Firstly, to all our budding mathematicians out there, can I start by wishing you all a Happy 3/14 or Pi (𝝅) Day!

The story of Pi is one of the oldest in Mathematics, stretching back over 4,000 years. Ancient civilizations like the Babylonians and Egyptians made early estimates of Pi - roughly 3.125 and 3.160, respectively. They didn’t know Pi as we do today, but they understood that a circle’s circumference was always a bit larger than three times its diameter. 

Fast forward to the 18th Century and we meet William Jones, a Welsh Mathematician who, in 1706, became the first to use the Greek letter 'π' to represent this constant. He chose 'π' because it’s the first letter of the Greek word 'perimetros', meaning perimeter. His work wasn’t just about symbolism - it marked a major step in standardizing mathematical language. 

Later, the famed Swiss Mathematician Leonhard Euler popularized the use of 'π', cementing its place in mathematical history. But it all started with Jones, whose quiet contribution made Pi a universal symbol of mathematical mystery. 

Continuing the mathematical theme, our Year 10 mathematicians had a great time at Maths in Action on Thursday and on Wednesday, our chess team took part in the GLF Schools Chess tournament, which you can read about later in Rosebery News as we (and all GLF Schools) gear up for a range of tournaments and events that will be celebrated at the Boundless Festival as part of the GLF Staff Conference in July. 

We are hosting (and hoping to win) the GLF Foundation Netball Tournament later this month and encourage all Rosebery families to use the links below to explore the work of the GLF Foundation and how this growing initiative is benefiting all GLF students. Applications to the opportunities fund is open to all Rosebery families, so please reach out to either your Deputy Head of Year or to Miss Bailey if you are interested in applying for your daughter.  

GLF FOUNDATION WEBSITE

GLF BOUNDLESS FESTIVAL EVENTS

Elsewhere this week, I must give special mention to our Kaitlyn and Lauren, our Ultimate Frisbee team members, who you must read about in the Sport section that follows, which also features the ongoing success of our Netball teams. On Wednesday, our Squash Team were also in action, placing 3rd at the National Schools Finals in Birmingham. It was also lovely to hear about our girls who performed in Park Heights as part of the Epsom and Ewell Phab group – please do also read about their show in the Student News section below. 

Today, Mr Waight has launched our Activities Week brochure which you can access later in Rosebery News, but should also have received a tailored email about. Invitations have also been emailed out to relevant families in regard to the Year 8 Curriculum Refinement Evening on Thursday 27 March, our Year 10 ‘Evening in the Life of a Year 10 Student’ event on Tuesday 25 March, as well as to all families with the opportunity to Meet GLF Schools on Monday 24 March. Next week, it’s just the small matter of Year 11 Parents Evening and Gold DofE Parents Information Evening.  

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Surrey and Epsom & Ewell Updates 

The local authority have asked us to share with you a link to the Local Government Reorganisation plans for Surrey, which you can find linked below: 

https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/lgr 

In addition to the potential creation of East and West Surrey (just one possibility!) you may also be aware that Epsom and Ewell submitted their proposed new local plan (Emerging Local Plan for 2022-2040) to the Secretary of State this week, which you can, again, find out more about via the links below: 

https://epsom-ewell.gov.uk/regulation22 

Proposed Submission Epsom & Ewell Local Plan 

We love celebrating the creative and theatrical achievements of our students outside of school and last week, Epsom and Ewell Phab performed their incredible show, Park Heights, at Epsom Playhouse.

This Phabulous musical production starred Lili W 11CX, who wrote the script, as well as being joint Assistant Director and Choreographer. The cast included Abi H 12B, Freya H 7MY, Lauren K 7PY, Pixie W 7CX and Rosie H 12C. Over 400 friends, family, and supporters of the club, along with Phab’s President Baroness Jane Campbell, the local Mayor and Mayoress Steve and Carol Bridger and Phab staff were in attendance.

The cast had been working hard for months and months of rehearsals, planning, writing, script-learning, dance practices and everything else - and it shone through in the production. 

Luke Giles, the show's Creative Director, said: 

“The cast absolutely smashed it out the park! Their energy, enthusiasm and dedication throughout the rehearsal process has been incredible and it’s an honour to be able to watch it all pay off on show day! I am so thankful to everyone who has given up so much time to make this ambitious show come together!” 

If you’d like to see just a snippet of their show, they will be performing a number at the upcoming Parallel Lifestyle Windsor event this summer!

Congratulations to all the Rosebery students who took part in this fantastic show. 

Mrs Dever - Head of Drama

Congratulations to Elodie S 9MY for getting a place at The BRIT School - we look forward to hearing about all your creative endeavours in the future!

Mr Lowde - Science Teacher

A reminder that all students who put Rosebery School as their firm choice of Sixth Form should follow the link given by Mr Phillips and respond to their offer by 9.00am on Friday 21 March.

Mr Phillips - Head of Sixth Form

We are delighted to update you on our chess team’s fantastic experience at their first GLF Boundless Chess Tournament, held on 12 March at Meridian School. Members of the Rosebery Chess Club competed with skill and determination, each playing six matches against students from other GLF secondary schools.

The tournament referees from the CSC organisation were highly impressed with our students, highlighting their talent and potential for future success. While Glyn School took home the trophy this year, our players left feeling inspired and more determined than ever to sharpen their strategies and come back even stronger next time.

A huge well done to all our competitors - you represented Rosebery brilliantly! We look forward to seeing the team continue to grow and develop. 

Miss Canessa - Director of Student Experience, Citizenship & Transition

Is your child considering an apprenticeship as their next step? Choices Magazine is the ultimate parent/carer guide to apprenticeships and technical education!

It is completely free of charge, and you can find this month’s edition HERE and sign up to receive it each month, direct to your inbox by clicking HERE.

Amazing Apprenticeships’ 'Parent and Carer Zone' is also a great place to explore apprenticeships and technical education. Click HERE for more information.

Mrs Keaveney - Student Careers, Guidance & Health Mentor

Ms Starr - Director of Early & Future Careers

Well done to Emma E, Matilda D and Alice H 9PX, Ciara C 8CY, and Bella P, Kate S, Katie D, Evie W and Alice P 9MX for taking part in the World Book Day Literary bake sale last week.

Miss Hoban - English Teacher

Design an A3 poster for our Book Fair to be in with a chance of winning one of five £5.00 book vouchers.

Closing date: 21 March 2025

Please include your name and form with your entry and hand it in to Mrs Spencer in the LRH Good luck!

Mrs Spencer - LRH Manager

After winning the Women's U14 Nationals in November, this weekend, Kaitlyn D 7CX and Lauren K 7PY represented Epsom Ultimate in the 2-day UKU U14 Open Indoor Nationals 2024-25 in Wolverhampton. The majority of the 21 teams in the competition were all-male. The girls ended up in bronze position overall, with two all-male teams taking gold and silver. 

Their coach said "the girls were relentless. They just never stopped, and this was the story of their weekend. Such an epic bunch of girls. So much heart and they love playing for each other. They are everything a team should be."

To come third in a competition they are a year young for (and at a boys tournament) is something even they can't quite apprehend. I think that when the dust settles, they will soon realise what an achievement they had been part of and, if they carry on like this, they could have a real crack at winning it next year - which is surely unheard of in this division. I think the whole frisbee junior scene is really starting to see what a force they are. They should be so proud - as are we! Well done girls, what an awesome weekend for you all.

Mrs Hart-McKee - PE Teacher

Our Year 9 & 10 Netball Team put in a determined performance against a strong Three Rivers Academy side, but ultimately fell to a 31-14 defeat. From the first whistle Three Rivers showed their attacking strength, moving the ball quickly and accurately through the court. Despite our defensive efforts, their shooters were clinical, giving them an early lead. However, our team responded well, with some excellent passing through the midcourt, with well-taken goals from our shooters.

In the second half, our defensive unit worked tirelessly to put pressure on Three Rivers, forcing errors and turnovers. Our attackers linked up well to create scoring opportunities and we showed great resilience to keep fighting until the final whistle. Although the final score didn’t go our way, the team showed great determination, teamwork, and sportsmanship. There were plenty of positives to take from the match and we look forward to building on this performance in our next fixture. Well played, everyone! The Attacking Player of the Match went to Fearne L 9EX and the Defensive Player of the Match went to Aaliyah-Zaina R 10EY. 

Miss Elms - PE Teacher

On Monday 10 March, both Rosebery Year 7 and Year 8 Netball Teams faced Ashcombe School in competitive matches that demonstrated excellent teamwork as well as individual effort. The Year 8 team (despite a 19-10 loss) demonstrated resilience and worked hard throughout the game. Phoebe B 8CY, who was tightly marked, showed great determination and was named Player of the Match for her constant effort and skill under pressure. Carys T 8CY was exceptional in defence, using her awareness to disrupt attacks. Kaitlyn D 7CX showed versatility, switching between roles and finding space to keep the team’s play flowing. Although they were unable to secure the win, the team’s spirit and collaboration were commendable.

The Year 7 team played with equal determination, leading for most of the game before narrowly losing 19-15. Player of the Match, Molly M 7CX, stood out for her accurate shooting and excellent defensive skills. She was crucial in both the attack and defence, contributing significantly to her team’s performance. Despite the loss, the Year 7 team can be proud of their efforts and the way in which they held their ground against a strong team. They showed resilience and teamwork, and their performance was a step forward in their development. They will no doubt build on this as they prepare for future matches.

Well done to both teams, you have developed so much over the last couple of weeks and should be proud of your efforts and contributions to the game, both on and off the pitch. 

Miss Fielding - PE Teacher