Heads Weekly Review - Autumn Issue 11

Head’s Introduction

This week’s performances of Six have been sensational – congratulations to Gracie, Cherrie, Biba, Eni, Mitti, and Ella, our six Queens, for their remarkable performances! As the only performers on stage, they maintained unbelievable levels of energy and focus as they danced and sang with emotion, humour, and attitude. Not only were they outstanding, but our band of student musicians also did brilliantly, very ably led by our student-Musical Director, Galina. Well done to Ms Clarke, the Director, and Ms Abaza,  Mr Rous, and Mrs Woodbridge, and, of course, to the entire technical team who committed so much of their time and passion to ensure that the light, sound, set, and costumes, made the show such a spectacle. Congratulations to everyone involved!

We are now looking forward to tomorrow’s Christmas Fair. Every year, I am so impressed by the brilliant ideas the girls come up with to raise funds for the School’s charities. The School community has already raised £6400 this term, and I have no doubt that tomorrow’s event will boost this total considerably. Please do come along if you can, and bring lots of change! This week, our Charity Prefects also attended the opening of the Gateway Women’s Centre, an arm of Off The Fence, where they met the Mayor of Brighton and found out more about the work of the charity.

Our sports teams have had a wonderful hockey season, with very many girls having the opportunity to represent their school on the pitch. I am very pleased to read that so many of our teams have had unbeaten seasons too. We are looking forward to welcoming Helen Richardson-Walsh, one of our Sports Ambassadors, to Roedean next week. Helen will be working with the whole of Year 7 on the Astro, and later in the day will give a presentation to all of our Sports Scholars.

We also had the Staff vs Student Hockey match at the start of the week, and the side of the Astro was full with cheering students. The teams were very evenly matched, and the play went from end to end, but the score was 1-0 to the staff. It was a fun event, and thank you to the Sports Department for organising it, and to everyone who played and supported.

I wish you all a lovely weekend, and good luck for the last week of term!

DANCE SHOWCASE

TUESDAY 6TH DECEMBER 2022

The Annual Dance Showcase is fast approaching. This year our theme is A Night at The Movies. This will include performances from Chicago, Bohemian Rapsody, Flash Dance, and much more! Don’t forget your popcorn!

Book your tickets here: https://roedean.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows

Roedean at the Gateway Women's Centre Opening

On Thursday, the three Charity Prefects, Helen, Otti, and Isabel, went to the opening of the Gateway Women's Centre, an arm of Off The Fence, with Mr Weir and Ms Sturgeon. Helen reflected on the experience: 'Today, I was honoured to be given the opportunity to join in the Gateway Women's Centre opening ceremony. Off The Fence is one of our school charity partners, aiming to help the homeless in Brighton. They have recently built a centre for women in crisis or struggling with difficulties. Through talking to different parties within the Trust, I now understand more about the aims of the Gateway Women's Centre and the journey they have been through to build this centre. It wasn't an easy journey. I have been inspired by the speaker who talked about what inspired her to help to provide a safe space for people who are struggling. She has set a great example for us.

Then, we got to see the newly built Gateway Women's Centre, which provides a very welcoming and relaxing feeling. I am sure this place can offer different type of activities in order to improve self-confidence and develop life skills for women who are struggling. Furthermore, as Off The Fence is one of the key charities of Brighton, I was delighted to meet and chat with the Mayor of Brighton, and I now understand more how charities in Brighton are helping the community.

I am proud to know that Roedean is supporting this charity, and it was fascinating to see it in action.'

Isabel added: ‘We were very lucky to attend the Opening of the Women’s Gateway, an amazing project linked to Off The Fence. Listening to people involved in the project sharing their experiences throughout these past years, and how an idea which was jotted down on a piece of paper has become reality, was very moving. It is projects and people like this that inspire us to fulfil our role as Charity Prefects.’

Our Final Tea Time Recital of Autumn Term

If you missed the last tea-time recital of the term, you can watch it here!

Unsung heroes in the spotlight

Each week, many wonderful things happen at Roedean, about which many in the school are perhaps unaware; this section of the weekly review is dedicated to ‘unsung heroes’, in order to draw our attention to these people and remind us that our community is special.

Mrs Sambrook – for baking the most beautiful little gingerbread houses for the 'No Cook Cooking' students to decorate in their Year 11 enrichment lesson – they were simply delicious, and the meringue snowmen were also awesome!

[Mrs Chamberlain]

Mr Harrison – for a fascinating Academic Lecture on the topic of 'Neurodiversity'! [Ms IbanezBarcelo]

Mr Tillbrook, Mr Pashley, Miss Izzard-Davies, Mr Morley, Mr Frommel, Mr Carpenter, Mr Church, Mr Williams, and Mr Major – for doing such a brilliant job with the lighting and sound in the Theatre for Six under difficult circumstances [Dr Barrand]

Veronica (Yr10) – for painting a huge Oompa Loompa board for a Christmas Fair stall, all whilst singing Christmas songs! [Ms Strachan]

Staff

Sport Stars of the Week

Congratulations to this week's Sports Stars! [Miss Kirby-Jones]

Year 7

Astrid, for excellent progress in hockey this term

Year 8 Anya & Lily, for stepping up to help older year groups in hockey fixtures

Year 9

Bea & Marta, for playing up for the U15s at the last minute

Clothes Swap – Eco-Changemakers

Apparently, our hunter-gatherer instinct is alive and kicking – we girls love to shop!

A huge congratulations to our Year 8 EcoChangemakers for being inspired, becoming empowered, raising awareness, and hosting our, first of many, clothing swaps to tackle Fast Fashion.

This event was a huge success and tremendous fun! Our girls sifted through donated clothing, like they were panning for gold. That familiar endorphin rush filled the air as our girls shopped,

Year 13 Gatsby trip

chatting, and laughing until eventually skipping out of C Hall swinging their bags, some even wearing their new outfits.

40 bags of clothing were donated to the swap, with only 5 re-bagged and donated to St Barnabus House charity shop – another opportunity for pre-loved clothes to be loved again!

Thank you all for supporting our Ecochangemakers!

The Year 13 English Language and Literature A Level group went on an exciting trip to the West End last week to see an immersive theatre production of The Great Gatsby, which they are studying as part of the course.

Audience participation was key and they chatted away to Gatsby himself, as well as getting to know Daisy Buchanan and Jordan Baker more intimately. They even learned how to do the Charleston dance and take part in a proper 1920s Prohibition Gatsby party.

Ms Shillito and Miss Saville really got involved, dressing up as 1920 partygoers as they sauntered through Soho and Bond Street!

Year 10

Abbie, for excellent badminton progress this term

Year 11

Elsie, for excellent netball progress this year Year 12

Cathy, for brilliant performances in hockey this term Year 13 Alma, for getting a new PB in the gym

Congratulations to Jemima (Yr7), who has been awarded this week's Golden Ticket [Mrs Chamberlain]

Mrs Finn

Six – What a Sensation!

Six is an amazing, interactive show, and the six actors were remarkable – congratulations to Eni, Gracie, and Mitti in Year 12 and Cherrie, Biba, and Ella in Year 11, who were all fabulous!

The six performers, with their sparkly crowns, were on stage throughout, telling the story of each of Henry VIII’s wives, ‘to see who was the Queen of the castle’. They started squabbling, in song, about who was the most important. In turn, they each told their story, in an attempt to win the audience over. There were excellent one-liners throughout, complemented by six wonderful voices, each very different, reflecting their different characters.

It was great to hear the audience in the Roedean Theatre spontaneously clapping along with the numbers – no doubt, the catchy tunes will still be going around everyone’s heads days later. The choreography was brilliant, and the great tunes meant that you couldn’t help but tap along with your feet, and some of the audience even got a bit more carried away!

There were six performers on stage, but, up in the circle there was also a band made up of students – well done to Tamanna (Yr11), Hebe, Sabrina, and Sigrid (Yr12), and Lea (Yr13), and Kyra (Yr9), and, in particular, to Galina (Yr11), who directed the band. Playing live in a show is not easy and they did brilliantly, so congratulations definitely go to all of the musicians.

And finally, huge congratulations go to Ms Clarke, who directed the show, to Ms Abaza for her choreography, to Mr Rous for overseeing the music, to Mrs Woodbridge, and to the entire Theatre and IT teams, who did an outstanding job with the lighting, set and sound in our fabulous theatre.

What a fantastic spectacle – well done to everyone involved!

Dr Barrand

SPORTS SCHOLARS' TALK: Nick Denning on 'Social Pressures'

'The sports scholars were lucky enough to attend another great talk by Nick Denning on Wednesday about social pressure. We gained an understanding of the different kinds of pressure we, as teenagers and athletes, are exposed to, such as academic and peer pressure. It was very interesting to hear everyone's personal experiences and it was helpful to learn from each other, as well as receive expert advice from Nick. Learning about the positive aspects of pressure and how it can actually enhance our performance was also fascinating. Coming away from the session, I have certainly learned to look at the bigger picture and always strive for a good balance in life. At Roedean, we are always so busy with the countless opportunities on offer, but finding downtime in this chaos, however difficult it may be, is really important. Thank you to Mr Smethurst and to all the speakers this term for such an enjoyable sports scholars' programme.'

Maria (Yr12)

Pop-up Christmas Bookshop

Monday 5th – Wednesday 8th December – Activity 1 in the Library

After the success of the Roedean Pop-up Bookshop last year, we will be holding another one in the week before the Christmas Holidays. The Roedean Reading Reps have teamed up with the Feminist Bookshop in Brighton. The reps will once again be selecting stock for the sale, and this time there will be books for all ages, from 0 -99, perfect for getting some Christmas gifts!

Mrs Bailey

Year 10 Historians at the Old Operating Theatre

On Monday, thirty-five Year 10 students visited the Old Operating Theatre Museum in London. They learnt about the surgical processes of Old St Thomas’ Hospital and the gruesome details of 19th century amputations, and managed to fit in a little Christmas shopping as well!

Ms Benton-Stace

This

in Boarding...

SPORT

Hockey vs Lingfield

A Winning Wednesday for the U12C

The U12Cs had a brilliant final game of the season against Lingfield. It was a well-contested match and both teams worked tirelessly.

Farah and Hazel got low in their tackles and were clearing the ball out strongly. We went 1-0 up after a fantastic shot from Bea. Erin worked extremely hard helping out in defence and driving the ball up for attack, allowing us to maintain possession.

Lili managed to score an amazing goal from top D to extend our lead! With a couple of minutes to go until half time, unfortunately, they slipped one past us and so the score at half time was 2-1 to Roedean.

We went back on with a determined attitude and Janice made some brilliant saves to keep them out for the first 5 minutes of the second half. Florence made some great runs up front, collecting and dribbling the ball into the D effectively. Flo held the width, giving the defence a good option on a 16, allowing us to attack quickly and make ground.

Lingfield scored another goal which took the score to 2-2 with 4 minutes to go. Roedean responded quickly and Bea got her second goal of the match to take the win 3-2.

It was an excellent game to finish the season –the team has been a joy to coach!

U12B – Finishes the Term Unbeaten!

The U12Bs took on Lingfield in their final match of the season, with the target to remain unbeaten after an incredible term of hockey.

Roedean had a good start, getting straight into the D, and attacking with ferocity and patience, having some opportunities which the Lingfield keeper just managed to save. We kept at it and, after 10 minutes, Roedean broke through, with Matilda surging forwards and calmly placing the ball past the keeper's left kicker for the opener.

At half time, Roedean was still 1-0 up and Lingfield looked to fight back in the second. The girls managed the game brilliantly, defending like warriors, and Andrea in goal didn't even touch the ball due to the formidable defensive display. Matilda was on fire in the second half, driving the ball from the left and finishing off two more fantastic goals to give Roedean a 3-0 lead going into the final few moments.

Eva had an outstanding game at the back, distributing the ball well under pressure. Sorcha led from the back as Captain and supplied countless balls down the line and started many attacks.

The game ended 3-0, and the U12Bs can be incredibly proud of all they have achieved this season.

Mr Campleman

U13B

The U13B team rounded off the term with a 5-1 win at Lingfield.

Bella and Liv scored in the first half, after a strong start, and although Lingfield hit back, the score was 2-1 to Roedean at half time.

Roedean was strong in the second half. Liv scored a second, Sienna and Natahlia each scored one, and the defence held firm to see the final score 5-1 to Roedean. Well done!

Mr Smethurst

U13C – Final Win of the Season

Miss Hammond U12D

The U12D team were ready and raring to go for their final match as a team. Prior to the game, the group had met and discussed their targets. Defence were focusing on getting low to the ball and clearing the ball out wide, and attack were looking at driving the ball right and shooting early as they enter the D.

This worked extremely well, with Lily scoring an early goal off a short corner. Quickly, Chiara, Lily, and Momo scored another 3 goals, putting the score at 4-0 at half time. This allowed the girls to relax into the match and explore different positions.

It was great to see our defenders having a go at playing in the middle and, even with a 0-0 second half, all of the girls had a go at defending.

What a great time to get a 4-0 win! I have absolutely loved coaching this team, and I am really proud of the hard work, good spirit, and fun that we have had over the winter term! Well done, U12D Legends!

The U13C team has completed the season with another fabulous win, this time against Lingfield. With our team positions solidified and players knowing their roles, the team produced one of the best games of the season. We started quickly with Amber, Iris, and Maud driving the ball into the D straight from the off, and an early shot from Polly was well saved by a strong defensive effort by the opposition goalie.

With a little repositioning in the D, Amber found the back of the net with a good strike. The opposition has some quick breaks, but, as usual, Molly and Lois were quick to slow them down, and Kat cleared her lines well in goal. The next goal came from some brilliant passing around the top of the D, and a great cross from Emma for Polly to finish off. Emma also received Player of the Match for some great running on the right-hand side. The final score was 2-0.

Miss Kirby-Jones

Miss Bamford

SPORT

Hockey vs Brighton College

U14C

On Saturday 26 November, Roedean’s U14C took to our home astro against a strong Brighton College U14D team.

From the start, it was an end to end thriller, with the U14Cs playing some of the best hockey we have seen from them this whole term. With a few internal injuries, and Captain Layla chosen to represent the mighty B team, the opportunity was there for other players to step forward and play in new positions. Normally a mid-fielder, Nis played in centre forward, and she was one of the goal scorers. She has made great progress in hockey this term, and scoring a goal was the icing on the cake!

The match started with two early goals from Brighton. However, Roedean were not phased and actually used the goal discrepancy to motivate them. Elisabeth, our recently acquired player scored an excellent first goal. Moving up from the D team, her work with Mr Campleman paid dividends. She displayed superb footwork, and found her way around a strong Brighton defence to receive a ball right from Lucia, and drive it into goal. From this point the game was end to end, with shots from both teams.

Charlotte, who was nominated as the Players' Player of the Match, fought hard in defence, teaming up with Alice and Izzy to build a strong wall. Sky, as ever, was focused and saved some excellent shots by the visitors. Ultimately, the 4-2 defeat was not a true representation of how the girls performed. We may not be rewarded with the much-anticipated McDonald’s, but have finished the term with the girls feeling more like a family than a team!

Ms Marek

Victorious U13D Hockey against Hurst

Having experienced our first defeat of the season last week, the team was keen to let that be the only loss, and went out focused to secure the win. It was a competitive game, with Hurst having some real strength throughout the pitch, but Roedean kept their composure, maintained their structure, and used the whole width of the pitch to help safely play the ball around and into space.

Unfortunately, Roedean went 1-0 down in the first half – we were unable to convert a short corner, which Hurst then capitalised on, followed by a quick turn-over by Hurst, and we were on the back foot, 1 v 3 in our half, with our defence not able to get back as quickly as needed. Sofia saved another strike, preventing the team from going 2-0 down.

Half time came, and a quick team talk enabled us to regroup – we agreed that we were relying too heavily on the pass and needed to implement our give and go tactics that we had worked so hard on in lessons.

Instantly the game was flipped, and Roedean found a 6th gear when in possession, using pace, Coco and Lucy seamlessly linked up to transition the ball from the defending end up to our attacker Miranda. This pace and teamwork threw Hurst, who were slow to react, the give and go system setting Miranda up for 2 shots on goal, which she executed with determination – the keeper had no chance to make a save due to the sheer speed of shot.

Another two excellent saves by Sofia ensured the win was ours, Roedean taking the 2-1 victory!

Opposition's Player was Miranda, and Coaches' Player was Coco.

Miss Kennerson

U13C – Windy Win

The U13C team has a windy penultimate game of the season against Brighton College and were able to come away with another win.

We started quickly with an early goal Amber who, with help from Iris, broke away quickly into the D and scored from a rebound off the goal keeper. Molly and Lois, yet again, had great games in defence, along with Gabriella who debuted for the C team.

Four more goals were scored by Maud, Polly, Emma, and Amber, to make it up to 5. A quick break from the opposition saw them score a fine goal.

Emma was named Player of the Match for her excellent drives down the right-hand side.

Miss Kirby-Jones

SPORT

Staff vs Student Hockey

It was that time of year, the big grudge match, the title decider, the top of the log against bottom, Staff vs Students Hockey match.

The girls took to the pitch with their war paint on, intending to be intimidating, but it had no effect, with the staff concentrating on what they could do on the pitch (we are still hoping to see this next year…), nevertheless, the start was frenetic! The girls surged forward early, Amelia pulling the strings and, with a front three that were lightening fast, knew that they could have the legs on a couple of veterans.

But the staff were formidable, Miss Marek, Miss Hammond and Mr Wilson dishing out some devastatingly delicious tackles. Mr Campleman in the middle was causing chaos for both teams, starting many an attack for the Staff, and also some student attacks through hopeless passing at times.

The game was in the balance with both teams trying to maintain possession as well as cause issue up front with their deadly but inconsistent attacks. Highlights from the first half were Miss Kirby-Jones' deflection off the right post which went harrowingly close to the goal, Mia and Phoebe’s elegant tumbles, and Mr Halsey’s eagerness for the student team to have a shot at him at some point…

U15A Hockey Draw vs Worth

The U15A team took on Worth School away bright and early on Saturday. It was a mixed team of A & B, giving some B team players the opportunity to play up at a higher level.

The game started sluggishly, with both teams employing their strategy. Worth got the upper hand and attacked with purpose, with Roedean defending with all their might. We eventually got into the game and, after a while, began to dominate and open Worth up. Roedean managed to go 1-0 up and looked to extend their lead, but the final pass and finishing let us down in the D. Worth managed a couple attacks and were rewarded with a goal of their own, which increased the game's intensity, with both teams wanting the win.

The game ended 1-1, with both teams exhausted after the game – well done!

In the second half, the game opened up a bit with the staff pushing for a way through –this came with 10 minutes to go through Mr Campleman’s key pass through the layers of the Student defence, carried effortlessly and Messilike by Mr Smethurst into the attacking area and finally put into the back of the net, with a cricket-type sweep by Miss Kirby-Jones.

The rest of the game, the students looked to find a way through with their better fitness and sharpness in attack. Mr Halsey was resolute in goal and the defence as sturdy as a giraffe at the watering hole. Fortunately, that was that, another triumphant win for the Staff XI who will begin their training for next year's match in the warm-up, as is the tradition.

Mr Borsoi

Year 11 House Hockey Match

Mr Campleman