The elephant as a symbol for Cotswold School originated from the school’s close geographical proximity to Bishopdale (Elephant) Park. Cotswold is not a suburb of Christchurch but everyone knows where the “Elephant Park” is.

The elephant is considered a ‘keystone species’. This is a species of animal that makes a huge impact upon it’s environment. Such species are described as playing a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community. Furthermore, the keystone in an arch, if removed, causes the arch to collapse. Cotswold is a ‘Keystone School’ - fundamentally important to the education of primary aged children in the Bishopdale region and as a feeder school to the local intermediates and high schools. (The Tōtaranui Community of Learning).

Elephants are intelligent creatures who are capable of learning. They are caring social animals with excellent memories. They are able to adapt and use the tools at their disposal. Staff and students at Cotswold are intelligent human beings who care for each other, make the right choices, have and use all the latest educational tools at their disposal.