Rossett News Update - 6 December 2019
Rossett Alumni returns Rossett to give fascinating science talk
On Monday 2nd December, former Rossett student Adam Robertson visited school to give a talk to our Year 12 and 13 Biology students about his career with the cancer therapy company, Autolus. Autolus are at the forefront of current medical treatments developing a form of cell-based therapies known as CAR-T cell therapy. Adam explained how his degree in Biomedical Science prepared him for his current role as a ‘Production Associate - Manufacturing Operations’. The Science behind this personalised medical treatment, involves how new genes are inserted into white blood cells obtained from cancer patients and then how these cells are grown and multiplied in a GMP facility, before the new ‘supercharged' CAR-T cells are returned to the patient - in an attempt to clear their cancer. Adam went on to discuss the challenges faced by scientists developing this new therapy, some of the costs involved as well as the treatment's 'success stories'. Students were practically involved in trying on the attire required to work in a clean room as well as learning about GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice). Finally, Adam informed our students of how they too could enter this field of medical science, via either a degree route or an apprenticeship.
Sixth Form Information Evening
Last night we welcomed students and their parents in Year 11 to our Sixth Form Information Evening. There were presentations by the Headteacher, the Head of Sixth Form and our Head Girl and Boy. Following this, the Subject Fair in the Sixth Form Centre provided detailed information about the courses and enrichment opportunities on offer at Rossett School. Sixth Form Ambassadors were available throughout the evening and talked about their many and varied experiences in the Sixth Form.
If you were unable to attend, or if you are an external student interested in Rossett Sixth Form, and would like to receive information about our fantastic provision please contact phiggins@rossettschool.co.uk. Please note the Sixth Form application deadline is Friday 13 December and forms can be accessed here.
Year 11 Mock Examinations
Year 11 (and some of our Year 10) students have almost completed their mock examination cycle this year. They have worked hard to prepare for their experience and practised over two weeks, all procedures and papers to cement their confidence for the Summer examination season. We were very pleased with their mature approach to this exercise. Papers and questions will be looked at in classes; the 'Mock Results Day' for all Year 11 students is after Christmas on Wednesday 8th January.
Year 10 Drama Triumph
As well as our usual Friday 5 winners, I was pleased to meet with 20 of our Year 10 students who had delivered fantastic performances in their devised GCSE pieces. Given a range of stimulus material (documentary, film and text) the students had worked in groups of four and utilised various techniques to clearly communicate their understanding of drama conventions. It was a pleasure to meet with the groups and hear their enthusiasm not just for the subject itself but their support for each other in the wider GCSE class. Full marks for effort, enthusiasm and entertainment! All students in this group took home a letter of congratulations and have promised me an invitation to their next performance.
Year 7 Shoebox appeal
Each Form Group in Year 7 are putting together a ‘shoebox of gifts’ for children who will be spending Christmas in Harrogate Hospital. Each Form has decided on an age range and theme and donations of small gifts, such as magazines, books, games, small toys and stationery would be welcomed for their collection. The completed boxes will be delivered to Harrogate Hospital in the last week of term. Please send any donations in with Year 7 students or drop them at our Student Reception at the front of school. Thank you.
Sports' Presentation Evening
On Thursday 12 December we will be hosting our annual Sports' Presentation Evening between 6pm and 8pm in the Main Hall. Our guest speaker for the evening will be Simon Darcy Clifford (football coach and businessman) who runs the successful 'Brazilian Soccer School'. Refreshments and canapes will be served and a limited number of tickets are still available from the Finance Office at a cost of £2 per person.
Sixth Form - Mental Health Awareness
This week, two of our Student Welfare Senior Prefects with responsibility for mental health - Deborah Stockill and Georgia Freer - delivered an assembly to each year group highlighting the importance of students' Mental Health and Wellbeing, their focus was on giving them practical tips and advice on how to cope with stress and anxiety, and directing them to helpful sites and organisations.
Our Sixth Form students have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities to support their own mental health including: weekly mindfulness drop-in sessions, where they learn about the different properties of essential oils, and how they can be used to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and stress. Run by 'Zen Warriors', the students are taught mindfulness, relaxation skills, positive visualisation and how to create a 'mood board'.
Students can also join in with the Sixth Form running club held each week on Wednesday Period 5, launched with the support of Ben and Marcus from the 'Early Bird Run Crew'. Additional positive health activities also take place in our, 'Take a Break' PSHE lessons.
Congratulations to...
- Year 7 Girls' Netball A and B Teams who won against Ripon Outwood 6-3 and 7-2 respectively;
What's happening next week...
Wednesday 11 December
- Year 7 'Double Your Money' activities: Sports' Hall - Period 2.
Thursday 12 December
- Sports' Presentation Evening: Main Hall, 6.00pm-8.00pm;
- Full Governing Body meeting: 7.00pm-8.30pm;
- Governors' AGM: 8.30pm-9.30pm.
H Woodcock
Headteacher
