As you read this, Year 7 will be embarking on their PGL residential - hoping for plenty of fun, laughter and even a little sunshine! This trip has been long in the planning, and huge thanks go to Miss Canessa for organising it, as well as to all the staff who have generously given up their weekend to make this such a special experience for our students.

The pace of school life never slows, and this week Year 7 have been busy balancing lessons with exciting pop-up events, including House Benchball. This was their first taste of a House competition, and one that will no doubt live long in the memory. Congratulations to all teams for their brilliant teamwork and the encouragement they showed one another.

Each form has submitted their ‘Weekly Wins’, but Miss Godsave and I also wanted to share our own highlight - Year 7 Homework Club. Running every Wednesday from 3.15pm to 4.15pm, it’s a fantastic space for students to complete homework with support from staff and our Sixth Form Year 7 Champions. The photo included captures some of the wonderful collaboration on display this week.

I wanted to send a quick reminder about some upcoming deadlines for our Year 7 trips. We appreciate that it may feel like a lot in these first few weeks back, and we’re grateful for your continued support and engagement.

A great deal of planning goes into these enriching experiences, and we work to a strict payment schedule with our suppliers to secure bookings and transport. With that in mind, please note the following:

Cinderella at The Rose Theatre – December

• Dates: Monday 1 December (Y side) / Tuesday 2 December (X side)

• Cost: £27

• Deadline: ParentPay closes Sunday 31 October 2025

This festive theatre trip is a brilliant opportunity for students to experience live performance, explore storytelling and creativity, and enjoy a shared cultural moment with their peers. It’s a joyful way to round off the term and deepen their Rosebery Journey.

Rosebery Studios – Activities Week (July)

• Deposit Deadline: Sunday 31 October 2025 (£25)

• Final Payment: Due Sunday 22 February 2026

• Total Cost: £51

• ParentPay – “Y7 AW Rosebery Studio 2026”

This three-day experience blends creativity, imagination, and teamwork. From Quidditch in the Quad to Wizarding Creativity and the Harry Potter Studios Tour, it’s designed to spark curiosity and build friendships. It’s a highlight of the year for many students.

Please note:
All students are expected to take part in Activities Week. Those not signed up to Rosebery Studios will participate in either Rosebery Community or Rosebery Craft activities in school.

We are also excited to share that we’re currently planning our annual Year 7 Art trip to RHS Wisley, scheduled for the spring term. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to explore creativity in a beautiful setting.

We want as many students as possible to take part in these experiences. They are designed to build confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging – all key parts of the Rosebery Journey. If cost is a barrier, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us in confidence at trips@roseberyschool.co.uk . We are committed to supporting families wherever possible.

🏆 WEEKLY WINS 🏆

7CX: Emma K competed at IGA Level 7 claiming Gold on the beam, going on to win South Regional Champion and a place at the Nationals Final!

7CY: The Rosebery Netball team won the netball tournament last Thursday - well done! Congratulations in particular to Megan P, Nula K, Gracie H, Ava L and Skyler A - great job!

7EX: We were all on time to form time on Wednesday, and Clarissa W, Ella D, Caoimhe-Jean P and Robyn P won in their netball tournament!

7EY: Imogen C learnt a new skill in gymnastics - cartwheel tuck off beam, and 7EY all did well in their Spanish vocabulary tests. Keira T won her netball match outside of school.

7MX: Everyone has been really engaged in form time and have been getting lots of merits in lessons for their intellectual curiosity!

7MY: Everyone completed a brilliant practical lesson in Science and Lily B and Georgina B are performing in School of Rock at the Epsom Playhouse next week.

7PX: Everyone has been handling the pressure of assessments really well.

7PY: Karina F performed at Friday Live last week and the whole form group turned up to support her - amazing teamwork 7PY!

It’s been wonderful to visit several Year 8 lessons this week. Students were engaged and proud of their piano performances in Music, with some even showcasing their talents to parents during our Open Morning. In Art, 8EX demonstrated impressive precision and focus in their portrait drawings, while in Food Preparation and Nutrition, students worked hard on their assessment preparation. Year 8 are thriving and making superb progress—well done to all!

Our first ever House Benchball event was a huge success. There was an infectious spirit of teamwork, belonging and courage as the entire year group cheered each other on. I’m so proud that, despite having different interests and hobbies, these events show how wholeheartedly we support one another as a year team.

A special shoutout goes to Katilyn D 8CX, Chloe V 8PX, Sophia C 8PY, Olivia C 8MY, Lauren K 8PY and Amelie D 8EX who played up for the Year 9 football team. Kaitlyn was named Players’ Player and Chloe received Player of the Match. This was on top of an 8–0 win against Ricards Lodge, with the manager commenting, “Your girls play such good free-flowing football.” (I wasn’t gloating about this all week at all…)

A final reminder that the deadline to sign your daughter up for our Activities Week residential to PGL is Sunday 19 October - once the deadline passes, it’s gone! I’ve reminded Year 8 that they won’t want to miss out on outdoor yoga, face mask making and the legendary GIANT swing. Thank you in advance for encouraging participation. I can’t wait! If you have any financial concerns regarding the trip, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Next week marks our final stretch before half term. We have Raising and Giving activities running throughout the week at break and lunchtime, our Celebration Assembly on Tuesday, and the Rosebery tradition of Teacher Top of the Pops on Thursday. Thank you for your continued encouragement - both in supporting attendance and in promoting positive behaviour in lessons.

#ProgressNotPerfection

🏆 WEEKLY WINS 🏆

8CX: Fantastic team spirit and resilience shown by the whole form group in House Benchball.

8CY: Demonstrating form spirit in House Benchball and cheering each other on continuously!

8EX: Violet J got a distinction in her LAMDA exam! She worked so hard on this and it has truly paid off!

8EY: Secured third place at House Benchball! Well done team on your excellent teamwork!

8MX: The Victoria and Albert captains for Malala, demonstrating their courageous leadership skills.

8MY: Libby P-S danced in the IDTA Southeast classical performance last weekend. She was awarded special merit for her performance.

8PX: Edie K for successfully doing a round-off back handspring on the gym floor!

8PY: For being proud of themselves to showcase their piano skills to prospective parents during Open Morning.

It has been lovely to drop into Year 9 lessons this week and see students working hard across a range of subjects - from conductor finger practicals in Physics, interpreting the periodic table in Chemistry, to designing stockings in Textiles and practising drawing skills in Art. Year 9 are becoming increasingly independent learners, showing enthusiasm and active participation in their lessons. Well done, Year 9!

Outside of the classroom, Year 9 have been busy with their sporting endeavours. All students took part in their first House event of the year - House Benchball - playing alongside their form to earn points for their House. The atmosphere was buzzing, with plenty of healthy competition and team spirit on display.

A huge well done to Alaska A-R 9MY, Izzy C 9MY, Polly H 9EX, Machaela L 9EX, Daisy M 9CX, Saanvi M 9EY, Lily S 9MY, Yasmin S 9MX, Scarlett S 9MY and Morgan W 9MY who represented Rosebery in the U14s SSFA Football Cup fixture against Kingston Academy, securing a fantastic win. Very well played, and thank you for representing the school with such pride!

In preparation for their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award launch assembly after half-term, Year 9 have been reading inspiring stories of female adventurers during Tuesday form time. This week, they learned about Beth French - a British endurance swimmer who, despite living with ME and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, took on the Oceans Seven Challenge, one of the world’s toughest ocean swims. Her story highlights resilience, determination and the importance of listening to your body, while also redefining what success can mean.

As excitement builds around signing up for DofE, please note that group decisions will not be made until the Spring term. While we’re thrilled that students are eager to plan their expeditions, we kindly ask for your support in reminding them that group sizes and arrangements will be shared later in the year.

 
⭐ STARS OF THE WEEK ⭐

9CX: Lydia S - for being the top point scorer for the form group this week! Well done!

9CY: Pippa R - for her incredible performance in her band and for winning the 'Battle of the Bands' final!

9EX: Christina S - for her kindness towards others in the form group and for helping settle a new student into Rosebery.

9EY: Saanvi M - for keeping a positive mindset and for always trying new things.

9MX: Holly D - for her excellent homework in Maths - great job! Keep it up!

9MY: Jasmine P - for always doing the right thing and for having a positive approach to all that she does!

9PX: Moriah Q - for being the top point-scorer for the form group this month! Well done!

9PY: Beatrice W - for always being positive, hard-working and for doing the right thing.

At the end of last academic year, it looked as though House events might be coming to an end - but Year 10 asked for more, and the PE department delivered! For the first time, House competitions have been scheduled across the academic year for Year 10, and this week saw the return of House Benchball. As always, it was a joy to witness the teamwork and energy these events bring. Congratulations to 10CX, winners of our first House competition of the year - I’m looking forward to seeing more action as the year progresses!

Year 10 have also shown great diligence this week as they prepared for some of their first in-lesson assessments of the year. I’ve been really impressed with the attitude and effort they’ve demonstrated, and I hope they begin to see the benefits of their hard work. To support this, we continue to run study skills sessions during form time, and after half term we’ll be launching Year 10 Study Club on Thursdays after school, where Mr Hewett and I will be available to support with homework, revision or simply provide a calm space to work. (And yes - Mr Hewett’s promise of hot chocolate and biscuits still stands!)

As assessments begin, please do remind your daughter of the message I shared at the Information Evening: progress is not always linear, and sometimes things don’t go to plan the first time - and that’s okay. What matters most is how we respond and move forward.

Next week, I’m excited to see Year 10 getting involved in our Raising and Giving Week activities. It’s always a joyful week and supports some truly fantastic causes.

Have a lovely weekend!

⭐ STARS OF THE WEEK ⭐

10CY: Roselle H - for an impressive 28 points this week, displaying intellectual curiosity and impressive work in Science.

10EX: Lottie V - for being consistently attentive in Maths and for supporting her peers.

10MX: Lucy C - for consistently working hard throughout the term, earning an excellent number of points, and making a great effort to progress.

10PX: Emma E - for achieving over 100 points and for always having a positive attitude towards learning.

10PY: Izzy C - for consistently working so hard in lessons this half term - well done Izzy!

It’s been a busy but exciting week for Year 11. Our Student Futures Day was a great success, giving students the chance to reflect on their aspirations and consider what their future selves might have in store. Activities included creating mood boards, writing diary entries and composing letters to their future selves, outlining their hopes and dreams.

Following this, our Sixth Form team delivered a presentation on the courses available and what students can expect from life in the Sixth Form. We were also delighted to welcome back six of our proud and successful alumni, who spoke warmly about their time at Rosebery and the journeys that led to their current achievements. The Q&A sessions were a particular highlight, offering Year 11 valuable insights, practical advice and reassurance that it’s perfectly okay not to have everything figured out just yet.

In the afternoon, Mrs Packham and I introduced the mock exam timetable for November and discussed how students can use key study skills to prepare effectively. Next week during form time, students will begin creating a four-week revision plan leading up to their first week of mocks. We’ve emphasised the importance of maintaining enrichment activities and prioritising wellbeing, and these will be built into their plans.

A reminder that an email was sent on Thursday 16 October, which included:

• A link to the mock timetable

• A guide to preparing for the mocks

• Key dates for the 2025–26 academic year

We hope you find these resources helpful.

Finally, a huge congratulations to Heidi R 11CY and Ella P 11PX, who performed with their band Bloodlines at the Mall Sessions 'Battle of the Bands' Final in Redhill, promoted by Redstart. They were selected to compete against four other bands, each performing a set of three to five songs. Bloodlines played two covers and three original tracks, and were judged overall winners by a panel of three industry professionals. Judging criteria included musicianship, performance, originality and interpretation. Their prize is a free day of recording at The Hive Rooms studio in Surrey. We are incredibly proud - well done!

As we approach the end of a long and busy first half term, the Sixth Form team would like to take a moment to say how proud we are of our students - especially for their outstanding contributions to this week’s Open Evening.

Our sixth formers were exceptional ambassadors for the school. From guiding prospective families around the site to sharing their experiences in lessons and beyond, their maturity, enthusiasm and pride in Rosebery shone through. They are, without a doubt, our biggest selling point, and the evening simply could not have run so successfully without them. Thank you to everyone who gave up their time and energy to help showcase our wonderful, welcoming school community.

Next week is a shorter one, with school finishing on Thursday 23 October for the half-term break. It’s been a long few weeks, and we hope all our students take the time to rest, recharge and enjoy a well-deserved break.

For Year 13, this is also a great opportunity to begin preparing for the upcoming mock exams at the end of November. Even a little early revision now can help ease the pressure later on.

For Year 12, reaching the end of your first half term is a milestone worth celebrating. You’ve navigated new routines, subjects and expectations - now’s the time to pause, reflect and reset. Use part of the break to get organised and set yourself up for success next half term:

• Organise your folders and digital files - keep your notes clear and easy to use.

• Check Google Classroom to ensure you're up to date with work and announcements.

• Revisit feedback on assignments - small improvements now make a big difference later.

• Review your timetable and how you’re using independent study time—are your habits working for you?

• Consider your wellbeing routines - are you getting enough sleep, eating well and taking time to look after yourself?

• Reflect on your support network - teachers, tutors, friends and family are all here to help.

You’ve made a fantastic start - keep it up!

Top ePraise points this week go to Jess K in 12TEA with 114 points and Marta N in 13OJM with 135 points - well done to both of you!

Enjoy your break, rest well and come back ready to build on everything you’ve started this term.

Take care.