Welcome
Our latest edition of the Rowntree Reporter is jam packed with information about the many activities that students and staff have been involved in this term. I hope it gives you an insight into the breadth of opportunities that we offer to our students across all year groups. These range from Performing Arts productions, opportunities to explore careers and trips abroad. Best wishes for a restful Easter break. - Mr Hewitt, Head Teacher
Matilda
Nurture talent
We hope you didn't miss our sell-out run of Matilda the Musical in February. Vaudeville Theatre once again was fit to burst as we brought Crunchham Hall and the Wormwood family to Joseph Rowntree School. Over four days our amazing double cast performed seven full shows, which included two sold-out primary school performances and a performance to the Year 7 cohort. A huge shout-out to the tech and backstage crew, as well as our student lights and sound team, who ensured everything ran perfectly.
"Throughly enjoyed the show huge congratulations to the cast and crew!" - New Earswick Library on Twitter
"Well done everyone involved, it was absolutely amazing 👏👏👏" M.R.R Bolton on Twitter
Once again, in Vaudeville's 21st show in the Vaudeville Theatre, we were inundated with positive comments and ‘Its the best one yet!’ could be heard many times from our departing audience. There is much speculation about what’s next, with many discussions being had amongst Vaudeville members in school - all we can say is watch this space! Thank you to everyone who supported us during show week. - Mrs Clarke
"So proud of them all. Wonderful performance well done everyone involved 👍" Lisa Stephenson on Twitter
Ski Trip to Andorra
Encourage wellbeing
At last the school has managed to get overseas trips going ahead again, after a number of years of being unable to. During the February half-term holiday, a group of 51 Year 11 & 12 students joined five members of staff to travel to the ski slopes of Andorra.
After a long journey there, and the anticipation of poor snow conditions, we were all pleasantly surprised by the beauty of the mountains and the quality of the slopes. Everyone had a fabulous time developing their skills, and all made great progress in their chosen sport. The behaviour of our students was impeccable throughout the whole trip, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all, and the staff for giving up their time too. - Mrs Hughes
"I absolutely loved the ski trip. It was an experience that I got to share with my best friends. I made some unforgettable memories that I will cherish forever. I have never skied before and I was very nervous about it but I am so glad that I took the chance to go on this trip and try something that I wouldn’t usually get the chance to do. I’m so grateful to the lovely teachers that were involved in the ski trip because without them I don’t think this ski trip would have been as memorable and amazing!" - Jessie Nguyen Year 11
Students continue their work to help clean up their local communities
Respect all members of our community
The Student Leadership Team's focus for this term has been the Environment. As part of this initiative, members of the leadership teams across our year groups took part in two litter picks in our local area: one in New Earswick and another in Haxby. Armed with litterpickers, bags, and gloves, the two teams worked hard over a two-hour period to clean up our local area. We received many positive comments from people passing by, with one kind gentleman going to the shop to buy us a very large collection biscuits to thank us, which were very much enjoyed on our return to school!
Celebration of Achievement
Recognise excellence
We started the term with our Annual Celebration of Achievement in January. The evening started with certificate presentations for last year's exam groups. Our hub was full of families and friends of students, and it was wonderful to catch up with past students to hear what they are doing now. The event then moved into the Vaudeville Theatre for the subject prizes and main whole school awards.
This year, we were joined by past student Dr Emily Robinson as our special guest, who spoke about her career in the Biomedical industry. Her already varied career has included leading research teams at Cancer Research UK and working with cosmetic companies to develop non-animal testing strategies. It was wonderful to see Dr Robinson back at the Joseph Rowntree School, and speaking so warmly about her time with us. A huge thank you to the year teams, who nominated and spoke about prize nominees on the evening. Congratulations to everyone who received one of our annual awards.
Sportability - Kwik Cricket event
Work together collaboratively
On 23rd January, our student Sportability team took part in a Kwik Cricket event at Joseph Rowntree School with teams from several other local schools. The event, run by NYSSP, was designed to develop Kwik Cricket skills, teamwork, and ability in a competitive setting. As a school, we had 10 talented students invited to participate in the event. The morning started with batting and fielding drills, to develop these skills in preparation for a competition Kwik Cricket match against Applefields School.
Joseph Rowntree School began bowling and fielding, with some excellent deliveries. After many impressive wickets, we took to bat, chasing a reasonable score. A fantastic batting display put us in the position of needing 10 runs off the final over. This was achieved on the final ball, as our students hit the ball for four runs to win the match! A fantastic event played in a great spirit by all, with brilliant representation from our students on the day. Our students enjoyed hot chocolate and biscuits with the Head teacher as a celebration. - Mr Leighton
World Book Day 2023
Encourage wellbeing
On Thursday 2nd March it was World Book Day at Joseph Rowntree School. Year 7 students were invited to dress up as their favourite book characters, staff decorated t-shirts to represent their favourite books, and all students were invited to visit the pop-up book shop in the school library at lunchtime.
Students received their World Book Day tokens and were able to spend them with either Blue House Bookshop or Portal Bookshop, who set up mini bookshops in the school library. This was very popular with pupils and staff, who enjoyed using their tokens on new books. Thank you to everyone who visited and supported on the day! - Miss Bevan
Author Visit Sparkes the imagination
Encourage wellbeing
On Thursday 9th February, 50 students from year 7 and 8 were invited to attend a talk and book signing by author Ali Sparkes. The students who were invited had been nominated by their heads of year and teachers to recognise their hard work this year, and for attending extracurricular activities linked with a love of reading.
Ali Sparkes is the winner of the Blue Peter Book of the Year award and has published over 40 children's books. She visited Joseph Rowntree School to promote her latest book "My Sister is a Dog".
Students had a fantastic time listening to Ali share her story, as well as getting their own copies of the book signed. We hope to welcome Ali back soon! - Miss Bevan
World War One - Battlefields Trip
Respect all members of our community
I was once again delighted to be a part of the Year 10 visit to the World War One battlefields and memorials of Belgium and France in February. This always proves to be both an eye-opening and enjoyable visit for our students, who once again were outstanding representatives of The Joseph Rowntree School. The Menin Gate Ceremony was extra-special this year, with departing School Pastoral Manager and ex-military serviceman Bob Hickinson being asked to read the Exhortation at the service. Thank you to Ms Shepherd, Mrs Pattinson, Ms Bouderba, Mr Hickinson, and our tour guide, Alana Britton, for all their work and support with the visit. We can now look forward to the next one with Year 9 and Year 10 students at Easter. - Mr Ireton
"During the Belgium- France trip, we visited many mesmerising places like Newfoundland memorial, Flanders Fields, Cemeteries and many more unforgettable places. We were also able to attend the Last Post Ceremony in Ypres, which was truly an memorable experience. This trip was an incredible opportunity that l would highly recommend for other students as its very interesting and it allows you to put to scale the casualties of WW1. Thank you to all the staff for this fantastic trip!" -Ela Cicek, Year 10
Camps International - Cambodia Expedition 2024
Work together collaboratively
We have 25 students from Years 9-12 going to Cambodia on an expedition in July 2024. The group will be completing charity work and environmental conservation work during the four-week expedition. The group needs to fundraise over the next 16 months, and they will be organising some activities so watch this space! - Miss McLaughlin
UK Mathematics Trust - Maths Challenge
Recognise excellence
Earlier this month, 20 students volunteered to take part in the UKMT Intermediate maths challenge. This is a nation-wide competition for students in Years 9, 10 and 11 where students are challenged to think about the maths that they know in interesting or unusual ways.
Our 20 competitors comprised of students from all year groups, who all did themselves proud. Students can achieve a bronze aware for being in the top 50% of entrants, a silver award for being in the top 25% or a gold for being in the top 8% of entrants nationally.
Our students achieved four bronze, five silver, and two gold awards.
- 'Best in School' award went to Tom Keast, Year 10
- ‘Best in Year' award went to Alex Casford Year 9, Tom Keast Year 10, and Ahmed Al-Awsi Year 11
- Tom Keast and Alex Casford both qualified for progression onto the follow-on round and we wish them both the best of luck!
Tinaye's Swimming Success
Recognise excellence
We would like to congratulate Year 10 student Tinaye Makahamadze, who has had recent success at the Yorkshire Swimming Association's Spring Meet, held at the John Charles in Leeds and Pond's Forge in Sheffield over three weekends. With a superb performance, Tinaye claimed the silver for the 50m butterfly. Well done Tinaye!
Gabs 1st in Show Jumping Festival
Recognise excellence
Year 13 Student Gabs Simpson took first place in the Barrier Spring Festival National Championships in Grantham on Saturday 11th February. With a fantastic ride, Gabs finished first in the open age events, winning by an impressive two seconds on her horse, Mini. What an outstanding achievement for Gabs, who has been riding horses since she was 3 years old!
Mystery student prompts £100 Tesco book donation
Respect all members of our community
Back in January, we had a surprise visit from a team member from our local Tesco. One of our students had approached a staff member in Tesco, who was running a charity tombola. They had a chat and mentioned some of the fantastic reading initiatives we run in school. The Tesco employee was so impressed with our student that they very generously came into school with a £100 donation for us to spend on reading books for the students. We haven't managed to find the student who spoke to the lady in Tesco, so if you are reading this and it was you, please let your form tutor know. Thank you for being a fantastic ambassador for the school!
Performing Arts in the community
Work together collaboratively
Many members of the Joseph Rowntree School community have been busy in outside groups this term. Ms McDonnell, our very own Head of Drama, took to the stage at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre in March, starring in John Godbers play, Teechers. A large number of staff and students went to watch these outstanding performances, which received rave reviews!
Many of our students also performed in Flying Ducks fantastic production of Crush recently, again at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre. Once again, we were so proud to see so many of our students taking a lead role in this brilliant production.
We also have current and past Alumni students in two productions over Easter, Oh What a Lovely War at Theatre@41 and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Grand Opera House (word is our Chitty Car is making a guest appearance here too...).
York Choral Festival and our Voices Together concert
Nurture talent
Our KS3 Show Choir once again participated in the annual York Schools Choral Festival, held at the University of York, in the Jack Lyons Concert Hall. As we now expect from Show Choir, they performed to a very high standard, performing Chasing Cars, and taking part in the ensemble performance of Sing, as well as joining in several vocal and music workshops. Everyone had a fantastic time.
That same evening, all our vocal groups performed in our end of term concert, Voices Together. We were delighted to welcome Headland Primary School's singing group, Take Note, who performed exceptionally well in the concert as our special guests. A large amount was raised for the school's chosen local charities at this concert, as well as for Vaudeville's new lighting in the theatre.
Careers Events
Overcome obstacles to success
The Trading Game
Our Year 8 students took part in The Trading Game, a fast paced game based on the Stock Market. The students worked in small teams to buy and sell shares from a ‘Trading Pit’, which was run by local employers and some Sixth Form students. The aim was for groups to make as much money as they could to win the game.
The two-hour session, delivered by NYBEP, covered a week's worth of trading, with news alerts and information news sheets being distributed every 20 minutes. The students threw themselves into the task and the atmosphere was buzzing! It was interesting to see the difference approaches the groups had to managing their money and stock portfolios. Some students were methodical in their approach and others took risks, some of which paid off and made the group a lot of money. We definitely have some futures traders in the year group!
This event helped our students to develop many skills, including financial awareness/maths, decision making, communication and teamwork.
Year 11 Employer Talks
On 22nd February, we had a number of local employers, including Nestlé, Army Careers, NHS, BAM Nuttall, and Portakabin, in school to deliver talks to Year 11. These sessions were delivered to small groups of students and offered insights into different career paths and information about apprenticeships.
Year 9 Root to Success
Year 9 students had their annual visit to Roots to Success, which this year took place at the University of York. The day included a focus on post-GCSE options, a tour around campus, lunch in the university dining room, and a Q&A session in one of the lecture theatres.
Parent and Student apprenticeship information evening
As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2023, we hosted a special apprenticeship information evening for parents and students. This event shared information about apprenticeships, such as what they are, how to apply, and why they might be the best option for you. We were joined by local employers and apprenticeship experts, who gave presentations and were on hand to answer questions from parents and students.
This was the first event that we've hosted about careers information, and due to the success of the evening we will be looking at running it annually, and will expand on the presentations and employer stalls.
Career Ready
It has been a busy term for Career Ready. January saw the students meet their mentors in a Mentor Matching event at the beautiful Guildhall. In March, students visited Nestlé for a resilience and self-confidence masterclass delivered by Quantum Vantage. After Easter, students will visit Duncombe Barracks for a Success at Interviews masterclass and a tour around the zero-carbon homes construction site.