, if you prefer, a packed lunch can be collected or delivered on the day. Please let Mrs Callaghan know by noon on Monday 24th April via email to enquiries@cowleysthelens.org.uk and she will arrange for this to happen.
I am sorry that you will have to make alternative arrangements for your child, and for the disruption to their education. I have prioritised the exam year groups to ensure this strike does not interrupt their exam preparation. I very much hope this situation can be swiftly resolved so we can continue to deliver high quality education and opportunities for our students. I am in regular contact with LA and Union representatives and will keep you informed of any progress or change.
College will be re-open to all students on Friday, 28th April and Wednesday 3rd May, and it is a requirement that all students attend.
If you have any questions, please contact the college via email.
Yours sincerely,
Mr R Cormack
Principal