It’s always lovely to be back at Rosebery after a break, and with some Spring sunshine finally here, the last couple of days have been a delight. 

Also, resplendent this week, is the new Women in Science mural that has been installed in the Science Corridor – please check it out below, and a huge thank you to the PSA for funding this, in advance of Internation Women’s Day being marked next week. 

Speaking of supporting the school, you should have received communications from the school today from our School Standards Board (SSB) seeking a to recruit a new Parent SSB member – please do consider if you would be able to join and contribute to the governance of the school via this role. 

I must also pay tribute to our Year 11 cohort, who have been excellent diligent and hardworking throughout this first week of Pre-Public Exams (PPEs) as they gear up for their Summer of GCSE examinations. These continue next week, but brilliant work this far Year 11! 

Blackout Pilot

I must thank Year 7 students and families for their engagement with the Blackout Pilot this week, as with any such initiative, there have been some teething problems, but both the school and the girls are getting used to the purpose and functionality of the App. The pilot has already attracted as lot of external interest, as the debate around the use of impact of smartphones on children continues, in both the UK and abroad.     
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/school-smartphones-bans-reduce-overall-screen-time-poll-suggests/ 

Whilst not all are convinced, I am grateful that so many of you have provided positive feedback to us, which is always appreciated. It’s also been interesting to note the increase in the number of younger students who are either choosing not to bring a phone to school, or are using a non-smart or ‘dumb’ phone. It’s also been refreshing to work with a company who are willing to further develop their product alongside us, and adapt it based on our feedback, as we explore the extent to which such an App will bring a much better balance to the smart phone debate, and how we can perhaps pioneer a ‘best of both’ approach with Blackout and GLF Schools.  

With Year 8 and Year 9 students due to go live on Monday, I am also pleased that Blackout Education have been able to allay privacy and location sharing concerns robustly – we have been reassured that the Education version of the App (which we are using) will never ask for, or track a students location, that they do not sell any data to third parties, nor do they share any user data for marketing purposes. Updated FAQs in this regard can be found HERE. Please also all be assured, that we move forward with the pilot, will move gently with the introduction of sanctions or punitive measures. This moment is about getting the Rosebery approach to the safe use of smart phones and technology right, together, with you, our families – as stated by Dr Victoria Goodyear, a holistic approach to lowering phone use by students is both needed and necessary. 

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/feb/05/school-ban-phones-not-improve-grades-health-uk-study 

Next week

• Please be aware that the Year 9 DTP MEN vaccinations continue this coming Wednesday, and that Day 1 of the Year 8 HPV Vaccinations take place on Friday. 

• We also close early on Wednesday for our next Rosebery Collaborates, staff training session. Students will be dismissed at 1pm on Wednesday 5 March. 

• Year 9 Parents’ Evening takes place on Thursday Evening – onsite in the School Hall and Sixth Form Café. 

Finally, it’s National Offer Day on Monday, and it’s fantastic to note that Rosebery has received a record number of first preferences, and increased its share of total preferences within the borough – this is largely thanks to the wonderful word of mouth that you pass on, so thank you again for promoting Rosebery School in the community and helping ensure it remains the number one choice for girls in Epsom! We very much look forward to our new parents and carers being invited into the Rosebery fold over the coming weeks. 

Have a lovely weekend everyone. 

Congratulations to Freya B 11EY, Marnie B 10PY, Elle W 10CY, Isobel S 10PY and Erica F 9CX who qualified and raced in the Surrey County Swimming Championships the last two weekends. They had placings and personal bests a-plenty. Epsom District Swim Club and their parents  are very proud of them.

Well done to Amy M 7CY and Alice M 9CY for competing at the Stars of Tomorrow dance competition during half term. Amy gained 3rd place for her solo in the Inter Novice Musical Theatre section, 3rd in the Inter Novice Cabaret Duet section (performing 'She's My Sister' with Alice) and 1st place with her team in the Inter Open Groups performing 'Wonderland'. The standard was very high from all the competitors and she is very proud of herself. Alice was placed 3rd with her Solo One Perfect Moment in the Inter Open Musical Theatre, 1st with the Candyman routine in the Inter Open Cabaret trio, 1st with her team performing 'Wonderland' in the Inter Open Groups and 3rd with her team with 'Jamie' in the Senior Cabaret Groups. It is a high standard competition and it was great for the girls to perform with such talented performers. 

Based on recent feedback, we have adjusted the minimum payment for school meals on ParentPay to £5.

If you have any questions regarding ParentPay, please contact adminhelpdesk@roseberyschool.co.uk 

The nurses will be in school on Friday 7 March 2025 for the first of two sessions to administer Year 8 HPV vaccinations. Just a reminder that the portal to consent for this will close at 4.00pm on Monday 3 March 2025. If parents/carers miss the opportunity to consent, the portal will reopen on Monday 10 March 2025 for you to complete a consent form. 

To sign up, visit the link HERE and enter the school code SR137736. An automated email will be sent to you on completion of your e-consent form. If you have previously consented and wish to withdraw consent, please email csh.eastimmsadmin@nhs.net to advise. 

The nurses will see the remaining students during the second HPV session on Friday 25 April 2025.

Monday 3 March to Friday 8 March 2025

Mrs Spencer - LRH Manager

The Year 7 netball team delivered an outstanding performance today, securing a dominant 12-0 victory in their latest match against Heathside School. From the first whistle, they showed incredible teamwork and determination, with every player contributing to the win. The defence was impenetrable, with the defenders quickly intercepting passes and shutting down any attacking attempts from the opposition. In attack, the team was fluid and precise, with accurate passing and sharp shooting, leading to a well-deserved clean sheet. A brilliant display of sportsmanship and skill all-round!

The Year 8 netball team put on an impressive display today, winning 17-4 in a commanding performance against Heathside School. From the outset, the team took control of the game, with quick passes and strong communication setting the tone. The attackers were clinical, converting nearly every opportunity, while the defence was solid, restricting the opposition to just five goals. Midcourt players worked tirelessly, linking defence and attack seamlessly. It was a fantastic team effort, with the victory showcasing their hard work and teamwork. Well done!

Miss Elms - PE Teacher