Our Teaching and Learning Policy is published on our website and it is underpinned by the IB Learner Profile. The IB learner profile is the IB’s mission statement translated into a set of learning outcomes. It is a set of ideals that we use as an inspiration, motivation and focus for our teaching and learning. Here at Rossall we expect children to be:
Inquirers: They should develop their natural curiosity. They should acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in their learning. They should actively enjoy learning and this love of learning should be sustained throughout their lives.
Knowledgeable: They should explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they should acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
Thinkers: They should exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators: They should understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They should work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
Principled: They should act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They should take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.
Open-minded: They should understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and should be open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They should be accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are they should be willing to grow from the experience.
Caring: They should show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They should have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.
Risk-takers: They should approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They should be brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.
Balanced: They should understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.
Reflective: They should give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They should be able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.
We are an IB World School and the ethos and values of the IBO complements are own distinctive educational philosophy here at Rossall. We adopt a holistic philosophy and we believe that our responsibility towards our boys and girls transcends the sometimes artificial divide between the pastoral and academic spheres. We are educating citizens of the future and it is our responsibility to ensure that, as a community, we empower young people to live happy personal lives and productive and fulfilling professional lives.
Working in partnership with parents, it is our responsibility to ensure that all of our children have the opportunity to develop the attributes described above. We do this by means of a varied and stimulating curriculum alongside countless opportunities for children to develop their character in activities such as the CCF, sports and performing arts. A young person’s education should not be just about achieving grades or plodding through examination specifications slavishly. An outstanding education should serve to inspire young people to become lifelong learners. We should seek to share our wonderment with the world around us and encourage our own sons and daughter to live life as fully as possible.
Brian Redman OR
Old Rossallian, Brian Redman, driving an Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 TT 12 at the Nurburgring in 1974
It was wonderful to have the opportunity to welcome Brian Redman back to Rossall School on Monday evening. Brian is an outstandingly successful racing driver who participated in 15 World Championship Grand Prix. In 1968 he finished third in the Spanish Grand Prix behind Graham Hill and Denny Hulme. At the age of 81, Brian still races historic cars and he appears at the Goodwood Festival of Speed every year. His brother-in-law tells me that it is not unusual for Brian to still reach speeds of 180 mph on the straight. Brian delivered an outstanding lecture which was laced with self-deprecating humour and profound insights into the ‘golden age’ of racing. Brian recalled how his passion for speed manifested itself long before the opportunity to turn professional presented itself. Brian and his family enjoyed having the opportunity to have a tour of School and they were impressed by the exciting developments taking place around the site and in the classroom.
MAD Night and Donna’s Dream House
Two of the most inspiring people I have met since arriving on the Fylde Coast are Len and Barbara Curtis. Their daughter Donna died on New Year’s Day 1996 after having battled cancer for four years. One of Donna’s final wishes was for children battling terminal illnesses (and their families) to have a place where they could enjoy a holiday and have at least a little happiness.
Out of the most desperate sadness, Len and Barbara have created something utterly beautiful and that is inspiring and compelling beyond measure. I love the fact that Donna’s Dream House is so reliant upon the goodwill of the local community in Blackpool. Local businesses, hoteliers, nightclub owners, cafes, shopkeepers and members of the public have all donated products, services, time and cash to create this special place. Here at Rossall we have done our part and the boys of MF’s ongoing commitment to this wonderful charity has raised more than £30,000 for Donna’s Dream House.
I am incredibly proud of their commitment and, once again, we were treated to a night of laughter and merriment in Big School on Saturday evening. Mr Pillai hosted. This year, the boys have raised well over £1000 which is a super achievement. I have decided that rather than send hundreds of Christmas cards this year, I will make a Christmas donation on behalf of all of us at Rossall (and to the same value that we previously spent on sending cards) to Donna’s Dream House. This means that, in total, we will donate just under £2000 to Donna’s Dream House. This will enable a child and his or her family to make some happy memories and I can think of no greater gift than this – so well done boys of MF!
As the Christmas season approaches, our thoughts turn to all those within our surrounding communities who are struggling. I am delighted that our Amnesty International Group will be collecting food for the Next Chapter – a charity which helps homeless people in Blackpool.
