ROSSALL NEWS
Community Notices
Dates for your Diary
Events
Open Day Information
How Curiosity Shapes Our Everyday Lives
Boarders Residential Weekends
Prep School’s First Interhouse Cross Country of the Year
A Roman Visitor at Rossall
French and Spanish Sixth Form Day at Manchester Metropolitan University
Headmaster’s Awards
Da Vinci Academy
Saturday Broadway Academy
Wellbeing Bridge
Ways to be Well at Rossall
The Rossallian
IN THIS ISSUE
PRE-PREP & PREP SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
We would also like to take the opportunity to invite parents from across Rossall to our first ‘Wellbeing Bridge’ meeting on Monday October 6th at 18:30. These meetings will allow parents to share ideas and discuss pertinent issues around child and teen wellbeing, bridging the gap between wellbeing discussions at home and at school. It will be a chance for us to share ideas, ask questions and hear from experts in their field about the ways we can best support our children and young people to be well. Our first meeting will be held in the Pennine Suite and we will be joined by Cat Waktare, our school based Mental Health Nurse - please email j.moore@rossall.org.uk to RSVP.
Parent Introductory Evening
Click here to view our Parent Introductory Evening presentation.
COMMUNITY NOTICES
How Curiosity Shapes Our Everyday Lives
Chemistry isn’t just something that happens in a lab, it’s all around us, shaping our daily lives. From the toothpaste we use in the morning to the phones in our pockets, chemistry is constantly at work in ways we often take for granted.
At Rossall School, we want our pupils to see these connections. Take a typical morning routine: brushing your teeth? The fluoride in toothpaste protects enamel at the molecular level. Eating toast or cereal for breakfast? The golden crunch comes from the Maillard reaction, a chemical process that enhances flavour. Even that morning cup of tea or coffee? Caffeine affects brain chemistry to help us feel more alert and it doesn’t stop there—glow sticks, hair dye, slime, cosmetics, and even phone batteries are all everyday examples of chemistry in action. It’s hard to imagine a single day without it.
But the real magic of chemistry lies in curiosity—the ability to ask “why?” and “what if?”
For example, William Perkin, at just 18 years old, accidentally……..
- Mrs Clare Cohen, Assistant Head Transition & Year 7
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Tuesday 23rd September - Year 7 Parent Lunch, please confirm your attendance via this form >
Thursday 25th September - Year 8 & 9 Parent Lunch, please confirm your attendance via this form >
Friday 26th September - Macmillan Coffee Morning, 9:00am - 11:00am
Sunday 28th September - Choral Evensong, 6:30pm
Tuesday 30th September - Year 10 & 11, please confirm your attendance via this form >
Thursday 2nd October - Year 12 & 13, please confirm your attendance via this form >
Saturday 4th October - Whole School Open Day. This event is open to both current and prospective families. If you would like to share the event with friends or family that may be interested in Rossall, please do so. Sign up for the event via this form >
Thursday 9th October - Sixth Form Options Open Evening. This event is open to both current and prospective families. If you would like to share the event with friends or family that may be interested in Rossall, please do so. Sign up for the event via this form >
Sunday 16th November - Rossall Christmas Markets, 10:00am - 4:00pm
OPEN DAY - Saturday 4th OCTOBER 2025
Choosing a school is a significant family decision and we want to give all prospective pupils and their families an opportunity to experience all that Rossall has to offer.
We want you to know that this is the right school for you and your child.
An Open Day at Rossall provides an insight into the vibrant and varied life of our wonderful community.
You will be able to visit any departments or specialist programmes your child is interested in and talk directly with both staff and students who will be there to answer any questions.
Boarders Residential weekend
Our boarders have recently returned from their residential weekends full of stories, laughter, and a sense of achievement that only comes from stepping well outside of your comfort zone.
From the rugged hills of Keswick at Cumbria Outdoors to the historic beauty of Borwick Hall in Carnforth, our students experienced the very best of the countryside that lies right on our doorstep. Across multiple sites - and through a wide variety of weather - they kayaked, scrambled, abseiled, climbed, leapt, and caved their way through some of the UK’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Whether they were leaping from a 12 meter tall pole, building a tower of crates, navigating waterfalls while Ghyll Scrambling, or descending into dark caverns on a caving expedition, our boarders met every challenge with resilience and determination. For many, this was the first time trying activities like abseiling or kayaking, and watching their confidence grow with each new experience was truly inspiring.
Interestingly, it wasn't just the students who were challenged, even house staff were pushed outside of their comfort zones, showing incredible spirit as they joined in with the adventures (and, in some cases, got just as wet and muddy as the students!).
Beyond the adrenaline and adventure, the weekend residentials offered something even more important: the chance to build deeper friendships and forge strong bonds that go well beyond the boarding houses. Living and adventuring together in such an intense setting helped the boarders develop trust, teamwork, and empathy - qualities that will carry them through both school life and beyond.
The natural environment provided the perfect backdrop for reflection and connection. Whether huddled around a fire or cheering each other on at the top of an abseil, the boarders had space to share stories, encourage one another, and enjoy being unplugged from their usual routines.
These weekends are always a highlight of the boarding calendar - not only for the excitement of the activities, but for the growth, camaraderie, and confidence they inspire. The relationships formed during these shared adventures are already making a noticeable difference back at school, with a renewed sense of teamwork and mutual support visible across year groups.
A huge thank you goes to all the staff who braved the elements and helped make these weekends such a memorable success. Rain or shine, our boarders showed what they’re truly made of, and we couldn't be prouder.
A Roman Visitor at Rossall - YEAR 7 TRAVEL BACK TO ANCIENT ROME
Rossall pupils welcomed Lucius Felix Silvanus - a Roman legionary and former gladiator - for a lively workshop on life in Ancient Rome. From army drills and gladiator combat in the Colosseum to the luxury of Roman villas, Felix brought history thrillingly to life. Year 7 even tried their hand at marching like real legionaries!
Year 7 pupils were transported back nearly two thousand years earlier this week when they welcomed Lucius Felix Silvanus - or simply Felix - a Roman legionary and former gladiator, to Rossall School. Felix captivated his audience with tales of life in the Roman Army, from gruelling training drills and marching in tight formation, to the use of shields, spears, and short swords. Pupils discovered just how much discipline and teamwork were required to hold the famous Roman battle line.
From soldiering, Felix turned to the arena, describing the harsh realities of training at a gladiator school and the brutal, yet thrilling, spectacle of combat in the Colosseum. He explained how gladiators relied on both skill and showmanship to survive - and to entertain the roaring crowds. Not all was blood and battle, however. Felix also gave a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the wealthy elites of Ancient Rome, describing lavish banquets, intricate mosaics, and the luxury enjoyed in their grand villas. Pupils were both horrified and amused to learn about some of Rome’s more unusual delicacies - including dormice dipped in honey, flamingo tongues, and other strange dishes that would test the stomach of even the bravest legionary!
The workshop brought history vividly to life. With swords and shields in hand, pupils practised army manoeuvres, listened to stories of combat, and learned surprising facts about Roman society. The workshops were both fun and educational - a true reminder that the past can be every bit as dramatic and exciting as the present!
- David Clarke, Head of History & Politics
French and Spanish Sixth Form Day at Manchester Metropolitan University
Some of our year 12 and year 13 A Level Spanish and French students spent a day at Manchester Metropolitan University as part of the French-Spanish Sixth Form day organized by the Faculty of Languages. Students immersed themselves in a dynamic programme of workshops and lectures designed to inspire and prepare them for future language study.
From the outset, students experienced university-style lectures in the Geoffrey Manton Building, choosing between a varieties of specialist sessions led by university academics. Spanish students explored topics such as "Lengua y cultura: arte", analysed Spanish film, and tackled grammar essentials, working on concepts like ser and estar with expert guidance. A featured French activity from the Sixth Form Lecture Day was a university-led workshop titled “French society in film,” delivered by an academic specialist….
Prep School’s First Interhouse Cross Country of the Year
The Prep School opened its sporting calendar with great energy and enthusiasm at the annual Interhouse Cross Country, the first competition of the year. Pupils from across the school took to the course with admirable determination, representing their houses with pride and resilience. We welcomed parents, friends and family to our annual Prep School Cross Country & Fun Run event. Despite the windy and unpredictable weather, our Prep Schoolers showed incredible courage to finish the run in style; with a multitude of smiles to go on the side.
Clifton and Hesketh house showed great efforts and put up a good fight, but in the end, it was Ashton who lifted up the Cross Country Cup. We congratulate all of our young students who took part (especially those who won individual awards), and we give a huge thank you to Mr Turner, Mr Condon and all the Prep School staff for again doing an incredible job of hosting this year’s event.
- Adeiteoluwa, Year 13 Student
Headmaster's Award winners
We would like to congratulate this week's Headmaster's Award winners Lincoln, Rhiannon & Rio!
The Rossall CITIZEN AWARD went to Lincoln (Mitre and Fleur-de-Lys House) - for showing honesty and integrity. While around school, Lincoln found a gold ring. Instead of keeping it or ignoring it, they did exactly the right thing - they handed it in straight away to a teacher so it could be safely returned to its owner. This thoughtful action is a wonderful example of the values we encourage at Rossall. It shows care for others, responsibility, and respect. Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, is the true mark of good citizenship. We are delighted to present Lincoln with the Citizen Award. They remind us all how small acts of honesty can make a big difference.
Our Rossall ACADEMIC AWARD went to Rhiannon (Dolphin House) and Rio (Spread Eagle House) - who have each been awarded their Grade 8 certificates in piano. This remarkable accomplishment represents dedication, practice, and perseverance in mastering a demanding instrument. Achieving Grade 8 is a true reflection of their talent and commitment to the arts. Their determination to balance rigorous piano practice with academic responsibilities demonstrates maturity, discipline, and an inspiring work ethic. We look forward to seeing where their musical and academic journeys will take them next.
The news and the world can feel quite heavy at times. During PSHE lessons, students are often given the platform to discuss these feelings, in a safe space. The parent guides from Parent Zone also offer support on discussing our interconnected world with our children, and the quick guide below has further tips in dealing with difficult content, whether viewed on apps or on the news.
I would also like to take the opportunity to invite parents from across Rossall to our first Wellbeing Bridge meeting on Monday October 6th at 18:30. These meetings will allow parents to share ideas and discuss pertinent issues around child and teen wellbeing, bridging the gap between wellbeing discussions at home and at school. Our first meeting will be held in the Pennine Suite and we will be joined by Cat Waktare, our school based Mental Health Nurse - please email j.moore@rossall.org.uk to RSVP.
- Mrs Jennifer Moore, Director of Wellbeing
