Rossett News Update - 17 September 2021
Dear Parents and Carers,
Following our first week of phased return this term, it has been a real pleasure to move from COVID testing to the resumption of assemblies and classes in their respective halls and faculty areas. I have thanked the dedicated teams of staff who provided the support for these tests, on behalf of our students and parents; without their commitment to this mammoth task, we could not have completed so many Lateral Flow Tests in such a short space of time.
Curriculum
Our students have enjoyed the start to the year by participating in practical lessons and signing up for the roll-out of clubs and societies this term. We are phasing our return to these activities to ensure that our school risk-assessment can inform all decisions. In assemblies this week, Mr Saunders (Deputy Headteacher: Quality of Education) spoke to students regarding the curriculum change from PSHE to PD (Personal Development) for all students at Rossett. The new curriculum was written last year and parents, students, staff and governors all contributed to the feedback on the sequencing of topics throughout the academic year, and the appropriate age-level for the teaching of challenging topics. PD appears on student timetables as a separate ‘taught’ subject; there is a small, highly-trained group of staff who deliver, assess and evaluate student progress in this new subject.
All students have been taken through subject expectations for the presentation of work in exercise books and there is our usual rigorous programme of Quality Assurance in place – starting next week – to inform improvements.
OfSTED Visit: Wednesday 15th September
On Wednesday 15th September Rossett School welcomed a team of Ofsted inspectors who carried out a one-day ‘Section 8’ Inspection of the school. The inspectors interviewed students, teaching and support staff, observed lessons and social times for all year groups, and spoke to the leadership team and governors as part of their day in school.
I would like to formally thank all parents who participated in giving feedback to the inspectors as part of this process; the supportive comments and letters that we received on that day were shared with the OfSTED team.
This type of inspection results in a letter to school outlining one of two judgements regarding the effectiveness of practice and standards in the school since the last inspection; we expect to receive this letter in approximately thirty days and will share the contents with you as soon as we are able.
School Vaccinations’ Update
Over the course of the next six weeks, the Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust Immunisation Team will work closely with North Yorkshire schools to offer a programme of COVID-19 vaccinations to students aged 12 to 15 years old.
Parental consent is required for any pupil to receive the vaccination.
Schools will receive an electronic link to the e-consent form for most parents and carers to complete, and we will share this with all parents/carers through our usual communication methods. If a parent/carer then consents to their child having the vaccination, the response will automatically be sent to the NHS immunisation team who will administer the vaccinations in the same way that students routinely receive their Flu, Meningitis and HPV vaccines.
We will send out more details as they are confirmed.
Open Day and Open Evening for Parents
Rossett will be welcoming the parents of Year 5 and 6 pupils to listen to a presentation from the Headteacher about all that Rossett has to offer. This will take place on Thursday 30 September (6.30pm-8.30pm). Parents will have the opportunity to visit the Learning Resource Centre to speak to faculties about the curriculum we offer as well as find out about admissions, transport and much more.
This is followed by our Open Day on Saturday 2 October (9.30am-12 noon) when parents and children are invited to meet our students and teachers and see the school in action. A number of exciting activities take place throughout the morning. There are other 'open' opportunities available to see the school at work. Further details of how to book a visit are available at each of these events.
Return to school routines
We are very pleased with the way that our Rossett School students have returned in the last two weeks. We have introduced new routines and expectations for the school day and conduct. We would appreciate your support in addressing any outstanding uniform issues as we aim to have all students in correct dress and following the guidelines on jewellery by the end of the coming week.
Safeguarding Team
A reminder to all families that our Safeguarding Team is led by Mr Royles as DSL with Mr Warren as Deputy DSL.
Year Team Contact Information
As you are aware, each year group has an allocated Student Support Officer and Director of Learning who should be your first point of contact with any queries.
Year Group |
Director of Learning |
Ext |
Student Support Officer |
Ext |
| 7 | Mrs Grabham |
332 |
Miss Dalton | 342 |
| 8 | Mr Fell |
308 |
Mrs Russell | 264 |
| 9 | Miss Mooney |
312 |
Mrs Banyard/Ms Mills | 369 |
| 10 | Mr Sweetman |
202 |
Mrs Reynolds | 248 |
| 11 |
Mr Bainbridge (Academic Interventions Coord) |
252 250 |
Mrs Saunders | 228 |
| Head of Sixth Form | Mr Keyworth |
242 |
Miss Higgins | 361 |
|
Assistant Head of Sixth Form |
Mr Durbin |
225 |
Continuation of Lateral Flow Testing for students and staff
We have now completed the in school lateral flow testing programme and the Government have asked that home testing of students resumes until the end of September.
On Wednesday we handed out home testing kits to all students and request that students test on Sunday and Wednesday evenings and report the results – whether positive, negative or void – to NHS Test and Trace via the self-report option at https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result and also inform the school at: https://rossett.school/studentcovidreport.
This information is helping the Government to understand the prevalence of the virus across the country.
Please note that this asymptomatic testing programme does not replace current guidance for those who develop the three Covid-19 symptoms, even if mild, which is to arrange a PCR test as soon as possible. If your child develops a high temperature, a new continuous cough or loses their sense of smell or taste or it changes they should self-isolate until they receive the results of their PCR test.
As you may be aware the self-isolation rules have changed and students no longer need to self isolate if someone in their household has symptoms or has tested positive for Covid-19 if any of the following apply:
- students are under 18 years 6 months old
- students are fully vaccinated
- students are taking part or have taken part in a Covid-19 vaccine trial
- students are not able to be vaccinated for medical reasons
In such cases, even if they do not have symptoms, students should still:
- get a PCR test
- follow advice on how to avoid catching and spreading Covid-19
- consider limiting contact with people who are at higher risk from Covid-19
If you have any questions please email Mr Royes droyles@rossettschool.co.uk.
Bilton Area Transport Update
Following negotiations with NYCC–School Transport and The Harrogate Bus Company we are pleased to inform parents/carers that a second dedicated Rossett School Bus, badged as an S6, will run in the morning from the Bilton area to Rossett School, and return in the evening. The new service will start from Monday 27th September 2021. Information on the exact route will follow next week. Some students will have to transfer from the S2 to the S6, but this change should significantly reduce the overcrowding issues on the existing S2.
Year 7 iPads
As a reminder to all Year 7 parents and carers the closing date for signing up to our school iPad scheme is 23 September 2021: https://secure.edirectdebit.com/E-learning-foundation/Rossett2021/
The iPad’s are currently being prepared and will be distributed to students in their IT lessons week beginning 27 September 2021.
If you have any questions about the scheme, please email: iPad@rossettschool.co.uk
Sports Studies Department Update
Co-curricular clubs
We are delighted to inform you that all of our co-curricular sporting clubs are now back up and running. As you can see from the timetable below, we offer a range of activities after-school for your child to attend and enjoy. All students are welcome to attend regardless of ability or previous experience- as we truly believe in 'Success for Everyone'. All clubs begin at 3:15pm and will finish at 4:15pm, students can sign up each morning to the Leeds Late Bus at Main Reception on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
PE Kit
Over the course of the last two weeks, we have had a substantial amount of PE kit left after lessons. Please can you ensure all of your child's uniform and PE kit are clearly labelled so any misplaced items can be returned promptly.
Free School Meals
If your child is in receipt of free school meals please be advised that they have £3 per day to spend on their lunch. We suggest the best way to get the most of this is to purchase a 'meal deal' - this includes any main meal and a pudding (including a yoghurt, fruit, or traybake).
Road Works Otley Road Harrogate
NYCC have notified the school about major roadworks on Otley Road which commence on 20 September running until 15 October 2021. During this time there is likely to be disruption and delays on Otley Road that will effect journeys to and from Rossett School.
Please allow extra time for your journey to and from school during this period. Thank you.
What's happening this half term...
Thursday 30 September
- Year 6 Parents' Information evening: 6.30pm-8.30pm - Main School Hall
Friday 1 October
- Training Day: School closed to all students
Saturday 2 October
- Rossett School Open Day: 9.30am-12.00pm
Thursday 7 October
- Year 7 Settling in Evening
Monday 18 October
- A Level residential trip to the Holderness Coast
Thursday 21 October
- A Level residential trip returns
Thursday 21 October
- Year 11: Supporting your Child Evening
Monday 25 October - Friday 24 October
- October half term
H Woodcock
Headteacher
