Prep Newsletter Summer Term Week 11
This week's newsletter for Rossall Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep School.
Dear All,
Phew! What an incredibly hectic week but one that has absolutely encompassed everything that Rossall Prep stands for.
The House Challenge Day was so much fun with rivalry that would only be matched by Gryffindor and Slytherin. Our own houses of Assheton, Clifton and Hesketh battled hard, as they have done all year. The tug of war, dodgeball, orienteering, mazes and suitcase races were all magnificent spectacles and I was delighted that parents were able to join us for the culmination of the day.
The Year 3 and 4 Striking and Fielding team represented us at the regional finals on Tuesday. Mrs Santamera reported that they were outstanding ambassadors for Rossall and performed brilliantly across all aspects of the day - well done!
As I mentioned on Wednesday, we are once again delighted to have been shortlisted for the Independent Prep School of the Year. This is testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, the amazing opportunities on offer at Rossall, and the quite incredible pupils and parents of our School community. Another proud moment for the week! The email I received read:
It has been truly wonderful to receive nominations which showcase transformative and innovative projects that are underway across the country, and it is with great pleasure that I am able to tell you that Rossall Preparatory School has been shortlisted for an award in the Independent Prep School of the Year category.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rossallschool/albums/72177720309599725
All photos from Prize Day will be added to the above album over the Summer break
Prize Giving was a joy and I can only imagine the pride felt by the parents attending - not just for those who were lucky enough to receive an award this year, but for all parents who belong to such a vibrant, welcoming and inclusive community. My sincere thanks to Sonny Flood, who captivated the audience with his tales of Rossall years gone by, and who epitomises the true Rossallian spirit and what effect that can have on you.
Finally, we bid the fondest farewell to our Year 6 class of 2023. Whilst it may only be a farewell to Year 7, the impact that you have had on our Prep School, will be remembered for many years.
You have the world at your feet and I have great hopes for the young adults you are becoming. Keep true to yourselves, work hard, and remember to continue to smile - life can be pretty serious if you don't enjoy it along the way!
Have a wonderful summer break. Rest well. Read lots and stay safe. I look forward to seeing you in September.
Floreat Rossallia!
Mr M Turner
Headmaster of Preparatory School & Nursery
Year 3 and 4 Strike Again!
What a fantastic end to this year's sporting calendar! On Tuesday our Year 3/4 Striking and Fielding squad travelled up to Stanley Park in Blackpool to represent Wyre district in the Lancashire Youth Games. It was nothing short of a sporting festival, with music, dancers, opening and closing ceremonies, and of course a variety of sports! What a fabulous experience, and opportunity for our children to take part in such a celebration. Teams arrived from all districts across Lancashire to take part in their respective sporting competition. Rossall Prep represented the district admirably and were true ambassadors for Wyre. All the freebie merchandise and McFlurries went down a storm too! Well done to everyone that took part.
Lincoln and Michael Fly the Rossall Flag at the National Athletics Championships!
Congratulations to Lincoln and Michael for representing Rossall and the North West of England at the National Independent Schools Athletics Championships.
This was the first time that Rossall Prep School U11 Athletes have qualified for this prestigious events, and it was an incredible opportunity for them to compete at the Pingles National Stadium in Nuneaton.
Michael ran a lightning personal best in the 80m Hurdles with Lincoln just missing out on silverware in the Javelin and Shot Putt.
Well done, future Olympians!
Year 6
Whoosh!!! Where has the year gone? They say time flies when you’re having fun and this year has definitely been full of entertainment for your class teachers! You have given us so much pleasure and fulfilment each and every day, both in the classroom and out. Although you have exciting times ahead of you, we really don't want you to leave Prep School!
You will leave us having made so many fond memories: our class trips, House competitions, sporting fixtures, musical events and drama performances, seasonal festivities, and of course our fantastic sleepover in the Lakes! Not forgetting the close friendships we have made during our time in Prep School.
These are memories that will stay with us forever. We look forward to reminiscing with you in the years to come. The special bond that we share with you has gone from strength to strength and we will always be here to help and guide you if you need us in the future. There will always be a place for you in our hearts, and on the playground as a teaching assistant!
Enjoy the summer break and we wish you well as we watch you walk through the Archway and onto Senior School.
Good luck
Year 5
Wow! What a week! What a year! I can’t believe that it is over, it has flown! You know what they say “Time flies when you’re having fun!”
What a fantastic start to the week with our House Challenge Day. We worked collaboratively within our houses to complete the challenges, dug our heels in for the tug of war, and warmed up for the airport dash with the suitcase race.
On Wednesday, watching the Year 6 chapel service, and listening to Mr Sonny Flood deliver his Prize Day speech, made us realise the importance of embracing all of the opportunities we are given as part of the Rossall Community. It also made the children realise it is their turn next!
Thursday saw our Final Awards Assembly and our last Rossall Rotation session of Year 5. Well done to Nilanth, Poppy, Rhiannon, Monty, Seluleko and Amelia for receiving the highest number of house points this term.
Although we have had a very eventful week, we have actually had time to squeeze in some work. We finished our DT cam and mechanism project, completed our Science unit and final writing piece of the year, with our own version of The Hunter, where we selected a different endangered animal and their setting.
As we come to our final few days in Year 5 on behalf of myself and Miss Whitehead, I would like to say a huge well done to all of the children for all of their hard work, energy and enthusiasm over this academic year. We are excited to hear of all your achievements as you move to the top of the school, into Year 6, and we are sure that you will maintain the work ethic, energy and enthusiasm going forward. Enjoy a lovely, restful summer!
Year 4
“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” - A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh.
As we approach the end of another extraordinary academic year, it is time to reflect on the incredible achievements and dedication shown by Year 4. Throughout the year, the children have demonstrated perseverance, resilience and an unwavering commitment to their studies. They have truly embodied the spirit of learning and growth, and it is with immense pride that I shared their accomplishments.
Academically, Year 4 have soared to new heights. They have tackled complex subjects with enthusiasm and displayed a thirst for knowledge that is truly inspiring. I’m sure the children will all agree their learning seemed to ‘click’ and they all did amazingly well to produce some of their best pieces of work during recent assessments. Well done.
In Maths, they have mastered multiplication, division, and fractions, solving intricate problems with confidence and precision. In English, they have expanded their vocabulary, developed their reading comprehension skills, and embraced the art of creative writing. Their stories have been a delight to read, showcasing their creativity and imaginative thinking.
Moreover, our Year 4 students have immersed themselves in a multitude of subjects beyond the core curriculum. They have eagerly delved into science experiments, uncovering the wonders of the natural world and exploring scientific concepts with curiosity. Their understanding of historical events has deepened, and they have developed a sense of empathy and appreciation for the past. In Art, they have expressed themselves through various mediums, producing beautiful and thought-provoking masterpieces. Their musical talents have flourished, and their performances have filled our school with joy and pride.
Year 4 has also exemplified exceptional teamwork and collaboration. They have eagerly participated in group projects, sharing ideas and working together harmoniously to achieve common goals. The support and encouragement they have shown to their peers have fostered a strong sense of camaraderie within the classroom. Their ability to communicate effectively, respect differing opinions and celebrate each other's achievements is growing exponentially and a testament to their outstanding character.
As I bid farewell, Year 4, you have left an indelible mark, and I am confident that the skills, knowledge, and values you have acquired will guide you to even greater success in the years to come. You have made me incredibly proud to be your teacher. Remember to approach Year 5 with the same determination, enthusiasm and zest for learning that you have displayed throughout this year. I have no doubt that you will continue to shine brightly and achieve remarkable things.
Wishing you all a safe and joyous summer. You deserve it.
Miss Thomas – Signing off.
Year 3
Our last week in Year 3! What an emotional one it has been! We have relished in our final week together before moving up to Year 4. House challenge day on Monday was a real treat, the children loved competing in the different tasks and events. The suitcase race was a firm favourite!
We did manage to squeeze in some learning into the jam-packed week as well! We did our final piece of writing for the year: a persuasive leaflet promoting the 'Jardin Des Plantes' to come and see the real Zeraffa Giraffa! The children used alliteration, repetition and rhetorical questions to create eye-catching leaflets. A great demonstration of their learning in English this year!
We also enjoyed reflecting on our time in Year 3. We opened our time capsule which we filled in September with our predictions about Year 3. It was amazing to open, see how much our handwriting and spelling has improved, and to see if our predictions had been correct! We read 'Oh the places you'll go' as a way to reflect on our time in Year 3 and look forward to the adventures ahead in Year 4. We created our own hot air balloons with what we were proud of from this year and what we are excited for next year.
Prize Day was of course a very special day, not just to celebrate the departing Year 6 cohort and those who won awards but also to celebrate all the children and the progress everyone has made this year.
On Thursday we had our last Rossall Rotation, the children practised their cutting skills to make delicious and healthy fruit salads!
We also said goodbye to Annaiya who is leaving us at the end of the year. We are so sad to see you go Annaiya and you will be hugely missed. Good luck in your new school and stay in touch!
Finishing the week with our class party was very special. I would like to say a personal congratulations to the Year 3 class. You have all progressed and grown so much throughout this year and it has been a true pleasure to teach you all. Thank you so much for a wonderful year, have a fabulous summer and a great time in Year 4!
Year 2
What a final week it has been in Year 2, we have had House Challenge Day, Prize Day, end of term treats and so much more. It has not only been an action packed week, but an incredibly busy year and the Year 2 children have truly developed over this time. They have worked hard in the classroom, developed their social skills when playing and fully embraced all the opportunities on offer over the course of this year. In September I became the Year 2 class teacher with a degree of trepidation, such young children, snotty noses, hand holding (of unwashed hands) were just a few of my concerns, but this class of wonderful children soon helped me overcome these and none of us have turned back.
It has been a very productive year for all the children in Year 2 and each child has so much to be proud of. I will truly miss all the children as they make the transition up to Year 3 and the Prep School, but look forward to working with the children during Wednesday Games sessions. Have a lovely summer everyone, and remember to make sure you do plenty of reading over the holidays.
Year 1
Our final week in Year 1 has been one to remember. From our House Challenge Day to Prize Day it has been a week of laughs, fun, and lots of final memories made. We competed so well with great vigour in all of our Houae Challenges and it was so enjoyable to see us compete in the suitcase race too! Prize Day was a memorable afternoon of celebrating our winners but also to take stock and realise all the achievements we have all earned throughout the year. In Year 1 we even had a picnic together this week with our friends and our favourite toys, and we enjoyed each other’s company too. We have so much to celebrate together and enjoying some time outside was a fantastic way to really congratulate all the wonderful things we have achieved. It has been a phenomenal year teaching Year 1 and I am so truly blown away by the successes and the progress they have all, individually and collectively, achieved so far. I’ll never forget all of the exciting moments we have had in class where we discovered so much- you have learned so much, children, and I know you are ready for more in Year 2! It has been a great pleasure to teach the children here at Rossall School and I will miss you all. I wish you all the best and I hope we cross paths again in the future.
Reception
In Reception, children learn through play. The day is fairly unstructured and the children are given the option to choose their own activities, under the guidance of their teacher. They are encouraged to explore, both inside and outside, and are not asked to sit for adult-led teaching for longer than a few minutes at a time. When children move into year 1, their learning typically becomes more structured, and there are fewer opportunities for them to move around, choose their own activities or decide who they will spend their day with.
We have done lots to support transition, introducing more formal learning this term in Reception and continuing to allow some play-based learning in year 1. However, the year 1 curriculum sets out clear requirements across all subjects, such as the learning of spellings and times tables. Inevitably, this means they need to be taught individual subjects, and their learning will be more adult-led.
Moving on and moving up is an inevitable part of school life, and your child will learn the skills they need in the end – skills such as confidence, adaptability and determination, which will stand them in good stead throughout life. As ever, if you have any concerns, please feel free to email me or Mrs Roberts.
Reception year has been full of fun,
Learning through play in rain, snow and sun.
Our year has now come to an end,
You’ve grown so much and made great friends.
We’ve had lovely times along the way,
Your smiles cheer me up, each and every day.
So, remember you’re fantastic, little shining stars,
Keep being incredible and just perfect as you are.
Nursery
“Without Mathematics there’s nothing you can do. Everything around you is Mathematics. Everything around you is numbers”
Shakuntala Devi
This week in the Nursery we have focused on Mathematics.
The Sanderlings
The Sanderlings Mathematics focus has been about working with loose parts to encourage the babies’ curiosity and investigative skills. The loose parts table incorporated more shapes and blocks for the children to build with and count. The Sanderlings' favourite thing to do is build tall towers and send them crashing to the ground. Mrs Beddis made cloud dough for the babies to make their own shapes, with support, The Sanderlings used positional language such as on top, in and over whilst cutting out shapes with the cookie cutters. Finally, the parents have been asked what their child’s favourite story is and if they would like to bring them to Nursery to share at group times with their friends. This has been really successful with lots of different books being brought into Nursery and enjoyed as a group.
The Sandpipers
This week The Sandpipers have been looking at different clocks, what they are used for and what’s their purpose. During teacher time Miss Southern introduced numbers to the children to see if they are able to recognise them, The Sandpipers have also been learning the nursery rhyme ‘Hickory Dickory Dock’ to link in with this. In teacher time the children have been subitising up to 5. The Sandpipers have been talking about shapes and recognising how many sides they have; a child said “a triangle has three sides”. Linked to this there have been shape and number hunts in and around the classroom and in the environment. The Sandpipers book of the month is ‘Rainbow Fish’, the children have been talking about their feelings and that it is kind to share. Miss Sumner and Miss Southern have introduced new words such as; “shiny”, “shimmery” and “scales”. The children have taken part in activities based on the book, for example, bubble play, water play and making their own Rainbow Fish out of jelly in the messy play. The children were able to explore their senses through taste, touch and smell. Finally, the children have also made their own rainbows by exploring primary colours and colour mixing.
Pre-School
This week Pre-School have been focusing on the new book of the month, ‘The Colour Monster’. The children have been talking all about feelings and what makes them feel a certain way expanding on the activities they took part in last week on friendships. The Pre-School also had discussions about what they enjoy doing at home. In Teacher Time this week the children recapped playing ‘I Spy’ with our familiar CVC word cards such as ‘dog’ and ‘hen’ as well as a Pre-School favourite game - Sleepy Pirates. The children have continued to enjoy keyworker times and have been taking part in activities such as Dough Disco, Matching Pairs, Silent Pass as well as listening to some of their favourite stories. Each afternoon we have been showing off our best dance moves by doing Musical Bumps, counting how many children are out of the game each round and Musical Statues using shapes and space as a basis for the statue. Each Musical Bumps and Musical Statue session is finished with a dance off as it’s one of the children's favourite things to do. Friday was our Pre-School celebration, the children loved welcoming their families to celebrate their successful Pre-School year; everyone joined in and sang ‘You’ve Got a Friend In Me’.
Awards
Year 6
Congratulations to our Year 6 House Point winners:
6R - Emily, Joey & Reuben
6S - Jessica, Amelie, Xanthe
Year 5
Well done to our Year 5 House Point winners:
5R - Nilanth, Poppy, Rhiannon.
5S - Monty, Seluleko, Amelia
Year 4
Great work by our Year 4 House Point winners: Lara, Seb, & Billy.
Year 3
Congratulations to our Year 3 House Point winners: Emma, Larry, & Hope.
Year 2
Excellent contribution by our Year 2 House Point winners: Fox, Rocco, & Josephine.
Year 1
What a great year it has been, in part thanks to our Year 1 House Point winners: Lexi, Millie, & Bow.
Reception
We couldn't have aske for more from our Reception House Point winners: Tabitha, Ares, & Jasper.
Final Assembly Award Winners
At Rossall we love to celebrate the breadth of our pupils accomplishments in the final assembly of the year, so here we present a gallery of our award winners across the Pre and Pre-Prep School, including awards for the cricket team, sports commendations, half colours, full colours, individual sporting trophies, house cup winners (Assheton) and house point winners.