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Whole School Open Day
On Saturday 27th September, Rossall opened its doors to current and prospective parents for a Whole School Open Day, catering for children from Nursery to Sixth Form.
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We were treated to the last of the Indian Summer and the school looked magnificent in the Autumn sunshine.
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After coffee and pastries in our Big School cafe, Dr Winkley, our Headmaster, addressed the group, before parents and pupils were escorted on a tour of our superb 160 acre campus to view all the activities on display. From drama to CCF, choir to science, dancing to hockey, parents were shown a flavour of the varied education children at Rossall receive.
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This was followed by a delicious buffet lunch in our Harry Potter style dining hall. Our catering staff did a splendid job as always.
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A special mention should go to all the Rossall pupils who helped on the day: Juniors, choir members, drama students, CCF cadets, dancers and tour guides - we were so proud of you all.
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Thanks also to all Rossall staff for helping to make the day so special.
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Aidan shown on the set of BBC's "Survivors" series
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Aidan's Over the Moon
12 year old Aidan Parsons landed two starring television roles in the same month on two new BBC productions: Survivors and CBBC’s Half Moon Investigations.
Aidan plays the lead role Tim in Half Moon Investigations, a brand new comedy drama series based on children's author Eoin Colfer (Artemis Fowl) book.
Aidan also plays Peter the youngest of the gang in Survivors and was seen in an exciting episode on Tuesday (9th December) evening.
He has been juggling working between Glasgow and the peak district filming both productions at literally the same time as well as keeping up with his schoolwork at Rossall.
His agents Scream Management say "We are very proud of Aidan's starring role alongside stars such as Max Beasley and Julie Graham. He has a very professional CV for his age having already appeared in Heartbeat and regular voice overs for Radio 4 dramas".
Scream Management opened in 1998 and now has offices in Manchester and London and boosts numerous business awards along with managing a host of young talent to include Kelsey Beth Crossley, Scarlett in Emmerdale, who also attended Rossall. For more information about Scream Management please call 01253 309060.
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Jenna Proves a Tough Nut in Brazil
Talented young golfer, Jenna Birch has proved that she’s a tough nut to crack on the golf course with a stunning performance in the Grand Final of the Nick Faldo Series at Costa Do Sanipe in Brazil, that gave her the runners up position, only two shots behind the eventual winner, English girls’ champion, Hannah Barwood.
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To read the full story of Jenna's golfing success, please click here......
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AMDIS Conference 2008 -2009
Dr Winkley Wows Hinckley!
Rossall once again attended the annual AMDIS Conference at Hinkley in Leicestershire and once again it was very successful as representatives from leading independent schools attended presentations, lectures and workshops on best practice in independent education today.
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It is a terrific opportunity to share knowledge and it is always a pleasure to meet with other schools on a professional and social level.
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The highlight of this year's conference was that the After Dinner Speaker was none other than our own Headmaster, Dr. Stephen Winkley. His speech was widely appreciated by the whole audience.
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Ms. Kit Bithrey-George, Marketing Director, AMDIS commented "Stephen's irreverent, humorous but thought provoking speech was well received by all at the AMDIS Conference Dinner. His love of education was apparent, his belief in children was inspiring and his stories were funny and often very moving. He is one of the best after dinner speakers AMDIS has enjoyed."
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Dr Stephen Palmer:
Rossall's New Bursar
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New Bursar For Rossall School
The former Bursar of Oxford University’s Wolfson College, Dr Stephen Palmer, has been appointed Bursar of Rossall School, Fleetwood, Lancashire. He is the independent school’s first Bursar for several years and brings to the post considerable commercial and educational experience gained in multi national companies, universities and the independent school sector.
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Dr Palmer was appointed Bursar of Wolfson College in 2004 and prior to this he held the post of Bursar and Clerk to the Governors of Yarm School, Stockton-on-Tees. Previously a Governor of the School, he was nominated for the position in 1996 by the University of Durham, when employed as Head of Administration of the University’s Queen’s Campus in Stockton-on-Tees.
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Prior to joining Durham University in 1995, Dr Palmer was Director of Undergraduate Education in the Engineering Department of Cambridge University, having also held the positions of Teaching Fellow and Director of Studies in Engineering in St John’s College, Cambridge.
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A Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Dr Palmer began his working career as a mechanical engineer in the Central Engineering Department of oil giant BP, having graduated from Peterhouse, Cambridge, in 1977 with First Class Honours with Distinction. He was also a recipient of the University’s Baker Civil Engineering Prize.
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Born in Congleton, Cheshire, he was educated at St Joseph’s RC Grammar School in Stoke-on-Trent. He is married and he and wife Jane have two sons aged 16 and 19. The family will live on Rossall’s 160-acre campus, with younger son James attending sixth form at the school and 19-year-old Edward going on to Loughborough University.
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A keen sportsman, Dr Palmer enjoys hill walking and climbing and in 2007 completed the ascent of the Munros, the 284 peaks in Scotland over 3,000 feet high. He was also an enthusiastic rower and as an undergraduate, represented Peterhouse; later rowing as a member of the St John’s College Fellows’ VIII. Between 1989 and 1991 he also represented England in the Indoor Bowls International Series.
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Commenting on the appointment Rossall Headmaster, Dr Stephen Winkley said: “It’s wonderful to have Stephen Palmer on board. Schools need first class Bursars and in Stephen we have one of the finest, with marvellous experience and a genuine academic background. I’m going to enjoy working with him as we move Rossall forward over the next few years.”
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Dr Stephen Winkley
Newly Appointed Head of Rossall School
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Leading Educationalist Named Head of Rossall
One of Britain’s most prominent figures in independent education, the former Chairman of the Boarding Schools’ Association, Dr Stephen Winkley, has been appointed Headmaster of Rossall. Dr Winkley will take over as Head in June 2008 when current Head, Tim Wilbur, vacates the office to move to New Zealand to take up the post of Headmaster at Wanganui Collegiate School on the country’s north island.
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A career educationalist, Dr Winkley has been lured from retirement to take up the position at Rossall and joins the school on a four year contract to oversee a programme of planned development on the 160-acre campus. He retired from education in 2006 as Headmaster of Uppingham School, Rutland, a position he had held for 15 years. Prior to this he spent six years as Second Master of Winchester College Hampshire.
In 2003 Dr Winkley was elected Chairman of the Boarding Schools’; Association and is now recognised as one of the country’s main spokespersons for the independent education sector. His time as Chairman of the Association saw the sector experience a resurgence of interest with schools buoyed by increased boarding numbers, following years of steady decline.
Born in Norfolk, Dr Winkley was educated at St Edwards School and Brasenose College, Oxford, gaining an MA in Mediaeval and Modern Languages and a Doctorate in Byzantine Hymnology. He is married with two sons and two daughters and currently lives in the Kettering area.
Commenting on the new appointment, Rossall School’s Chairman of Council, David Stockton said: “Stephen Winkley has an excellent reputation and possesses the intellectually powerful leadership style that will inspire staff and pupils in equal measure. I am delighted that we have such a distinguished and capable man at the helm.”
Dr Winkley commented: “When approached about the position I had already been yearning for a return to education, believing that I had retired too early. The school and its plans provided the stimulus needed to return to education and I am relishing the next four years.”
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Chaplain's Challenge 2008
Sponsored Swim
on behalf of
Cancer Research UK
Sunday 5th October: 2.00pm - 5.00pm
Update
87 pupils and staff took part, swimming a total of 2816 lengths, which is 70.4km or 44 miles, a double crossing of the English Channel.
Rose House provided the most swimmers. The Chaplain’s Challenge award will be presented on Monday 13th October to the House which raises the most sponsorship for Cancer Research UK.
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Mondo Restaurant Hits the News
Rossall's own Mondo Restaurant has hit the news with interest shown by local press recently.
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To read the article, please click here.....
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The A Team 2008 – Nicola Blythe, Olivia Airey and Laura Howarth celebrate their GCSE results.
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Rossall's ‘A’ Stars Shine
The stars are burning brightly for three friends at Rossall, who have racked up 28, A* and A grade passes between them in this year’s GCSE results.
The talented trio of Olivia Airey of Stanley Park, Blackpool, plus Laura Howarth and Nicola Blythe of Cleveleys found the right formula to sail through their GCSE’s with A* or A pass grades in every subject and can’t wait to celebrate their tremendous achievement with a slap up meal.
To read more about Rossall's GCSE success, please click here...
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Deputy Head, Fergus Livingstone with Lewis Raines and Guy Holder-Williams celebrating their fantastic A-level achievements
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Solid A-level performance from Rossall
The Fylde coast’s top independent school has recorded a solid performance in A-Levels this year, despite growing numbers of pupils opting to take the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma in its growing Sixth Form.
Rossall has increased A-Level pass rates A-E to 92.5%, an increase of 1.5% on last year’s performance. A-B grades were 57% compared with 58% last year, which the school believes is a good, solid, performance given that a larger number of the school’s British pupils, who would have excelled at A-level, opted for IB study, in what is one of the largest Sixth Forms in the independent sector locally.
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Please click here to read more about our students' A-level achievements
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George's Best Foot Forward
Cleveleys schoolboy, George Weaver is using his head and his feet in pursuit of his acting goals, and is hoping to notch up a hat-trick of roles in 2008, following his second big break in the currently airing hit BBC Two television comedy series ‘The Cup’, in which he plays the part of schoolboy footballer, Jack Rossi.
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The Rossall year eight pupil who first scored a hit on radio in 2007 with a key part in the BBC Radio play, ‘Moths Ate My Dr Who Scarf’, pipped his school friend, Aidan Parsons to the role of Jack Rossi when both boys were called to audition for the BBC series in London. Aidan had previously had radio experience and a plum role in the hit ITV series ‘Heartbeat’, but on this occasion it was George’s turn to step into the TV spotlight and the pair are still good pals and both still attending auditions, which George hopes will enable him to get his hat-trick of acting roles before the turn of the year.
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For George, 2008 has been an exceptional year, with ‘The Cup’ receiving its first screening on his twelfth birthday and his beloved Stoke City beginning their first stint in football’s Premier League. Although he has lived in Cleveleys for several years he was born in Stoke-On-Trent and has supported the town’s football team for as long as he can remember, so the opportunity to play an aspiring football star has come at a great time for him. George commented: “I’m really lucky to get the chance to be on TV and all my friends think its cool, so I hope I can do more in future. I’m also learning to play some musical instruments now, so I might even become a musician some day, but my mum and dad say that I have to study and pass all my exams before I can think of that.”
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Until the next plum role comes along, George will be concentrating on school life, where he’s showing some musical prowess on drums and guitar in Rossall’s, Beecham Music Centre. He is currently a pupil in Middle School.
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IB Tenth Anniversary Results Cheer
In its tenth anniversary of teaching the International Baccalaureate Diploma, Rossall has 39 pupils celebrating their diploma results, with 20 achieving or bettering the world average points total for 2008. Seven pupils gained diplomas with 35 points or more (equivalent to four and a half ‘A’ grades at A-level).
The highest scoring pupil was Stephen Hook of Blackpool, with 39 points from a possible 45. Close behind on 38 points were Daniel Nicholson of Fleetwood, and also school captain, Redvers Wilbur of Rossall.
As the only school in the region to offer IB for the past decade, Rossall has witnessed a steady increase in the number of pupils opting for IB in preference to A-level, particularly amongst British boarders and local day pupils, as many look for an advantage in the increasingly competitive search for places at the leading universities. The school has also completed its first year of the IB Primary Years Programme for pupils up to year seven, which has been hailed as a great success by parents, many of whom have claimed to have witnessed remarkable developments in their children during the last school year.
Commenting on the results, Rossall’s First Deputy Head, Fergus Livingstone said: “We have received very pleasing IB results this year. The scores achieved by pupils qualify the candidates for places in Britain's most prestigious universities. There were also strong performances from a number of candidates who began the Diploma programme with comparatively weaker academic backgrounds, many outperforming their predictions by several points.
“English, Sciences and Mathematics results were particularly encouraging, and there was evidence of good teaching and hard work from the pupils and staff in all areas. The IB Diploma is a challenging qualification and the school can be rightly proud of candidates who performed so creditably, especially all those who achieved beyond their expectations.”
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Senior Prize Day & Graduation:
Saturday 24th May
Prize Day was once again a celebration of the best of our achievements with top students scooping up several different awards.
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Daniel Nicholson (pictured far left) is in a class of his own picking up a total of five student prizes, including an award for the best overall student. An International Baccalaureate student in Rossall’s Sixth Form, Daniel will be hoping to make it a straight six when the IB results are announced in August, and judging by his performance to date in his graduation year, he should have little to worry about.
The talented youngster collected two awards for his International Baccalaureate work, including Best Overall Student and the IB Science Prize. In addition, he received the John Murchie Books Award, the Smiths History Prize and the school’s senior Geography Fieldwork Prize, making him this year’s most celebrated student.
Also pictured are sixth formers, Guy Holder-Williams and Redvers Wilbur (School Captain), with two awards each, and Jenny Cooper (School Captain). They received their prizes from outgoing headmaster, Tim Wilbur who was carrying out his last official duty before handing over the reigns at Rossall to incoming head, Dr Stephen Winkley. Said Tim Wilbur: “The Prize Day ceremony is a chance for all pupils to shine. I’m very proud to have officiated at seven such events in my time on campus. Each year we celebrate the achievements of our top pupils in this way and their commitment and quality never fails to impress, which is why it’s been such a pleasure to be headmaster here.”
Mr Wilbur now leaves his post to take over as head of an independent school in New Zealand.
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To view a gallery of all our Prize Day images,please click here......
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To view the Prize Day Booklet, with a full list of prizewinners, please click here...
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Further prizes were awarded to Year Groups 7, 8, 9, 10 & 12 in our end of year assembly and you can see a full list of these prizewinners here.......
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Rossall Leavers' Ball
Summer 2008
On Saturday 27th May 2008, Rossall held its annual 6th Form Leavers’ Ball at the Paradise Room, Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
It was a truly international event, with twelve different countries represent by the 6th Form leavers. Everyone looked very glamorous in full evening dress instead of the usual school uniform.
After feasting on a superb international buffet, the House Captains, Jenny Cooper and Redvers Wilbur, presented a review reflecting on their time in their individual houses during 6th form.
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This was followed by a slideshow reminiscing good times the pupils had in and around Rossall. A presentation was made to Mr and Mrs Wilbur at their final Leavers’ Ball.
All attending were able to dance the night away to the accompaniment of The Birmingham Blues Brothers, followed by a disco.
As always, thanks go to Blackpool Pleasure Beach for hosting an unforgettable evening, and to Mrs Katie Lee for organising the event.
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To see more photographs of the Leavers' Ball, please click here to go to our gallery.
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Jenna's Driving Ambition
Any mention of clubbing, is likely to see teenager Jenna Birch reaching for a five iron in preference to lipstick and eye shadow. But her love of her brand of club life has helped her to her first golf title after only four years in the sport and also seen her take the course record at Fleetwood at the tender age of seventeen.
Rossall pupil, Jenna, has taken the Lancashire Schools Championship – Girls’ Trophy, with a winning round of 76 at North Manchester Golf Club; three strokes ahead of her nearest rival. She’s also made it into the top group of girl golfers in England by reaching the final round of the English Girls’ Match Play Championship and has been included in the Lancashire Ladies B Team, where she will compete against tougher, adult opposition.
Although still a novice, Jenna has set a six under par Ladies course record at Fleetwood Golf Club, with a round of 67, and her driving ambition could see her turn professional once she has completed her studies, which includes the final year of her International Baccalaureate Diploma in Rossall’s Sixth Form, followed by university.
The youngster from Rossall, Fleetwood, picked up the golf bug from older brother, Adam, who studied on a golf scholarship in America. Ironically, he has since given up the sport, but Jenna is determined to develop her game and to this end she has been expertly coached by professional, Ian Taylor at Royal Lytham, where she is also a member.
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Says Jenna: “Golf is a fantastic sport and my particular hero is Justin Rose. I think it’s because he’s from the North West and was also very young when he made it onto the senior circuit. If I could emulate his success, but in ladies competition, I’d be really happy. However, first I have to ensure that I get my IB Diploma, which is quite demanding, so golf will have to fit in with study until I graduate from Sixth Form.”
Rossall’s Director of Sport, Katie Lee believes that Jenna is a naturally gifted golfer. She commented: “It’s not often that you see someone so comfortable in a particular sport, but Jenna seems to find it so easy, which is an indication that she could compete at the highest level in the not too distant future. Despite her obvious passion for golf she’s also a typical teenage girl, so has all the other pressures that this age brings with it. However, if anyone can juggle these things successfully it’s Jenna and I wouldn’t be surprised to see her achieving great things both in and outside sport.”
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Will to Win
Hockey’s a family affair for Singleton schoolboy, Will, who has followed in the footsteps of big sister Francesca by winning a place on the North West U-13 hockey team, to add to his appearances for Lancashire at U-13, U-14 and U-15 levels.
Will, 13 and captain of Rossall's U-13 hockey team, has already tasted success at school level by steering his side to victory earlier this season in the North of England U-13 Cup, which they won without conceding a goal. His will to win has also seen his school team winning an U-14 age group tournament at Millfield School in Somerset, beating leading hockey schools, Merchant Taylors, Crosby; Liverpool College and King’s School, Macclesfield along the way.
In his first outing in defence for the North West, Will stopped three certain goals for the opposition and helped his side knock up four wins against, Wales, Scotland, the North East and Midlands, before eventually succumbing to tournament favourites the South East. And, in October this year he’ll captain a Rossall team in competition in Barcelona, where the school will come up against tough and experienced Spanish opposition.
Rossall’s master in charge of boys’ hockey, Anthony Fairhurst is sure that Will could follow sister Francesca and one day compete for a place in the national team. He commented: “Will is an exceptional player and a fine captain, despite his tender years, and I’m sure his experience with the North West will help his game with us. In fact, I’d go as far as saying he’ll help us to national success next year, because he’s got the talent and a great team around him.”
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Francesca, also a Rossall School pupil, has represented Lancashire, the North West and the North of England U-17’s in competition. She is also a member of Preston Ladies hockey team.
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Bradley's Tangerine Dream
Football mad schoolboy Bradley is only eight years old, but he’s a step closer to achieving his dream and it’s a tangerine one!
The football prowess of Junior School pupil, Bradley has been spotted by Blackpool FC’s scouting network and earned the Thornton boy a place at the Blackpool Youth Academy, where he’ll get a chance to develop his football skills under the watchful eye of the Club’s coaching staff to see if he progresses through the schoolboy ranks.
Like many boys of his age Bradley is of slight build, but even at this age likes to tackle and is skilful on the ball. He currently plays in defence, although his hero is Liverpool and Spain hero, Fernando Torres, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if he eventually developed into a fine forward.
Despite being a Liverpool fan Bradley follows Blackpool and may one day have to choose an allegiance if the Seasiders eventually gain promotion to the Premier League. He said: It’s great to be able to learn at the academy. It’s also fun, because I love to play football all the time and I want to be a professional player, but my dad says I have to pass my exams when I get older before I can choose.”
Junior School sports teacher Lawrence Condon believes Bradley has potential. He commented: “We’ve only taken up football recently at Rossall, because our tradition has always been rugby, but just watching Bradley proves he’s got ability and he’s in his element when he’s kicking a ball. He’s also a good academically, so hopefully, if the football progresses he’ll have options when he gets older.”
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Rossall Win on Lucky Number Seven
Seven has proved to be a lucky number for junior pupils at Rossall, who have beaten the region’s independent schools in the prestigious Budge Sevens rugby competition; their first win in eight years.
The competition pits U-11 teams against each other, playing to Rugby Sevens rules and is organised by AJIS, the Association of Junior Independent Schools, in the North West region. Rossall’s victory is impressive considering that the school has fewer year five pupils than some other schools in the region, but despite the smaller pool of players, they comprehensively beat off stiff opposition to become the 33rd winners of the Budge Sevens shield.
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In the final the school beat much-fancied Birkenhead 5-2, despite going a point down in the first few minutes of the match. Other victories included a win against King Edward & Queen Mary’s 6-0; 5-2 over Kirkham; an 8-0 thrashing of Altrincham ‘B’ and a 3-1 win against the stronger Altrincham ‘B’ side.
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Rossall’s deputy head of juniors and sports coach Lawrence Condon believes that his players were technically very good and also strong in the tackle, which gave them an edge over the opposition. He commented: “It’s a great reward for the boys, who put in some sterling performances throughout the competition. To win after eight years against much larger schools shows that we have the nucleus of a great rugby team here that will go on through the senior school, which could mean more silverware in future.”
Rossall School will retain the Budge Sevens shield until next year’s competition.
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Steph Going on Tour
Steph Fraser has brought out her first single "Purple Sun" and will be touring Canada this Summer.
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She will shortly begin recording her new album.
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You can listen to Steph's music, see video footage and photographs by going to her official website at www.stephfraser.co.uk
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Fundraising
The China Earthquake and Burma Floods Red Cross Appeal
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Within one week we have raised some £2000 with an impromptu collection of money for the disasters in Myanmar and China. Three of our Chinese students presented a very moving assembly to show the full effect of the disaster.
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Blackpool Fun Run:
proceeds to The Blackpool's A Knockout MRI Scanning for Kids Appeal
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The school entered 37 competitors in the Blackpool 10k run on Sunday and several other pupils and parents entered for other organisations. In total we raised £1400 for charity, Well done!
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For more on the Blackpool Fun Run, please click here...
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