ROSSALL NEWS
Dates For Your Diary
Rossall's Wellbeing Bridge
U16 Girls Claim County Cup Glory for Rossall School
Rossall Student Claims Third Place at National Golf Finals
Rossall Students Impress Across Prestigious Golf Tournaments
Former Rossall Student Crowned League Champion with Burnley FC Women
Global University Opportunities Roadshow
Royal Society of Chemistry Analyst competition
Headmaster’s Awards
The Science of Saturday Success: Beating the ‘Forgetting Curve’ One Week at a Time
Duke of Edinburgh Silver Practice Expedition
Year 9 Design Project with Gunn Athletic
Rossall School Supports Blackpool 10K Fundraiser for Trinity Hospice
Ways to be Well At Rossall
The Rossallian
IN THIS ISSUE
PRE-PREP & PREP SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Rossall Rose Colour Run - Friday 15 May, 4:00pm
Whole School Open Day - Saturday 6 June, 10am - 2pm
Midlands Drink Reception - Thursday 11 June, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
An Evening of Dance by Rossall Dance Academy - Monday 8 June, 7pm
Rossall Rose Wine Tasting Evening - Friday 19 June, 7pm - 10pm
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Rossall's Wellbeing Bridge
In the spirit of community, we warmly invite parents from across Rossall to attend our second Wellbeing Bridge meeting.
The session will take place on Tuesday 19 May at 4.30pm in the Pennine Suite.
We are pleased to be joined by Dave Carlos, a Lancashire Constabulary Cyber Volunteer, who will lead a discussion on Cyber Safety and provide practical guidance on staying safe online.
We look forward to welcoming parents for what promises to be an informative and valuable session.
Please RSVP to j.moore@rossall.org.uk.
U16 Girls Claim County Cup Glory for Rossall School
The U16 girls’ football team delivered a standout performance in a tightly contested final, securing a 2-1 victory to lift the County Cup.
In a match defined by intensity and determination, both sides competed strongly throughout, but Rossall’s players showed resilience and composure when it mattered most. Their teamwork and work rate remained consistent right up to the final whistle, ultimately making the difference in a closely fought encounter.
The win marks a significant achievement for Rossall School, as the squad successfully brought the County Cup back to school. Coaches and supporters praised the collective effort of the team, highlighting the commitment shown by every player involved.
This victory reflects a strong season for the U16 side, capped off by their success in the final and a memorable result for the school community.
Rossall Student Claims Third Place at National Golf Finals
Year 13 student Josh G delivered an outstanding performance at the ISGA National Finals, held at Brocket Hall Golf and Country Club, finishing in an impressive third place in a highly competitive field.
Competing against some of the strongest young golfers in the country, Josh produced a composed and consistent performance throughout the tournament. He ended just one shot behind the winning score at three under par overall, narrowly missing out on second place following a card playoff.
The result adds to an already successful season for Josh, who has now achieved top three finishes in both the ISGA and SSGT National Finals, underlining his consistency at national level competition.
The achievement is another proud moment for Rossall School, reflecting the strength of its golf programme and the commitment of its students in national sporting competition.
It is a significant milestone in Josh’s development as a competitive golfer, with strong performances across the season marking him out as one to watch in future events.
Rossall Students Impress Across Prestigious Golf Tournaments
A strong weekend of performances saw current, incoming, and former students from Rossall School competing at high-profile amateur golf events, with all three producing notable results.
Year 12 student Lila secured a superb tied third place finish at the Fairhaven Trophies, finishing strongly after a solid final day to secure her position near the top of the leaderboard.
Incoming sixth form student George also impressed at the Fairhaven Trophies, finishing tied fourth overall. His performance was highlighted by an excellent pair of rounds of 71 and 68, demonstrating consistency and composure across the competition.
Meanwhile, Old Rossallian Greg Holmes produced a remarkable final round of 67 in the Lytham Trophy, climbing the leaderboard to finish tied 21st after a strong closing performance.
Across both events, the results reflect the continued strength of Rossall-linked golfers competing at a high level, with players representing the school past, present, and future all making their mark over the weekend.
Former Rossall Student Crowned League Champion with Burnley FC Women
Old Rossallian Emma Siddall has achieved major success in senior football after helping Burnley FC Women secure the FA National League Northern Premier Division title.
The team were officially crowned champions after a strong season, marking an important milestone in the club’s progression through the women’s football pyramid.
Siddall’s achievement continues her impressive football journey. During her time at Rossall School, she was a key member of the school’s back to back national championship winning side, demonstrating her talent and competitive edge from an early stage.
Now performing at professional level with Burnley FC Women, Siddall’s latest success reflects both her development as a player and her continued impact in the game.
Staff and coaches at Rossall have expressed their pride in seeing a former student excel in the senior game, particularly one who contributed so significantly to the school’s own sporting achievements in earlier years.
Her success adds to a growing list of Rossall athletes making their mark in elite sport beyond school level.
Global University Opportunities Roadshow
“Last Thursday we were honoured to welcome The University Guys as a stop on their Go North Roadshow. Students in Year 12 took part in an interactive workshop on applying to universities across the globe, and had the opportunity to speak to representatives from Bocconi University, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern.”
— Mr. Oliver Barnes, Teacher of German & Careers Coordinator
Royal Society of Chemistry Analyst competition
“We recently took part in the Royal Society of Chemistry Schools’ Analyst Competition at Lancaster University, where we worked as analytical chemists to investigate a real-world forensic scenario, and one of our groups came away winning the competition. Congratulations to Ellis and Zachary, two of our A level students and Jenny who is one of our IB students who formed the winning trio!
The challenge involved determining the cause of a mysterious death by analysing a range of samples using different laboratory techniques. This required careful planning, teamwork, and precise data analysis to reach reliable conclusions.
We investigated whether a coffee sample had been tampered with by determining its caffeine content using a back titration method. From this, we calculated the original caffeine content, accounting for dilution and reaction ratios.
We also used thin-layer chromatography to separate pigments in different lipstick samples and compared Rf values to identify a match with the forensic sample. This relied on accuracy in spotting and measurement to produce clear and reliable results.
Finally, we analysed an unknown cream by extracting and measuring its oil content using gravimetric analysis. By calculating percentage composition and comparing results with known samples, we were able to identify the substance.
During the process, we faced challenges such as selecting the correct calculations for each stage and managing time effectively when multiple tasks had to be carried out simultaneously. By working collaboratively and dividing responsibilities efficiently, we were able to overcome these issues and maintain accuracy in our results.
Overall, it was a valuable opportunity to apply chemistry beyond the classroom, develop practical and analytical skills, and gain experience working in a university lab environment. We are also very thankful for the warm hospitality and support of Lancaster University during this incredible experience.”
— Mrs Tracy Moore, Head of Science & Chemistry
headmaster’s awards
This week’s Headmaster’s Awards celebrate three students who have each demonstrated the very best of Rossall through commitment, leadership, enthusiasm and characters - these students have truly made their mark.
Year 12 student Rowan of Spread Eagle demonstrated what it truly means to give back to the Rossall community during a recent visit to a Pre-Prep Music lesson. Sharing his passion for brass instruments with Year 2 pupils, Rowan delivered an engaging, thoughtful and highly interactive session that left the children inspired and full of excitement. His warmth, confidence and genuine love of music shone throughout - a wonderful example of leadership and service in action.
Meanwhile, Ella of Dolphin House has shown exceptional initiative and leadership through organising a hugely successful House Rounders competition. What began as an idea during a House Monitor interview quickly became a fully realised event thanks to Ella’s organisation, enthusiasm and determination. Coordinating students, staff and fixtures with maturity and confidence, she created an event that strengthened house spirit and community across the school.
Lastly, Year 7 student Dollie of Wren House is also celebrating an outstanding sporting achievement after helping secure victory in the FA Spring Cup - scoring in the final. A fantastic accomplishment at such a high level of competition, Dollie’s success is a reflection of her talent, determination and hard work both on and off the pitch. We are incredibly proud to see Rossall students excelling in sport at elite level and look forward to following her future achievements.
Congratulations to these students on this richly deserved recognition - true examples of Rossall spirit in action.
The Science of Saturday Success: Beating the ‘Forgetting Curve’ One Week at a Time
“We can all relate to the student who spends an entire weekend afternoon meticulously revising a complex topic in Mathematics or a nuanced interpretation in History, reaching a point of seemingly genuine mastery, only for that knowledge to inexplicably vanish by Monday morning.
For parents and teachers, this is a familiar frustration; for students, it can often feel like a personal failing. Yet this phenomenon is not a reflection of ability or diligence. It is a fundamental characteristic of human biology.
In 1885, the German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus pioneered the scientific study of memory and identified what he termed the Forgetting Curve, the exponential rate at which newly acquired information is lost when no conscious effort is made to retain it.
At Rossall, we steadfastly refuse to let hard-won knowledge slip away.”
— Mr David Clarke, Deputy Head (Academic)
Read the full article here.
Duke of Edinburgh Silver Practice Expedition
Our Silver Duke of Edinburgh group arrived in Silverdale on Wednesday night, greeted by cool, clear skies and plenty of excitement for the days ahead. We would like to wish all of our students and staff the very best of luck as they take part in this important practice expedition.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a fantastic opportunity for young people to develop resilience, independence, teamwork and leadership skills outside the classroom. Through challenging themselves in unfamiliar environments, students build confidence, learn valuable life skills and create lasting memories with their peers.
The expedition section in particular encourages perseverance, problem-solving and collaboration, as students navigate routes, carry their equipment and work together to overcome challenges along the way. These experiences are invaluable in helping young people grow in confidence and character.
We are incredibly proud of all those taking part and grateful to the staff supporting them throughout the expedition. We look forward to hearing about their achievements and adventures when they return.
Year 9 Design Project with Gunn Athletic
“Year 9 pupils have been taking part in an exciting live design project in collaboration with Gunn Athletic, an independent clothing brand based in Los Angeles (https://gunnathletic.com/).
Through this partnership, students were given the opportunity to design their own branded T-shirts, working creatively on concepts that reflect identity, style and modern sportswear branding. The project has allowed them to experience a real-world design brief and gain insight into how professional clothing brands develop and produce their products.
A video shared by Gunn Athletic helped inspire the students and gave them a behind-the-scenes look at the brand’s approach to design and production. Pupils then applied their ideas to create their own final T-shirt designs, which they have proudly brought to life.
We have also captured some fantastic images of the students with their finished products, showcasing the creativity, effort and individuality that went into each design.
This project has been a brilliant opportunity for students to develop their design skills, think commercially, and experience working in collaboration with an external creative brand.”
— Mr Lee J Hodgetts, Director of Estates, Design and Development & Teacher of Design and Technology
Rossall School Supports Blackpool 10K Fundraiser for Trinity Hospice
Rossall School is proud to support the upcoming Blackpool 10K fundraiser in aid of Trinity Hospice. This important event brings together the local community to raise vital funds for the hospice’s ongoing work across Blackpool and the Fylde Coast.
Trinity Hospice provides compassionate, specialist care for individuals and families facing life-limiting illnesses. Their work ensures patients receive expert and dignified support, while also offering comfort and guidance to loved ones during some of life’s most challenging moments.
By taking part in and supporting the Blackpool 10K, the Rossall community is helping to make a meaningful difference. Every donation contributes directly to sustaining the hospice’s services and ensuring they can continue to provide exceptional care to those who need it most.
Rossall School is pleased to stand alongside Trinity Hospice in supporting this valuable cause and encourages the wider community to get involved and show their support.
We appreciate all donations made, you can donate here.
As May marks the start of external exams, it also is a time when internal exams begin for KS3. This is a particularly new experience for Year 7. It is completely natural for students to feel a mix of pressure, anticipation, and motivation. This period can be demanding, but it is also an opportunity to build healthy habits that support both performance and wellbeing. One of the most important messages we can share with students right now is simple: balance matters.
Effective revision is, of course, essential—but it works best when it is part of a balanced routine. Encouraging students to structure their days with a mixture of focused study sessions and genuine breaks can help maintain concentration and prevent burnout. Sleep plays a critical role in memory and cognitive function, so consistent, good-quality rest should be seen as part of revision, not separate from it. Similarly, regular meals and good hydration help sustain energy levels and focus, while even light exercise—such as a walk outdoors—can significantly reduce stress and improve mood.
Alongside these routines, it is helpful for students to have a few simple relaxation techniques in their toolkit. Practices such as box breathing (slowly inhaling, holding, exhaling, and pausing in equal counts), progressive muscle relaxation, or short guided mindfulness exercises can make a real difference in managing anxiety, especially before or during exams. These techniques are easy to learn and can be used anywhere, offering students a sense of control in moments of pressure.
The lead-up to each exam is just as important as the exam itself. The parent guide shared below offers practical advice on exam-day readiness, from preparing materials the night before to establishing calm, predictable morning routines. Exploring these strategies at home can help reduce last-minute stress and create a more settled, confident start to each day.
Ultimately, success during exam season isn’t just about how much students revise—it’s about how well they look after themselves along the way. With the right balance of study, rest, and self-care, students can approach their exams feeling more prepared, more resilient, and more in control.
ways to be WELL AT ROSSALl
The Rossallian
Rossall School is delighted to share the latest edition of The Rossallian, click here to read. This is our school newspaper that celebrates life across both the Senior and Preparatory Schools. The publication highlights recent activities, achievements, and events that showcase the vibrancy of our community.
Available in both print and digital formats, this edition will be shared with alumni, parents, staff, friends of Rossall, and visiting families.
Thank you to everyone who contributed. We hope you enjoy reading the new issue!
