ROSSALL NEWS
Community Notices
Dates for your Diary
Events
Open Day Information
Rossall Rose Christmas Market 2025
Remember & Reflect
Senior School Michaelmas Concert
Schoolblazer Flash Sale – Two Days Only!
Rossallian Family Carol Service - Sunday 7th December at 5.00pm
Rossall's Movember Campaign
Interview Skills Workshop with BAE Systems
Rossall’s Christmas Cheer with Coffee and Calendars
Centre Stage at Rossall
Headmaster’s Awards
Da Vinci Academy
Saturday Broadway Academy
Ways to be Well at Rossall
With Love From Chapel
The Rossallian
IN THIS ISSUE
PRE-PREP & PREP SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Parent Introductory Evening
Click here to view our Parent Introductory Evening presentation.
COMMUNITY NOTICES
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Da Vinci Academy (Maths and DT) - Saturday 22nd November, 10am - 2pm
Rossall’s Got Talent - Saturday 22nd November, 7pm - 8pm
OR Network Connect: Yorkshire Sunday Lunch - Sunday 23rd November, 2pm - 8pm
Astronomy Talk with Dr Lister - Monday 1st December, 7pm - 8:30pm
‘Carols in the Square’ - Friday 5th December, 5:30pm - 7pm
Cinderella - Friday 5th December, 7pm - 8pm
Broadway Does Broadway - Saturday 6th December, 7pm - 8pm
The Old Rossallian Christmas Carol Service - Friday 19th December, 5pm - 7pm
OPEN DAY - Saturday 21st March 2026
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.
Now in its fourth year, this year’s Christmas Market was made even more special as, for the first time, we were blessed with glorious sunshine and blue skies, creating a wonderful backdrop to a truly festive and fun-loving day on campus.
From the moment the gates opened, the grounds were transformed into a vibrant celebration of colour, excitement and seasonal magic. Families, pupils and visitors explored stalls spread across Big School, the Old Gym, Sumner Library and, for the first time, our new indoor venue, the Dining Hall.
With 96 stallholders showcasing an extraordinary variety of Christmas gifts, handmade crafts, scrumptious cakes and unique artisan items, there was something to delight every visitor. Demonstrations such as chainsaw sculpting and willow basket making drew enthusiastic crowds, while the sounds of live music and the enchanting performances of the Rossall Brass Band filled the air with festive spirit.
A firm favourite among families was the heart-warming therapy animal area, where donkeys, goats and rabbits were ready to be cuddled and stroked, bringing big smiles to children and adults alike.
Around the Square, buildings were beautifully adorned with Christmas decorations, and food vendors filled the air with mouth-watering food and coffee aromas, enhancing the magical atmosphere. The day reached its peak with the arrival of Father Christmas, journeying all the way from Lapland to meet more than 120 children in his cosy grotto.
This year’s event was again organised by the Rossall Rose Society, whose dedication, generosity and countless hours of planning ensured the market’s tremendous success. We extend our warmest thanks to every member of the Society and to all volunteers, stallholders, performers and visitors for helping make this year’s Christmas Market the most memorable yet.
Please save the date for next year, Sunday, 15 November 2026 – you will not be disappointed. Merry Christmas!
- Katie Lee, Chairman of the Ambassadors for the Rossall School Rose Society
Rossall Rose Christmas Market 2025 - Sunday, 16th November 2025
Last week, on Friday 14 November 2025, the Music Department presented their first Senior School concert of the year. It would be safe to say that everyone in the audience was amazed by the standard and variety of music produced by our students, who showcased all families of instruments triumphantly. The Swing Band, Guitar Ensemble, Year 7 Choir, Chamber Choir, String Ensemble, Chapel Choir and Brass Ensemble, as well as soloists, duets and trios, should all be proud of how well they performed and represented the school. In particular, my highlights of the evening were:
The Swing Band, who set the stage superbly for everyone else with performances of Libertango (by Astor Piazzolla) and Superstition (by Stevie Wonder), offering a fantastic fusion of musical styles.
The Guitar Ensemble, whose performance of Chasing Cars (by Snow Patrol) transported the audience to Barry Island.
Richard C’s piano performance of Ramble on the Last Duet in Der Rosenkavalier (by Richard Strauss/Percy Grainger), which captivated the audience with its virtuosic and accomplished nature.
Louise G’s violin performance of Hungarian Dance No. 7 (by Johannes Brahms), showcasing excellent articulation.
The Brass Ensemble and String Ensemble, who both produced sublime performances of superb arrangements of Frère Jacques (arr. John Iveson) and Jazz Pizzicato (by Leroy Anderson).
Thank you to all teachers and students who helped to create a fantastic event, and thank you to all who supported it. We look forward to the next concert!
- Rowan M, Year 12
Read more about the concert here.
senior school michaelmas concert
remember & reflect
On Wednesday, 26th November, at 6 p.m., we will be holding our ‘Remember & Reflect’ evening.
This is a time for everyone to come together who might have suffered loss and would like to share some time to remember those they loved.
We will be meeting in Memorial Chapel, and there will be music, poems, hot chocolate, and the chance to chat or to be quiet together.
If you would like to be part of it, please get in touch with Mrs Moore or Mrs Dixon. We would love to have you there.
- Mrs Moore, Mrs Dixon and Cat
We are pleased to share that Schoolblazer will be running a special 48-hour flash sale from Monday 24 to Tuesday 25 November 2025.
During this limited period, families can enjoy one-third off all in-stock items when shopping online at schoolblazer.com. This offer applies only while stocks last, so early ordering is recommended.
Don’t miss this excellent opportunity to stock up on uniform essentials at a fantastic price!
Click here to access the Schoolblazer.
Schoolblazer Flash Sale – Two Days Only!
Week 3 of Movember - So far we have raised £1,478…and counting!
Mr David Clark, Director of Professional Development, Head of History & Politics
Mr Michael Holdsworth, Director of Performance Studies
Mr Daniel Hopwood, Head of Design & Technology
Mr Andrew Veitch, Assistant Director of Sixth Form and Teacher of English and Drama
Mr Matthew Hall, Head of Geography
ROSSALL’S MOVEMBER CAMPAIGN - ‘CHANGING THE FACE OF MEN’S HEALTH’
Movember is now in Week 3, and the school is filled with an impressive variety of moustaches, each serving as a reminder of the importance of men’s health and wellbeing. Mr. Clark shared his personal experience with cancer to emphasise the value of speaking up, checking in and taking care of ourselves. Movember is not only about growing moustaches but also about raising awareness, showing courage and supporting one another. Thanks to the generosity of our community, an outstanding £1,478 has been raised so far.
“I am writing from experience, as nearly 15 years ago, in the spring of 2011, I noticed something not quite right. I was not in any pain, and I thought and hoped that it was nothing. But after a spate of worrying, I eventually relented, did the right thing, and went to see the doctor. It was then that I got the news that it was something, that it was testicular cancer. Thankfully, because I had caught it early, I had treatment and made a full recovery, being given the all-clear in 2017. Even so, this was a very sobering time for me, and it is something that has often been on my mind. What if I hadn’t spoken to friends and family? What if I hadn’t relented and sought advice from the doctor?”
To read Mr Clark’s full blog, please click here, to donate click here.
- Mr David Clark, Director of Professional Development, Head of History & Politics
We are delighted to invite all students and their families to the Rossallian Family Carol Service 2025. Join us on Sunday 7 December at 5.00pm in the Chapel of St John the Baptist for an evening filled with festive music, candlelight and the joy of coming together as a community. This much loved celebration is a wonderful way to begin the Christmas season and we look forward to sharing the magic of traditional carols and readings with you.
Come wrapped up warm, ready to sing and ready to enjoy the spirit of Christmas at Rossall. Click here to register your interest.
Rossallian family carol service - Sunday 7th December at 5.00pm
On Wednesday 18 November, students in Years 10 and 11 took part in an interview skills workshop delivered by BAE Systems. They learned about career pathways within one of the local area's largest employers and took part in collaborative group activities designed to help them develop confidence and key competencies for interview situations. Throughout the session, students were encouraged to reflect on their own achievements, identify the employability skills they have already gained and practise articulating these strengths effectively during an interview.
- Mr Oliver Barnes, Teacher of German & Careers Coordinator
interview skills workshop at bae systems
Rossall’s Christmas Cheer with Coffee and Calendars
Searching for the perfect Christmas present? Treat someone special to one of our adorable Dogs of Rossall calendars. Each month features a familiar furry face guaranteed to brighten even the chilliest winter morning.
For the coffee connoisseur in your life, our Rossall Roast coffee beans are a delicious way to start the day. Rich, smooth and wonderfully warming. Even better, Rossall Roast is currently on special offer. It was £9 and is now £7.50. Calendars are £4.50.
Both are available from the RosShop or by emailing rosshop@rossall.org.uk to arrange your Christmas purchases.
centre stage at rossall
An exciting season of performing arts is underway at Rossall, with upcoming productions including Rossall’s Got Talent and our vibrant staging of Footloose. Our pupils are working hard in rehearsals and their talent, enthusiasm and dedication are already shining through.
From singers and dancers to musicians, actors and backstage teams, every student plays an important part in bringing these performances to life. Both shows promise energy, creativity and memorable moments.
Tickets are limited, so make sure to book soon. You can view our upcoming events here.
Rossall Headmaster Awards: Celebrating Academic Excellence
We would like to congratulate this week's Headmaster's Award winners Toluwani & Nyla!
The Rossall CITIZEN AWARD went to Nyla (Wren House) - Nyla's nomination for the Citizen Headmaster’s Award is truly deserved. She baked 100 cupcakes for every Year 13 to celebrate the end of their mocks - a completely selfless and wonderfully thoughtful gesture. Her generosity and warmth light up those around her.
Our ACADEMIC AWARD went to Toluwani (Rose House) - Despite being in the midst of her Year 13 mock exams, Toluwani has repeatedly gone above and beyond to support the CCF. She impressively guided our Guest of Honour around the school with poise and confidence, laid the Contingent’s wreath at Thornton for Remembrance, and carried the colours during the Remembrance Day Parades with strength and composure. Toluwani’s dedication, maturity, and warmth make her an outstanding role model and an invaluable ambassador for the school.
Well done, Toluwani & Nyla - you have made your school community very proud!
WELLBEING AT ROSSALL
What an exciting week it has been in the world of PSHE and Wellbeing! We started with Year 7s learning First Aid from CCF NCOs on Monday. The group of 6th Formers who taught the sessions were so knowledgeable, and the Year 7s really enjoyed hearing from students about this important topic.
This was followed on Tuesday by an anti-bullying concert entitled ‘The You Matter Tour’. Years 5-8 were treated to music by Casey McQuillen, a former participant on American Idol! Casey travels the world singing about kindness and the impact words can have on other people. She linked this with some personal stories about her own struggles with self-confidence and bullying in school, and how, often, the most hurtful words were from people she considered her friends. She reminded the pupils that words are powerful and sometimes stay with us into adulthood.
On Thursday, Year 12 participated in a safe driving workshop called ‘Braking Point’ which looked at risks and consequences of careless driving through the lens of a theatre production. It was great to also see 6th Form running a bake sale in support of our school’s Movember team. With just over a week left, we are so proud of the funds which have been raised in support of men’s physical and mental health - you can see our team’s progress here.
This week’s parent guide linked below focuses on Roblox. This gaming platform has been highlighted in the news again because of further security concerns - the guide below is only an overview, but does highlight some of the pitfalls and areas of concern surrounding the app.
Looking forward to next week, Wellbeing and the Chaplaincy warmly welcome you to our Remember and Reflect evening taking place on Wednesday November 26th at 18:00 in the Memorial Chapel. This event is for anyone impacted by loss - it will be a quiet moment to connect and reflect in a serene and special space. Please email myself, Jennifer Moore or Kerstin Dixon to RSVP (j.moore@rossall.org.uk or k.dixon@rossall.org.uk). We look forward to welcoming you.
with love from chapel
It’s getting colder!
When you look at our playing fields in the morning, they are white with frost.
Our younger students are tiptoeing on the icy puddles to check how strong they are, and Christmas trees are popping up all over the place.
December is around the corner and Christmas is approaching fast. Maybe Black Friday will bring some panic-buy opportunities to beat the last-minute stress in a month’s time. Maybe you prefer Christmas markets, bright lights, good food and mulled wine. There are so many great options to celebrate the icy weather and get ready for Christmas.
For many among us, however, the cold weather means they feel even lonelier than they usually do, as people visit less and less and it becomes harder to venture outside. Others might not even be on their own, but they find it hard to get ready for the festive season because they miss someone they really love.
Next week, we will be getting together for our annual Remember and Reflect evening. Our wellbeing team and the chaplaincy have worked together to invite students, teachers and family to join us in our Memorial Chapel for an opportunity to take some time out to remember those dear to us who have passed and to reflect on how much they still mean to us. There will be music and poems, hot chocolate and the odd hug, and time to simply be together.
You are all very welcome; just let Mrs Moore or me know.
With love from the chapel,
Mrs Dixon
We are delighted to be working on the next edition of The Rossallian, our school newspaper that has become an integral part of Rossall School. This publication serves as a wonderful showcase of the exciting range of activities, events, and opportunities our pupils enjoy across both the senior and preparatory school. We are excited to continue sharing our community’s experiences and achievements with you.
Once again, The Rossallian will be available in both print and digital formats, reaching alumni, parents, staff, and friends of Rossall, as well as prospective families at open days and visits.
To support this initiative at no cost to the school, we are once again partnered with Timesed Ltd to invite a selection of high-quality local and regional businesses to advertise in our newspaper. We are grateful to those who have already participated and helped to make this publication possible.
As valued members of our school community, we want to ensure you have the first opportunity to take part. If you would like to learn more about advertising options within The Rossallian, please contact Carl Huyton directly at carl.huyton@times-ed.co.uk. Carl will also be reaching out to other local businesses in the coming weeks.
Thank you for your continued support in making The Rossallian a valuable and engaging publication for the Rossall community.
