In a week when once again, our news and social media streams have been full of speculation about whether what we are being presented by various sources is true or not,  I feel it’s important to be honest about the fact that I have sadly not been present for the multitude of important, fun and engaging events this week, as I am recovering from spinal surgery,  and have therefore been working remotely this week.  

I know how much the annual House Cheer competition means to our students and staff and therefore I was incredibly disappointed to miss the heats earlier in the week and the grand final today. The PE team are so ably supported by older students who have worked with the tutor groups in Years 7-9 to choreograph their superb routines, to plan their costumes, and to determine their mascot - I know all staff involved, from tutors to the elite judging panel, are very proud of all the girls’ efforts.  

We are also very proud of Lottie, Candace and Susannah in Year 9, who performed brilliantly at the V&A Innovate and Pitching Awards winning the category of Sense from 226 entries in the Senior category! It has also been a very busy week for the Sixth Form with our Year 12 geographers returning from a weekend away in Dorset, Year 13 psychology, business and economics students attending the last of the revision conferences, and a trip to the ‘Just For One Day’ musical.  

Next week we look forward to welcoming the parents and carers of Year 8 students into school for our Curriculum Refinement Evening; this process was launched by Mr Sheffield and Mr Pingree this week in assembly. As Year 8 begin to consider the decisions they need to make as they gradually transition from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4, our Year 11 students are entering the final stages of their GCSE journey.  Mr Styles led these students in their mock results assembly on Wednesday, which for many was reassuring confirmation that their hard work means that they are on track to achieve considerable success. Mr Styles reminded the group that however they are feeling about the results that they received in the assembly, there is still time for focused and precise revision, there is still time to access plenty of support from teachers, and there is still time to make a positive difference to those final outcomes.  

As a school, we have many responsibilities to support our children to become resilient, independent, articulate, and compassionate young women. We are also unashamedly ambitious for our students and strongly believe that we will have failed our students if we do not maintain the belief that every child at Rosebery, should and could achieve exam outcomes that will open doors for them; that will make life much easier for them; and which will be a tremendous validation of their hard work and represent the fulfilment of their considerable potential. As I explained in assemblies for International Women’s Day, every additional year of education adds between 10-30% to the earnings achieved by women, which in turn brings independence, freedom, and agency.   

Whether we like it or not, when our students leave us, they are entering a competitive world, and as parents/carers and teachers we have a responsibility to ensure that our children are ‘match fit’ and are more than able to hold their own. Therefore, we will not stop reminding our students in every year group how important it is that they attend every lesson every day because each hour of teaching really matters. Missing ‘just’ two days in a half term equates to missing 10 hours of teaching, which are very difficult to replace or replicate by working at home, however diligent the student. We will never stop encouraging our students to aim high, but we will also never stop working to put in the necessary support when the inevitable bumps in the road arise – something which is obviously much easier when they are with us each and every day – so that they can achieve the success that they so richly deserve.

Please find our Spring Term Extra-curricular Timetables linked HERE.

Helpers needed - Tuesday 26 March

We are looking for a couple more helpers for Tuesday (26th March) from 4-6pm to sell refreshments at the Yr8 into Yr9 Curriculum Refinement Evening please.  

Please sign up here if you can help. Thank you. https://volunteersignup.org/M3X4R

Pre-loved Prom Dresses

Have you got a Prom dress languishing in a wardrobe? If so, we'd love you to consider donating it to the Rosebery PSA so that we can help all our students to enjoy their prom celebrations, regardless of their financial circumstances. Please email psauniform@roseberyschool.co.uk if you can help.

Selling your property?

If you choose to sell your property through The Personal Agent, they'll donate a percentage of their fee to Rosebery's PSA. Simply inform The Personal Agent that you are a Rosebery parent and then get in touch with the PSA at roseberypsa@hotmail.co.uk. 

Students from all year groups are invited to submit a piece of artwork in any media (drawing, painting, mixed media, photography or sculpture) to the Royal Academy's Young Artists' Summer Show. Winners will be part of a special exhibition at the prestigious Royal Academy of Arts. The deadline for submission is Wednesday 27 March.

Years 7 and 8 should email their work to Ms Wiggins. Years 9 to 13 can email Ms Wiggins or submit directly to the RA using this link.

Ms Wiggins - Art Teacher

Miss Shillito - Head of Design & Technology: Food Preparation and Nutrition & Textiles

Please see the image below for information about our Drama clubs.

Early last Friday morning, the Year 12 geographers left Rosebery for their four-day trip to Swanage in Dorset. The purpose of the trip was to carry out a number of different types of physical fieldwork techniques and then devise and collect data for the Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) worth 20% of the students final A-Level grade.

On Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, we spent time looking at coastal Geography fieldwork techniques on Studland and Swanage Bays. The students were able to practice beach profiling and measuring wave types as well as examining a sand dune succession at Studland. Whilst in Swanage, the students considered the techniques they may use to analyse coastal management techniques and mass movement on the cliffs. In the afternoon, we took advantage of the good weather to visit Old Harry Rocks. It's always a winner with the students, as they are so familiar with it from all the textbooks they study from. The evening was spent in the classroom, with the students finalising their NEA titles and methods of data collection before heading to bed for a well-earned rest.

Sunday was spent collecting data, during which time the students showed superb organisational skills and worked collaboratively to support each other to ensure they had the primary data required for the write-up of their NEAs. Seemingly, Studland has its own microclimate, as those working in the sand dunes and measuring the impacts of deforestation were blessed with clear skies and sunshine, while those in Swanage had a much greyer day. Thankfully, we avoided the rain that has blighted previous years' trips. Sunday evening was time for the students to relax and play games - a particular highlight for many!

Prior to our return to Rosebery, we spent Monday morning visiting two more 'Geography heroes' - namely Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. It is always such a privilege to take the students to these rare geographical locations. Seeing the landforms in person really helps their understanding of the awesome physical processes that continue to shape our world.

Mr Boreham - Geography Teacher

Mr Boreham - Geography Teacher

Congratulations to Lydia S 7CX and Isla C 7EX who have completed the Reading Bingo challenge. They have earned 16 merits each and a book of their choice!

Thursday 14 March was Pi Day! Students in Years 7 to 9 celebrated by forming human Pi symbols in their form groups, while Year 7 had a special lesson dedicated to learning about Pi, where they had competitions to memorise the most digits, solve Pi say-what-you-see puzzles, a Pi number search and even performing a song or poem about Pi! The Maths department also wore their Pi shirts to mark the occasion.

Year 7: Jinan A 7MY

Year 8: Sreeya K 8PY

Year 9: Tanya C 9MX

Year 10: Emily A 10EX

Year 11: Saskia T 11PY

Merryn H 9CX and Sara V 10EX

Miss Watson - Maths Teacher 

This week at Rosebery, the Science department have been busy delivering lessons around the central theme of British Science Week, which this year is ‘Time’. We also added sustainability to the theme, as this went hand in hand with our focus on planet Earth and the time we have spent on it. All year groups had an assembly about the timeline and history of our planet. This then focused on the incredible achievements humans have accomplished during our snapshot of time on Earth, but also shone a spotlight on the impacts we have had on our planet in this very short period of time and what we can do to sustain a more modern way of living. 

In lessons, Year 7 have been making pendulum timers as well as sand and water timers to see how close they can get to a 30 second timer. Year 8 have been making bioplastics out of potatoes, which they will continue with next week, when they will plasticise their potato starch and see it turn into plastic (hopefully!). 

Year 7 and 8 were offered the opportunity to make 3D models of ‘farms of the future’ - another focus on sustainability. We had some fantastic entries that a lot of thought, time and love had gone into making. 

I would encourage your child to talk about the Science themes they have learnt about this week, and to talk to them about the responsibility we all have in protecting the future of our planet.  

Mrs Hart-Mckee - PE Teacher

On Thursday 14 March, the Rosebery squash team played in the National Schools Finals. Getting to this final was an excellent achievement in itself and one that the girls should be very proud of. Rosebery were in the finals as one of the top eight schools in the country - phenomenal! When we entered this tournament for the first time back in October, we did so not knowing what to expect. We knew that we would be facing private schools who had squash courts and squash teams galore, but that was a challenge the girls were willing to face. After getting through the first two rounds in a very convincing style, we knew that we deserved our place in this final. 

The final was held at Edgbaston Priory Club in Birmingham and was a spectacular venue. The girls all made the effort to travel up to Birmingham the night before as it was a 9.00am start on Finals Day. When we arrived, I could tell that the girls were a little nervous, however,  nerves are good (it showed how much they cared). The nerves were not helped by the long wait for the first match, but we found some warm up courts and were soon ready for the first match against Wycliffe College. This was a really tough fixture as we were playing the third seeded school in the country! The girls held their own and played really well. Every ball was fought for and we did not make it easy for the opposition. Unfortunately, India S 7CX was our only player to win her game so our next match was going to be for the later placings of the group. 

The girls had a long wait till our next game, and this was frustrating for the girls as they just wanted to get going. The girls used this time to fuel up and reflect on their prior matches. At 2.00pm we faced Wycombe Abbey and again, this school were well-drilled and their girls were competitive and assertive. They were clinical in their finishing and this resulted in us coming away with two wins out of five, but this was a very narrow loss. 

Our final game was against Lincoln Minster and the girls were desperate to win and show off their capabilities. Imi W 11CY had a very tough game where there were some harsh scoring going against her, and unfortunately was too tough to come back from. Once again, India won her game and has been unbeaten throughout the entire tournament. This is a great achievement, but when you also take into account that she is in Year 7 playing in a KS4 tournament, it is even more exceptional! Overall, Lincoln Minster won four games to our one, and this resulted in Rosebery placing eighth in the rankings.

I would like to say a big thank you to Imi (our captain) as she has steamrolled this whole process. From persuading me to enter, to organising the girls, to giving coaching advice before and after games and to giving up her own time on weekends to run extra practice sessions. She really has been at the forefront of everything and we couldn't have done it without her.

Overall, the girls had a great day at Edgbaston and I personally want to write a huge congratulations on your squash success! The finals was a very long day with some very tough competition, but I hope that they can reflect on this journey with the upmost pride and respect for how well they did and how far they got! I didn’t ever dream that we’d get to the national finals, and it really was a day to remember! To be in the top eight schools in the country is an exceptional achievement. 

I am also very proud of how the girls carried themselves throughout each part of the tournament process. Sport is tough, both physically and mentally, but these girls are a credit to their parents and to Rosebery itself and I honestly felt privileged to be a part of their success. I hope this success will inspire future generations and that we can continue to enter in years to come.

Mrs Hart-Mckee - PE Teacher

Miss Croft - Head of PE

Mrs Garner - PE Teacher

On Wednesday, the Year 7 football team emerged victorious with a convincing 3-0 win against Ashcombe School.

The game remained deadlocked at 0-0 for a significant amount of time, despite Rosebery creating numerous chances on goal. However, the girls remained patient and showed composure which paid off when we netted two quick goals in succession thanks to Neve O (7MY) and Polly H (7EX). The second saw Polly H score her second of the game. 

It was brilliant to see the teamwork and superb link-up play on display rather than relying solely on individual efforts, with our players demonstrating a collective desire to play football the right way!

Well done to the entire team and a special congratulations to:

Neve O (7MY) for receiving Opposition's Player of the Match.

Polly H (7EX) for receiving Players' Player of the Match.

Scarlett S (7MY) for receiving Teacher's Player of the Match.

Miss Linehan - PE Teacher

Rosebery School will be closed from Thursday 28 March and will reopen to students on Monday 15 April at 10.30am. If you have a non-urgent safeguarding concern, please would you email dsl@roseberyschool.co.uk .  Please be aware that this email will not be constantly monitored.  If your enquiry is in relation to an urgent safeguarding or emotional support need, please see the numbers below, which are available for support during the holiday period.

Safeguarding Support

If you have any safeguarding concerns during the Easter holidays, please contact the police in an emergency.  For non-urgent concerns please contact Surrey Children’s Single Point of Access – 0300 470 9100 Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm.  Out of hours phone: 01483 517898 to speak to the emergency duty team.

Emotional and Mental Health Wellbeing Support

1. Surrey and Borders Partnership Mental Health Crisis Line: If you are worried about yourself, a friend, or your child or young person, please call 24/7 the crisis line free on 03004568342.  You can talk with a trained call handler who will provide advice, support and signposting to a range of community services. The crisis line is available for children and young people from the age of six. It can be used by those who are already receiving mental health services, and also by those who are not.  No formal request for support is needed

2. Text SHOUT to 85258: Mental Health Crisis text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere.

3. Mindworks Access and Advice:  To speak to someone about local services available and how to access them call Access and Advice: 0300 222 5755. We are open 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday and 9am to 12pm, Saturday. The service is not open on bank holidays.

4. Neurodevelopmental Helpline:  Out of Hours advice around behaviours/difficulties which could be related to neurodiversity including Autism and ADHD available via 0300 222 5755 from 5pm until 11:00 pm every day of the year. NB diagnosis not needed.

5. NHS Tel: 111 – please contact for emergency concerns that are less urgent than 999.

6. CYP Haven - Also worth noting is CYP Haven in Epsom that is open for walk-in support. More information available HERE. 

Online Safety

CEOP help children stay safe online. If anybody acts inappropriately towards a child or young person online (such as sexual chat, or being asked to do something that makes them feel uncomfortable); you can report it HERE.

Other helpful contacts

• Childline: 0800 1111

• NSPCC: 0808 8005000

• Samaritans: 116 123 or email 

• Solace Centre, also known as the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC): 0300 130 3038

New dates have been released for the next two Talking Teens programmes which are fully funded and so are free of charge. These are all online via Zoom. 

The dates are as follows:

Wednesdays from 10.00am to 11.30am

17 April to 8 May

or

Thursdays from 6.30pm to 8.00pm

13 June to 4 July

If you would like a place at one of the above workshops, please email sjenns1@glfschools.org .

Top tips for parents/carers to encourage open conversations have been produced by National College. You can view these by clicking HERE.

Thank you to those who were able to join our workshop looking at Revision and Study Skills earlier this week. Please find the slides for your convenience linked HERE.

Our next workshop is on Tuesday 21 May 2024 and is on the topic of 'Transition'. This is applicable for all year groups as we know transition can cause anxiety for our SEND students. Further information will follow soon.

Mrs Browne - SENDCo (KS3) and EBSA Lead

The Specsavers Surrey Youth Games offers young people an opportunity to keep active and healthy in the Spring. You can click HERE to search by town or postcode to see what's on offer near you. The 6-8 weeks of activity training kick off across 9 of Surrey’s boroughs and districts (excluding Tandridge and Surrey Heath) after Easter.

All our coaches have been handpicked to be friendly and supportive (the emphasis is on having fun and taking part). There’s so much on offer for 7-16 year olds, including:

• Dance

• Judo

• Girls’ Touch Rugby

• Boxing

• The Run, Ride, Row Challenge

• Boccia (a type of seated bowls accessible to all)

• Street Basketball

• Tennis

Families love the Specsavers Surrey Youth Games, and here are just a few quotes from parents and children alike:

• “My daughter absolutely loved every week from the first time.” - Parent

• “My son looked forward to attending every session.” - Parent

• “The other kids are all really nice. I’ve made friends I didn’t know before.” - Charlie, 12

Click HERE to book your place now.

Congratulations to the following students nominated this week. 

Year 7 

Ms Wiggins has nominated Kimberley K and Sofia I-O 7CX for their outstanding work on botanical illustration this term, Mrs Blake has nominated Iona H, Sophia P, Naomi P M, Hana A and Saanvi M 7EY for their fantastic efforts this year on the 200 word challenge lessons. Mr Hiller has nominated Lydia S 7CX, Poppy D, Leah N and Isla C 7EX, Jude Y 7CY, Iona H 7EY, Georgina T and Beatrice W 7PY for building such a well thought out and fantastically crafted sustainable farm of the future. 

Year 8 

Mr Lowde has nominated Francesca B, Elodie S, Amalie M and Catarina N D S 8MY for their fantastic work with the House Cheer song and choreography, Mr Hiller has nominated Kaitlyn G 8EY, Sreeya K and Imogen D 8PY for building such a well thought out, and fantastically crafted, sustainable farm of the future, Mrs Blake has nominated Evie D, Evelyn W and Hanna R 8CX for their fantastic efforts this year on the 200 word challenge lessons. 

Year 10 

Miss Keoshgerian has nominated Niamh K 10PY for her excellent effort and engagement with English and Miss Darch has nominated Hannah B 10CX and Grace B 10MX for excellent classwork and contributions in Biology and Ava T and Mina J 10PX for asking thoughtful and interesting questions in Biology. 

Year 11 

Ms Wiggins has nominated Willow G 11CX and Ella J 11MX for their significant effort in developing a new approach to oil painting. 

Sixth Form 

Ms Wiggins has nominated Charlotte H 12D for exceptional experimental work with time and light.