Rossett News Update - 15 February 2019

Little Shop of Horrors

Tonight is your final opportunity to see our wonderful production of The Little Shop of Horrors.  After weeks of rehearsals and planning our students' finally took to the stage and  'wowed' the audience with their talents!   Last night's guests laughed from start to finish and loved the 'catchy' songs (performed to West End standards!), expert choreography and imaginative costumes and scenery. Congratulations on a wonderful performance and well done to all involved - watch out for a full review in next week's Rossett News.

Note: If you attended last night's production and have a white raffle ticket with a green border numbered 110 you have an unclaimed prize!  Please contact the Finance Office who will arrange to see proof of the ticket and issue you with your prize.

Rotary Technology Tournament

This week two groups of Rossett students took part in the annual, regional Rotary Technology competition  hosted by St Aidan's School.  The students had to work together to design and make  a flashing beacon set to flash to a pattern.   They also had to create a pendulum to time the flashes,  providing  an electronic element to the challenge. 

Both teams performed very well and produced some fantastic work.  Well done to all involved and to Mr Bainbridge for taking the students.

 

GCSE Science Live

A group of Year 10 and 11 students visited the GCSE Science Live Event at Leeds Town Hall on Wednesday where they had the opportunity to see and hear from five of Britain’s top scientists, all working at the cutting edge of their specialisms.The scientists, including Professor Robert Winston and Professor Alice Roberts, were carefully chosen for their ability to communicate with students of this age in a direct and exciting way.

The purpose of the event was to enhance students'  confidence with top tips on examination success from an experienced science examiner. The students reported that the day was exciting and thought-provoking and gave them the chance to raise issues with the scientists. Each student received a  biographical booklet with lecture notes and some general articles to incite interest in studying science and working as scientists – students also benefited from the receipt of  notes  from an experienced chief examiner on  how to be successful in their Science GCSEs. 

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

We are delighted to report that,  following an interview this week, Lauren Atkinson (Year 12) has been selected to participate in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), a project that is coordinated by Rotary Clubs around the globe. Lauren will be sponsored by our local Rotary Club to attend a leadership skills event, which takes place during the summer holidays. The (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organised by Rotary clubs and districts where participants develop leadership skills; build communication and refine their problem-solving skills. As students discover strategies for becoming a dynamic leader in their school or community they also have the opportunity to  learn from community leaders and inspirational speakers. 

Celebrating Chinese New Year 

Our students of Mandarin welcomed the Chinese New Year, the year of the Pig, with a special celebration on Tuesday 12 February.  The event, hosted by the Red Kite Alliance at Harrogate Grammar School, included wonderful performances organised by the Confucius Institute at the University of Leeds.  The students were amazed by acrobats and jugglers; they got to see  a real Chinese dragon and taste an array of Chinese delicacies.

SAM Learning

Looking for a way to support your child with revision or extra home study? Support them with SAM Learning the  online learning portal that supports students outside the classroom. Students can log onto a range of activities to learn, practise and test their skills and knowledge. Our teaching staff are  also setting some homework and classwork tasks on the platform, which can be accessed on any internet enabled computer, phone or tablet.

We have  launched a reward system with Year 11 until Easter to encourage more revision. The link below explains how students can use SAM Learning.

Students have been emailed their ID and password (initially the same) or can ask a teacher to reset their settings, if they have difficulties. The centre code is code: HG2RS.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPoX6Onas_g

Japanese Exchange

Our students who are on the Japanese exchange, arrived safely in Tokyo today and travel on to Ishigami tomorrow  to meet their exchange partners.  During the visit the students  will embrace a variety of activities such as sushi-making and Japanese calligraphy, and will experience local culture and take part in lessons at Ishigami High School.   They will then travel to Kyoto, visit the Hiroshima Memorial Park, visit Miyajima Island and end their trip with an unforgettable journey on the bullet train back to Tokyo.  In Tokyo they will visit cultural buildings, dress as Samurais and enjoy traditional Japanese food before travelling home.  Mr Bulmer and Miss Veitch are leading our bi-annual  international trip and report their activities on Twitter @Rossettschool.

New PE Kit

We have been working hard in recent months to re-design our PE kit in readiness for our new Year 7 intake in September.  The new designs are bright and fresh whilst maintaining our distinctive Rossett branding.  We have introduced 'leggings' and track suit trousers; a new red Rossett 'hoodie' and updated PE tops, including a fitted option - all with technical fabric for sporting excellence! 

The new  kit will be phased-in over a period of time - it is not compulsory for current students, but will be for the new Year 7 cohort.  In the interim our current PE kit will be offered for sale at a 50% discount - the perfect opportunity to grab a bargain!

Congratulations to...

• The Year 10 Boys' Football Team who had an emphatic 9-0 win against Harrogate Grammar School in the area cup and progress to the next round.

What's happening next week ...

Tuesday 19 February

• Year 8 girls' HPV injections
• American Exchange Information Evening - 6.30pm in the Year 7 Dining Hall

Wednesday 20 February

• BBC Bitesize Careers event- for some of our Year 9 and 10 students

Thursday 21 February

• Duke of Edinburgh Bronze training session, 3.15pm-4.15pm

Friday 22 February

• Book Bus visits Rossett 9.00am-2.30pm
• Ski trip departs

H Woodcock 

Headteacher