WHO ARE ROSSALL SCHOLARS? Rossall Scholars are pupils who have been identified as individuals who relentlessly pursue excellence within their field of study and endeavour. They are role models to other young people because of the conviction with which they pursue their dreams and the consistent commitment that they show to their studies and their practice. Becoming a Rossall Scholar means joining a community of exceptional people who, beyond their school years, have contributed positively to society and left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Britain. You will want to forge your own path in the knowledge that you are joining the likes of J.G.Farrell and Thomas Beecham as well as countless other individuals who, having attended Rossall, have gone on to have a significant impact in their specialism and area of personal passion. Being a Rossall Scholar is of course a privilege, but it is also a responsibility; a responsibility to consistently pursue the highest standards in academic work, on the stage, in the studio, in sport. Rossall Scholars contribute wholeheartedly to School life and take an active role in pursuing knowledge and expertise not only in lessons but outside them also. Furthermore, Rossall Scholars demonstrate an active interest and involvement beyond their area of expertise; they are all-rounders who appreciate the diversity of ways in which one can seek self improvement and they are keen to expand their horizons and constantly refine what it means to be excellent in an absolute sense and in fields other than their own. Contribution to the sense of scholarship within the community is a core expectation of Rossall Scholars. Whether through attending and delivering workshops and lectures, taking part in competitions and competitive sport, contributing to clubs and societies at school, taking every opportunity to perform and share knowledge and skill with others, Rossall Scholars are active participants in their own lives and in the life of the School. In this handbook you will find detailed information regarding the scholar experience at Rossall as well as the core expectations to uphold whilst in receipt of this accolade. We are incredibly excited by all you stand to contribute during your scholarship years and we look forward to delighting in your success and the excellent example you will set for future generations of scholars.
TYPES OF SCHOLARSHIP At Rossall, we celebrate the pursuit of excellence across all human endeavour; intellectual, physical and artistic. In broad terms our scholars fall into one of the categories below: ●
Academic Scholars ○
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Those who demonstrate a significant passion and interest in learning. They may have exceptional talents in a particular academic field. ○ Academic scholars are motivated by the pursuit of knowledge and appreciation of its beauty. They dive deep, ask interesting questions, pursue lines of inquiry and relish the opportunity to share their knowledge with others Arts Scholars ○
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Rossall Arts Scholars, through the evolution and refinement of their talents and skills, provide a window into the expression of true beauty ○ Within the field of music, scholars may specialise in one or several musical areas including choral and instrumental. They perform regularly inside and outside of School. ○ Within the field of broader performance, drama scholars, dance scholars and performing arts scholars will all take to the stage to develop their craft and avail themselves of the numerous opportunities to showcase their talents on an individual level and as part of a team. ○ Art & Design scholars refine their skills through the careful study of artists. They demonstrate a commitment to developing their own style and an appreciation that talent evolves with endeavour. Rossall Artists exhibit work in School as well as locally and nationally. Sports Scholars ○ ○
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Excellence within sport is a combination of talent, relentless practice and a commitment to physical fitness. Our sport scholars may possess exceptional skills in a particular sport such as football, golf or hockey, but they are all expected to contribute to the sporting life of the School more broadly. Sports scholars represent the School in fixtures and are role models in terms of their approach to physical fitness and self care.
BENEFITS OF A ROSSALL SCHOLARSHIP Rossall Scholars, by their very nature, will have very high expectations of themselves. The scholarship that they receive is a recognition of their potential. The role of the School is to help and support them in achieving all that they are capable of. Each Rossall Scholar is assigned a teacher to oversee their personal and academic development. Rossall Scholars can expect termly meetings with the Head of Scholars responsible for their year group who will help them to set and review targets that ensure continuous improvement, not only in the area of scholarship but also in the pursuit of excellence and personal growth overall. The School curriculum, academic enrichment programme and co-curricular offering, as well as specialist sessions and one to ones, are all designed to ensure that the variety of opportunities necessary for scholars to thrive. The School arranges talks by inspirational speakers, competitions, authentic and memorable experiences beyond the classroom, opportunities to work with those at the cutting edge of their fields and trips that broaden horizons to ensure the richest and most diverse experiences for all pupils. Scholars have an opportunity to take centre stage in the cultural, intellectual and sporting life of the School. Whether through performance, elite sports or academic pursuit, there is much to be gained from what Scholars contribute to the community and the inspiration that they provide for others.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARE A SCHOLAR ●
Academic ○
Lecture Programme ■ Sixth Form ■ Our Sixth Form scholars benefit from access to a range of lectures delivered by a diverse range of speakers through the Rossall INSPIRE programme in fields as wide ranging as Politics, Philosophy and Literature. ■ These lectures take place a minimum of once a half term ■ There is an expectation for academic scholars to attend and to provide a written reflection ■ They also have the opportunity to give lectures to younger year groups as part of the Lecture programmes for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 ■ Key Stage 4 ■ As part of the HPQ Human Universe programme all scholars attend lectures given by staff and Sixth Formers. ■ Pupils are also encouraged to deliver lectures of their own based on the research that they do as part of their HPQ research project ■ These lectures take place once a half term ■ Scholar are expected to reflect on each lecture in their Rossall Passport ■ Key Stage 3 ■ As part of the Library Week programme, all pupils at Key Stage 3 have the opportunity to hear Sixth Formers delivering lectures related to the subject being showcased that week ■ Lectures take place roughly once a fortnight ■ Pupils are expected to reflect on each lecture in their Rossall Passport
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Academic symposia ■ Academic symposia provide an opportunity for discussion and debate based upon short presentations on a variety of topics within a theme. Past themes have included the Renaissance and Artificial Intelligence ■ Senior Symposia are open to students in Year 10 - 13 and Junior Symposia (which are run by Sixth Formers) are open to pupils in Year 7 - 9
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Debating and public speaking ■ House debating competitions ■ Debating competitions against other schools ■ Model United Nations (MUN) ■ TedEX - opportunities to present under the umbrella of this prestigious mass education movement
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Academic (cont.) ○
Extended research ■ Key Stage 3 - all pupils expected to undertake a structured research project ■ Key Stage 4 - academic scholars are expected to undertake a HPQ (Higher Project Qualification) - this is a formal certificated qualification ■ Key Stage 5 - all Sixth Form students have the opportunity to undertake an extended research project either by doing an Extended Essay in the IB or EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) as part of the A-level programme
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Competitions ■ School based competitions - department specific and the annual School essay competition ■ House based academic competitions ■ Regular opportunities to take part in national and international competitions such as the John Locke essay competition, Science Olympiads, GCHQ and other computing competitions amongst a wealth of others
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Academic Enrichment trips ■ In Year 7 - 9 all scholars will be invited to participate in an annual residential trip ■ Opportunities to visit and explore the cultural centres of Edinburgh, London, York and possibly abroad too! ■ Broaden cultural and intellectual horizons as well as developing critical thinking skills and team work ■ In the Sixth Form students have the opportunity to visit some of the world’s most prestigious universities, hear from those who are experts in their fields and develop an understanding of the rigour and personal satisfaction of intellectual endeavour
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Competitive course preparation ■ Be it Medicine or Law applications, preparation for aptitude tests, rigorous interview preparation or the pursuit of scholarships at international universities, the School provides a structured programme of support
OTHER SCHOLARSHIP TYPES: ●
Sport
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○ ○ ○ ○ Music
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○ Access to masterclasses ○ One to one tuition ○ Reduced price tickets to Signature concerts at school ○ Regular trips to concerts in Manchester and Liverpool ○ Expectation of participation in concerts ○ Expectations of participation in the Chapel Choir Drama
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○ Availability of one to one lessons ○ Opportunity to participate in School productions ○ Competitions ○ Masterclasses from visiting practitioners Choral
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○ One to one lessons ○ Expectations of participation in Chapel Choir ○ Regular opportunities to sing in venues around the UK and abroad Musical Theatre
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Regular competitions One to one sessions Opportunity to work with specialist teachers and coaches Expectation of participation in training and matches
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Free termly masterclasses with performers from the West End/stage Broadway Academy membership and Saturday lessons included Regular trips to the theatre
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Regular opportunities to participate in competitions Opportunities to exhibit work outside of school
Art
SCHOLAR PROFILES Sophia Hill Sophia has been an exemplary student since joining us at the beginning of Year 12. She epitomises the label of ‘scholarship’, contributing to all aspects of School life. As a member of our National Championship winning football team, she played a key role in the heart of the defence, and was recognised by winning ISFA representative honours (claiming her national cap at the same time). She has represented the 1st VII in Netball, and the 1st XI in Hockey, showing the all-round nature of her sporting talent. Inside the classroom, she has modelled excellence, earning some of the most impressive grades in the Sixth Form. She takes four A Levels, and completed an EPQ in her own time last year, receiving an A* for this in the summer. A key contributor to Academic Symposia and believing strongly in the power of academic challenge, she took a lead in delivering a talk to Year 7-9 Scholars. Indeed, Sophia hopes to study Psychology at a top university and will be taking on the challenge of applying to Cambridge. Her dedication to the School was rewarded through her appointment to the role of School Captain. Lucia Lohmiller Lucia initially joined Rossall for just one term, but enjoyed her time here so much that she converted this into a two year journey. Awarded an Academic Scholarship, she is the highest performing student on the International Baccalaureate, and contributes significantly to all areas of academic life. She, too, led a section of the Junior Scholars’ Academic Symposium, and has represented both the School and Rose House in debating competitions. Always looking for opportunities to challenge herself, Lucia entered and placed third in an International Essay Competition, and received a Highly Commended prize for a second essay. Both of these focused around the law - something Lucia is hoping to study at university - and they reflected her commitment to research and depth of knowledge. Lucia is a Senior Monitor at Rossall, as well as the Academic Monitor for Rose. Lucia says: As an academic scholar at Rossall I was not only able to live out and further develop my intellectual curiosity, but also got the chance to connect with people from all over the world. Ashton Charles Ashton is the definitive allrounder, achieving top grades and playing cricket at a high level. As a member of our 1st XI, he had a very successful first season opening the batting and scoring plenty of runs along the way. He has attended everything it is possible to attend, contributing at symposia, preparing for an EPQ submission, as well as offering to work with younger students to help support their academic dreams. His effort grades are some of the highest in the year and it is clear that Ashton takes everything very seriously, regardless of the activity. With ambitions to join the RAF, it is unsurprising to see how dedicated and disciplined he is with his studies, and this, alongside his approachability, saw him elected as a Senior Monitor.
Valerie Versterre Valerie joined Rossall in Year 11 and managed to secure some outstanding GCSE grades in under half the time recommended for the course. She has built on this over her time in the Sixth Form, looking to step outside her comfort zone and challenge herself at all times. This has seen her deliver a lecture at the Junior Symposium and speak in front of the whole school in assemblies. What is most impressive is Valerie’s commitment to improving the lives of others. She, alongside a small group of girls from Dolphin, established The Beavery - a student bakery raising money for various causes - and this project has donated thousands of pounds to the Ukraine Appeal; to Little Roses School in Ghana; and to a variety of other charities. She has been elected Deputy School Captain (Public Benefit) where she can use her platform to raise further funds. In addition to all of this success, Valerie still finds time to represent the 1st XI Hockey. Valerie says: Being a scholar has been very academically enriching and I have thoroughly enjoyed learning and being challenged in class. It has also provided me with opportunities such as presenting a topic in an academic symposium for younger years, allowing me to broaden my knowledge as well as practice giving presentations and public speaking. Rosie Lupton Rosie's musical interests began with her participation in a whole-class string ensemble, which sparked her passion for the violin. As a result, Rosie was provided with one-to-one lessons taught by one of the school’s expert instrumental tutors. As time passed, and with the support of the Music Department, Rosie's musical horizons expanded and she was given the opportunity to explore various different instruments. Ultimately, the bassoon became her principal focus. Now in Year 12, Rosie embarks on an exciting new chapter at the Saturday school of the Junior Royal Northern College of Music, all while continuing her academic music studies in Rossall Sixth Form. Beyond her instrumental talents, Rosie is a dedicated choral scholar. Her participation in the school’s Chapel Choir has given her the opportunity to sing in prestigious venues around the UK such as Manchester Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, as well as places further afield in Rome and Texas. In addition to Chapel Choir, Rosie supports her academic music studies by taking part in the school orchestra, several chamber groups and making the most of the regular concert opportunities both at the school and in the wider community. Rosie says: Being a music scholar at Rossall has provided me with some truly unforgettable experiences. One of the most memorable experiences was singing Duruflé Requiem in Manchester Cathedral alongside the resident choristers and lay clerks. In the future I hope to study at a music conservatoire and pursue music as a profession.