Today marks the end of a very long, but ultimately very successful, half term – and I hope you and your daughters enjoy some well-earned rest over the next week. 

As ever, we have gone out with a bang at Rosebery, with House Benchball being a particular highlight this week. The excitement and noise emanating from the Sports Hall at the start of the week was quite something as Years 7, 8 and 9 competed in the first House event of the academic year. 

Our sports teams have also been busy this week, with the netball teams particularly busy. Please do read about their successes further down in Rosebery News – but well done to all the girls who have represented Rosebery across the half term. 

As I write this, I am envious of our staff and students who are currently enjoying school trips to Naples (Year 11), and to Washington & New York (Sixth Form). You can follow updates from both trips on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) via @RoseberyHistory and @georosebery1.

Many of you will enjoy marking Halloween over the half term break, but 31 October is also a very significant day for schools, as it is the deadline for families to apply for their secondary school of choice, for the following September.  I am always very grateful to you, our current families, for promoting the good name of Rosebery in the community and helping ensure it remains the first preference for the vast majority of local families – thank you! 

In a similar vein, applications to Rosebery Sixth Form will remain open until Christmas, and it’s brilliant to see that so many of our current students have already applied, but also that so many new families are seeking to join us for Post 16 studies. 

To close the half term, I promised to hand back to our Head Girls, Jess and Lexi, as they haven’t quite let go of RAG Week yet, and wanted to pass on the following message and thank you of their own: 

“What an amazing RAG Week! It was fabulous to see the whole school getting involved, raising, and giving to charity. Amongst the many events we had during the week such as Guess the Song Quiz, Tug of War and fan favourites Teachers’ Top of the Pops and Glyn vs Rosebery Netball (where we won 13-0 !), we managed to raise an astonishing £10,415.51 which will be split between our 5 key charities: Save the Children, Epsom Pantry, Oxfam, Children in Need and Breast Cancer Now. We want to thank teachers, parents/carers and students, for all their great contributions which made this week possible. The time, effort and dedication that was put into RAG Week was incredible, and to know that it was Rosebery’s most successful RAG Week is truly remarkable.” - Jess and Lexie (Head Girls)   

Have a lovely break, and please remember that Monday 4 November is an INSET Day, so students do not return until Tuesday, at the usual time of 8.30am. 

I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the USSR in History and learning about the Russian Revolution and the control of Starlin. This was new to me as I heard of Starlin but did not know the extent of his actions. I enjoyed looking at the impact he had on Russia and how some saw him as a hero and others as a negative influence on society. I also found it really interesting learning about the Moscow Invasion. In Sociology I have really enjoyed looking at society perspectives, especially on families and the different types of families there are. Even though there are a range of different families it was interesting to hear about how different families can be referred to and what society thinks of them. 

Zulkaif H 10MX

I loved the Benchball competition we had in PE when we joined our tutor groups to compete against the other forms in the X/Y side of the year group. It was great working together and see the competitive side of everyone. I have also thoroughly enjoyed our food technology competition- FutureChef.  We planned, prepped and cooked a meal for under £5.00. I chose to cook a chicken risotto. The winners of this get to go through to a final where they get to cook at a 5* restaurant to a panel of judges, we look forward to seeing who wins next half term. 

Ghainsley B 10PX

This half term has been really exciting in English, we got the opportunity to have a whole class debate to defend a suspected murder of Mr Langton. The convicted was Jacob, we had to defend him for assault which led to the death of Mr Langton. It was exciting as we got to trial a range of persuasive techniques as well as think hard about the scene that was given to us.  I also really enjoyed learning about society in Sociology and how people perspectives of Society can be impacted by very small things such as family and friends. It was really interesting to learn about different types of families and how the way society may react and respond to a range of different situations. 

Hannah H 10CX

All of us study Business and we have all enjoyed the opportunity to be a 'Dragon' from Dragons Den and think about how we would spend our money if we were sat in the 'den'. We were given a product and were tasked with looking at revenue and income of the product, this was a snack bar. We had to decide how much we want to give the entrepreneur. We have also really enjoyed the science experiments that we have done this half term, a favourite was crystal making when we learnt about Crystalisation. Although we have to wait over Half Term for the Crystals to form, it makes us excited to come back and see them. We have really enjoyed being given the opportunities that Science at GCSE level is providing us and allowing more independence in the experiments.

Mr Waight - Head of Year 10

Mrs Carnegie - Acting Head of Competitive Applications

We are really looking forward to our first Quiz Night at school tonight from 7.30pm, and we hope to see many of our parents and carers there! We are delighted that our main sponsor, The Personal Agent, has kindly agreed to sponsor the prizes. Please book your tickets on ParentPay, along with any pre-orders of our cheese platters (a generous choice of cheese, pickles, crackers and other delights) and delicious fruit platters. There is also the opportunity to pre-order any drinks you want for the evening to help us manage stock levels. There will also be drinks and snacks available to purchase on the evening.

Upcoming events:

• Friday 18 October - Quiz Night starting at 7.30pm

• Tuesday 5 November - PSA Committee Meeting starting at 6.30pm at school (everyone welcome!)

If you have any questions, please email us at roseberypsa@hotmail.co.uk  

Lisa Higgins - PSA Chair

Miss Fletcher - Lead Teacher of Criminology

For the past few weeks, Year 10 Food Preparation and Nutrition students have been preparing for the school heat of the FutureChef competition. This is a nationally run competition that require students to cook a main meal for 2 people within an hour, and costing no more than £5. Students had a trial cook first in order to receive feedback and consider ways to improve their dish. They also had to create a time plan with their order of stages written and timed, as well as a costing sheet for the dish.

64 students entered and we were so impressed with the results. We are only able to put two winners forward for the local heat (to be held in November) and it was a very close final. We are so proud to announce that these two students are Beth M 10PX and Ava T 10EX. We wish we could send more forward but share photos of the dishes with you below:

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

Mrs Rathore - Maths Teacher

Congratulations to the following students, and one of our amazing singing teachers Jane Searle, on their fantastic exam results:

LCME Musical Theatre

• Amela P 10PX – Grade 5 (Distinction)

• Evelyn W 9CX – Grade 4 (Distinction)

• Ella P 10PX – Grade 3 (Distinction)

• Amber C 8PY – Grade 3 (Distinction)

Year 10 GCSE Concert - Thursday 21 November, 5.00pm (D3 & D4)

All are welcome to come and hear our first concert of the year featuring our fantastic Year 10 GCSE Music students. Prepare to be amazed by the musical talent. 

Rosebery Christmas Carol Concert – Monday 16 December, 7.00pm (Main Hall)

Featuring a variety of our musical ensembles and choirs, Christmas readings and congregational carols, with refreshments served by the PSA.

We are very fortunate at Rosebery to have a fabulous team of peripatetic music teachers. Please click HERE to find out more information if you are interested in getting lessons for your daughter. Every week in Rosebery News, I will be featuring one of our team. This week is Mrs Guinde’s turn, one of our two fantastic singing teachers:

Mr Holloway - Head of Music

Miss Fielding - PE Teacher

The Sixth Form netball team delivered another fantastic performance, securing a convincing 33-17 victory against St. Andrews Catholic School. The team showcased exceptional teamwork and communication, demonstrating a high standard of tactical gameplay throughout the match.

Consistent shooting from Maisie D 12C and Kiera K 12G kept the scoreboard ticking, while solid defensive efforts from Jacqueline T 12C and Freya D 12E ensured St. Andrews struggled to find their rhythm. In the middle third, Imogen G 13D, Emily N 13D, Amy B 12A, and Jessica L 12D excelled, effectively finding space and moving the ball down the court with ease. This comprehensive win highlights the team’s skill and cohesion as they continue to progress in the season.

Miss Croft - Head of PE

The Year 7 and 8 Netball team travelled to St Andrews on Tuesday afternoon. The Year 7 team had a lot of centre court players and so were very patient in waiting their turn to get into their preferred positions. When the game started, they took control of the ball straight away and Molly T was confident under the post and put Rosebery in the lead. Both teams were turning over the ball well with some powerful interceptions, however, Rosebery were edging in the lead through each quarter, and by half-time the score was 6-2. In the second-half some tactical changes were made and Rosebery really started to attack well. With some great centre court play from Molly M, the ball was sent into the D with accuracy and allowed Rosebery to increase their lead in the second half with a final score of 14-3 to Rosebery - a fabulous result! Player of the Match was awarded to Molly T.

The Year 8 team were similar and had a steady start to the game with a 10-6 score to Rosebery at half-time. After some changes to make the team more attacking and strengthen our chances in the D, Rosebery flew through the final quarter! Amelia O and Phoebe B were getting some brilliant feeds from Annabelle C and Polly H and this allowed for ample scoring opportunities! The final score was 23-11 to Rosebery after this cracking fourth quarter! Player of the Match was awarded to Polly H - well done!

Mrs Hart-Mckee - PE Teacher

This has been a very long half term, and it has been fantastic to see so many students throughout the 8 weeks to congratulate them on their achievements in and out of the classroom. I am delighted to highlight the following students who have been nominated this week:  

Year 7 

Ms Wiggins has nominated Riley R-Ed and Lauren K 7PY for excellent endeavour and determination in Art, Mrs Blake has nominated Ishini A, Safia B, Sophie L and Lucy G 7EX for their excellent creative writing, Mr Watkins has nominated Sadie McL, Amy M, Ophelia W and Beth V 7CY for their consistent hard work and excellent contributions in English this half term, Mrs Callaghan has nominated Elena B G 7CX for her excellent explanation of the impact of the Vikings and Fatema F, Damaris M-K, Gabriella D and Habiba A 7CX for their excellent discussion work in History, Miss Fielding has nominated Beth V, Tsz Kiu Yannis Y, Amelia D and Alejandra N 7CY for their excellent progress in Netball and for reflecting effectively on their progress, Ms Baker has nominated Stacy T 7EX for her contributions in her Computing lessons. Mrs Kay has also nominated Stacy T 7EX for her incredible hard work in the study of Greek mythology, Kayla M 7EY for her insightful questions and hard work, Mahlia P 7EY for her excellent use of questioning and sharing her ideas with her class, Sophie  S 7EY for her outstanding contribution to class discussion and incredible creative work, Sophia C 7PY for showing grit and determination and for her impressive homework this half term, Aoife v d V, Sofia Z and Martha G 7PY for their diligence in independently crafting and redrafting their creative writing. 

Year 8 

Mrs Kay has nominated Emilia F 8CY for sharing valuable insights and ideas in class discussion on poetry and for her unwavering dedication to developing her answers and ideas, Neve K 8CY for her passion and enthusiasm when sharing valuable insights and ideas in class discussion on poetry, Saanvi M 8CY for her mature responses to poetry and for sharing her fantastic insights, Rosa M 8CY for her incredible annotations and valuable and considered insights that show her ability to step back and see the big picture of a writer's intentions and Abi F 8CY for sharing her mature and considered insights into our work on poetry, Mrs Callaghan has nominated Alice M 8PX for her incredible extra research of a variety of historical eras and also for her thoughtful upskilling of whether Britain should be proud of its empire, Sarina A 8PX for her mature approach to lessons and excellent attitude to learning, Annabelle C 8PX for her inciteful discussion about source work, Skiy Mc 8PX for her thoughtful approach to source skills in History, Daisy R 8PX for her confident and thoughtful contributions to class discussions, Jasleen K 8MY for her engagement in History and Isla R and Grace S 8MY for their confident and thoughtful contributions to class discussions.  Ms Baker has nominated Lucy B 8EX, Christina C 8CX, Robyn T 8CY and Amelie G 8PY for their consistent hard work, Summer M 8EX for showing determination and Jinan A-A 8MY and Tilly B W 8PY for their recent efforts and contributions in their Maths lessons.  Mrs Dever has nominated Lily M, Sophie McM, Amelie H, Isla D and Lydia S 8CX for showing increased confidence and leadership in their drama work. We are very proud of you! 

Year 9 

Mrs Boundy has nominated Alice B, Sarah B and Ella H 9PY, Abby B, Emma M, Brooke M, Aliyah R and Sophie T 9PX and Violet A, Rosa E, Emily K, Lily M, Sofja P and Jade V 9CX for their outstanding creativity for their earthquake and volcano homework, Ms Wiggins has nominated Katie B 9EX and Eileen C 9PX for their outstanding approach to understanding art and Eva L 9EY and Hana P 9MY for their technical progress, Miss Fielding has nominated Florence H 9EX and Jade V 9CX, Fern M 9MX and Bella P 9MX for their excellent and thoughtful contributions to GCSE PE and for their consistently positive approach and Mrs Kay has nominated Liyaana A 9CY for her enthusiastic work on persuasive speeches and Amber S 9PY and Amber B and Madiha S 9MY for their well-crafted and very impressive speeches.  

Year 10 

Mrs Browne has nominated Emily F 10MX for her kindness and taking responsibility for helping others, Tiana W 10PX, Phoebe D 10MX and Charlotte A and Millie F 10PY for always pushing themselves in Chemistry lessons this half term and asking inquisitive questions about ideas we have explored, Ms Wiggins has nominated Abi P 10EY, Emily F 10MX and Bella Rose R 10EX for their effort and determination in Art this term, Ms Baker has nominated Charlotte A 10PY and Akshita T 10EY for their consistent effort with both  homework and classwork in Computer Science and Mrs Kay has nominated Marnie B 10PY and Mia H-E 10MY for their incredible annotations of the GCSE pre 19th century novel 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde', Tanushree B 10CY for constantly sharing insights in class discussion and moving the discussion forward in brave new ways and Heidi R 10CY  for her thoughtful responses and hard work in creative writing.   

Year 11 

Mrs White has nominated Olivia F, Neve L, Lola S and Victoria D R 11PY for going above and beyond during lunchtime when acting as role models for the younger students in KS3, Alys N and Daisy S 11MY for their consistent determination and integrity in the first half term. 

Sixth Form 

Mrs Callaghan has nominated Sheenaz N 12G and Lauren D 12C for their excellent organisation in Health and Social Care and Tom C 12F, Emely P 12C, Zerlin L 12G and Evie T, Rosamund P, Janusha G and Beatrice O 12H, for their excellent approach to the start of their  Politics A level and Annabel D 13A for the excellent engagement and progress she has made in Health and Social Care.