23rd October 2024
Dear Parent/Carer,
We are approaching the end of the first half term and it has been an incredible start to Cowley for our new Cowleians in Year 7. I am so proud of the new Year 7 cohort, as they have begun to immerse themselves into Cowley life. It has certainly been a busy and fast paced half term and I hope you are enjoying reading my weekly newsletters and seeing the many great photos: Principal’s Weekly Newsletter – Cowley International College – St Helens.
We have had nearly 200 lessons this half term which have been carefully planned so your child can learn new knowledge and skills. In lessons, Year 7s are attentive, involved and working hard with the KS3 curriculum. It is pleasing to report that nearly all students (222) in Year 7 have been good or outstanding in every lesson since September. That’s an incredible achievement and reflects their academic aspiration.
The behaviour of Year 7 students in lessons and around the college is outstanding. You will have seen the huge number of achievement points achieved on Class Charts. We have very high expectations of behaviour at Cowley, and the Year 7 students are consistently demonstrating the kind and respectful behaviours that staff and parents desire for them.
The Year 7s have impeccable manners and show respect to each other, staff and visitors. They have certainly embraced our Cowleian values and the ‘Cowley Way’. I am fully aware that this does not happen by chance, so thank you for developing these social norms at home. As we know, simply saying, “please” and “thank you” goes a long way in life, and each day, I witness Cowley students showing these lovely manners.
As we know, attendance to school is the key factor that will support learning and success at school. Year 7 attendance is very good, we currently have 152 students in Year 7 who have been in every day since September. These students have confidently informed me they are going to maintain this full attendance until Christmas. The determination and commitment is wonderful to see.
As you will have realised, we recognise that Cowley is more than the ‘200 lessons’ and doing well in exams. I am so pleased to see the vast majority of Year 7 students taking part in extracurricular activities and, most importantly, it is magical to see students gaining confidence and building new friendships.
What is coming up next half term?
Next half term is going to be another busy time as we move swiftly to Christmas. So, here are some events to be aware of:
- Parents’ evening (7th November) – Your first opportunity to meet all of your child’s teachers and receive feedback. Parents’ evenings are critical for student success and wellbeing, so we ask parents to prioritise these evenings. We know that the knowledge and information parents receive at parents’ evening enable parents to work closely with school and their children. We also know that if parents come to parents’ evening, their children will be happier, take part in more extracurricular activities and achieve, on average, 2 grades higher in their GCSEs.
- Remembrance Day (11th November) – At Cowley, we recognise this day and remind the students of the sacrifices made for our freedom. Cowley students who are in Cadets, Scouts and Guides attend college in their uniform as a mark of respect on this day.
- Christmas celebrations – Christmas is huge at Cowley; with lights, choir, concerts, reward celebrations and much more. We also work with local charities to support those less fortunate. Please keep a look at my newsletter for events that parents are invited to.
- Antibullying conference (3rd December) – We recognise that we must work together to educate students and respond to any bullying that takes place. We welcome all parents to attend this conference.
- World faiths day (13th December) – A very special day where we welcome visitors into college and students will learn about kindness and different faiths.
- Primary school visits – Some have taken place this first half term and more will continue next half term. Primary staff will be popping into Cowley and some Year 7 children will be visiting their primary school to meet their old teachers and Year 6 students.
Students finish for half term holiday at 3:05pm on Friday 25th October and return at 8:30am on Monday 4th November. I wish you and your family a restful and safe holiday. However, this is the holiday that I worry most about our students. Please ensure your children are safe with their celebrations of Halloween and Bonfire Night.
Once again, thank you for your continued support to the college. I appreciate the enormity of moving to high school, however, the Year 7s have managed this incredibly well and I am immensely proud of how they have become Cowleians.
Best wishes,
Mr Cormack
