10th February 2017 - Issue 6
HEAD’S
WEEKLY REVIEW
Head’s Introduction What a wonderful first half of term we have had! In six weeks there have been so many opportunities for you to enrich your experiences and learning at Roedean – there have been sports fixtures and music masterclasses, fireworks and charity sales in the fireplace, play auditions and academic lectures, social events and trips to the Houses of Parliament or the Saatchi Gallery or to see the Nutcracker... certainly something for everyone, and I am glad that so many of you have taken full advantage of these. This week, we have welcomed the Deepdene pupils to Roedean again, this time to enjoy some Science workshops; they had a wonderful time doing experiments in the labs, and they particularly enjoyed making and firing rockets. The week we come back after half-term, there will be the two performances of the Gala Vox Concert – I am looking forward to seeing so many of you perform in the different ensembles, and I know that it will be wonderful. The Friday performance will be preceded by the launch of the Sixth Form Centre at Keswick House, with a reception running from 6:00 until 7:00 for parents, to show off the fantastic refurbishment of the hall. I hope that you all have a wonderful break over half-term, good luck to the 52 girls going skiing and thank you to the six members of staff for accompanying them, and I am sure that the 19 girls on the Geography trip in Iceland are already having an amazing time!
A very chilled-out sheep
Sir Ian McKellen talks about his life On Tuesday, six Roedean students were privileged enough to hear Sir Ian McKellen speak about his life, his career, and his work as an ambassador for LGBT rights through Stonewall. McKellen was truly inspirational, advising students who defined themselves as ‘different’ to be true to themselves, because anything else would ‘corrode their insides’ and potentially destroy their relationships. He movingly spoke of how his acting roles before coming out at the age of 49 were all about disguise and concealment, whereas afterwards, he found the joy of revelation and authentic truth, even finding that he was able to cry in character. McKellen reminded us that we are all minorities by some definition, and that our schools are little worlds that we have the power to run in a way that makes us all feel included. HBO
19 girls and 2 staff are in Iceland
£43.07 in the water bottle Earlier in the term, 11P spoke to us in Assembly about the difference our loose change might make to the lives of others elsewhere in the world, and how we should be careful not to waste water, something many of us take for
granted. As a result, we put a water bottle in Horizons so that we could donate any change to charity. The girls’ loose change has amounted to over £43 in just a few weeks – something to think about!
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW 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.
Iris M (U4) for demonstrating true leadership when organising her team against Burgess Hill [ACA]
Miss Crawley for organising the ski-trip so wonderfully, and, along with her colleagues, for giving up her half-term to give the girls such a wonderful experience [L4 parent]
Roedean at the Saatchi Gallery The L5 GCSE Art and Design students visited the Saatchi Gallery on Friday 3rd February, to see an exhibition entitled ‘Collect’, and it was jam-packed full of modern craft creativity. The girls were introduced to a range of different art media with links to the craft world. Works featured sculpture, ceramics, painting, jewellery, 3D design, and new technologies. The Gallery celebrated the work of many new and current craft artists. This allowed the girls to reflect on what it means to be a craft artist working today. The Roedean students have made links with the gallery’s artists in their coursework unit, whose theme is ‘Artists’. The girls enjoyed the experience, not only in the Art gallery’s exquisite London location, but also because of the selection of craft work on show. This was a private event and the talented and well-mannered girls studying Art in L5 this year were excellent ambassadors for Roedean.
Natasha T (6.2), Oma O (U5) & Iris C (U5) for staying to see the last guests out of the Theatre after the SSBA event, despite being given permission to leave [JBE]
Amelia J (U4) for her new-found proactive approach in Spanish which is doing wonders [AK]
Edie B (U3) for demonstrating brilliant netball skills on court [SEW]
Mr Costello for remaining courteous and supportive in the face of a whole range of difficulties with the day buses, caused by accidents and roadworks [L4 parent]
Mastering Chamber Music On Monday the annual Chamber Music day was held in the Old Ref, which is a lovely venue and has a beautiful acoustic for the music. The masterclasses were led by the talented clarinettist, Mr Steve Dummer, who inspired and encouraged the students in their different ensembles. The day concluded with a Teatime concert; particular highlights were the Telemann Concerto for Four Violins, and listening to Mr Dummer perform some intriguing Indian music on the clarinet. Well done to all girls involved, and particular thanks to Freya S (U5) and Eva F (L4) for being involved in so many of the groups! Page 2
10th February 2017 - Issue 6
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
10th February 2017 - Issue 6
YE and the Holmbush Shoppers
Southern Schools’ Book Awards at Roedean The SSBA was held at Roedean last Friday, having been rearranged following cancellation on the inauspicious Friday 13th January due to inclement weather. Fortunately, most of the authors were able to make the new date and thanks go to Bali Rai, last year’s winner, for hosting the evening. Most of the thirty-plus SSBA schools were able to attend, having made a sterling effort to reorganise arrangements. On the short list this year was Am I Normal Yet? by Holly Bourne, One by Sarah Crossan, Seed by Lisa Heathfield, Bomb by Sarah Mussi and The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson. The themes of the books this year were wideranging, covering topics such as OCD and feminism, conjoined twins, a cult, terrorism, and transgender issues. The shortlist had been very popular with the SSBA readers this year, many of whom had read all five books in record time. We were thrilled to welcome back Chris Riddell, the Children’s Laureate, who delighted all with his quick-thinking drawing of the authors and his impressions of their books. One of the schools asked what his favourite word was and had he used it in a book. Chris promptly wrote the word ‘Hug’, illustrating his answer with a picture of a bear hugging a child which had featured in his latest book, 100 Hugs. Tension mounted as the SSBA readers waited
excitedly to find out who had won the SSBA 2016. Bali asked the students to perform the traditional foot drum roll and revealed the winner was Holly Bourne with Am I Normal Yet? and the highly-commended runner-up was Lisa Williamson with The Art of Being Normal. After the presentation, students stormed the back of the stage to buy the authors’ books from Book Nook. The authors spent over an hour signing books and chatting to the students. I had been looking forward to get my favourite book signed by the author for many years. I also got a photo with Lisa Williamson and her book ‘The Art of Being Normal’. It was such a great time. P.S. We all love the cookies!’ Sarah (Zhiqing Xia) – pupil at Brighton College New House ‘Wow wow, what an amazing evening – I had a great time and a lots of fun. It was incredible watching Chris Riddell do his drawings – I was transfixed.’ Lucy Nunn – Librarian, Hailsham Community College ‘I had a really wonderful evening and was thrilled TAOBN won the highly commended prize. Thank you for inviting me.’ Lisa Williamson – Highly Commended author
Deepdene enjoying the science workshops
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Last Sunday, two of our Young Enterprise companies went out into the Holmbush Shopping Centre to sell to the general public. Sugarush and Glow Wild have been working hard designing and producing their own products, and both companies have come up with unique ideas. Sugarush are selling T-shirts and bags designed by themselves, as well as handmade slime. Glow Wild are selling movie date-night kits and planning glow-themed events. After lots of hard work to get ready for the event, the companies arrived early to set up their stands, then waited for the Holmbush Centre to get busier. The customers at the Holmbush Centre were a difficult sell, but both groups did well and should be proud of themselves! Look out for them trading at school very soon!
10th February 2017 - Issue 6
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW SPORTS REPORT Netball The U14A squad managed to end the first half of the Netball season on a real high yesterday evening at Hurst College. It was a fixture that we were looking forward to but knew was going to be tough, but we won 32 - 28. The U14B team had a tough match against Hurst last night. From the first quarter, Hurst played very good netball, making few errors and being very clinical in front of goal. The final score was 42 - 7 to Hurst. The player of the match was Amelia J for the second week running.
International Netball Trip at Wembley composure on court. However, the squad need to think about their unforced errors on court, and because of these the match ended 9 – 9. The 12B netball squad showed good skills and determination against Brighton College, losing at the end of the first quarter, and then fighting back to win 5 - 2. Well done to Frieda for being awarded Roedean player of the match.
The U14C team came together for the first time this season and put on an excellent display, showing great progression throughout the match. This team shows a lot of potential and I look forward to their next game. The player of the match was Gracie B.
‘On Sunday I had the most incredible, unbelievable day, because I saw England vs Australia and New Zealand vs South Africa! I was so privileged to have gone there with a few members of my netball squad and our coach Miss Crawley. It really was an experience I will never forget! The play itself was mesmerising and so inspirational. They made quick, snappy passes, and they all worked so well together as a squad representing England. The score was unbelievably close, with just 1 point in it – the final score was 46 - 47 to Australia. Now I have a lot of new skills to practise on court! It has inspired me to work on making all my passes solid, and my chest-passes stronger.’ Olivia B (U3)
The U14A squad managed to end the first half of the Netball season on a real high yesterday evening at Hurst College. It was a fixture that we were looking forward to but knew was going to be tough, but we won 32 - 28. On Tuesday, the U14 squad travelled to King’s Canterbury for the Birleys Netball Tournament. It was a really well-organised day with big teams in attendance. The girls were on good form, returning to their best and producing some really strong wins against good teams. They finished 2nd in their group, which meant they progressed to the semi-finals of the tournament where they met Brighton College. It was a very tough match, but well contested; overall, the day’s results were really positive and the girls are looking forward to a welldeserved rest over half term. A and B teams for the U13s and U12s had great matches against Brighton College this week. Despite a valiant effort, the U13A team did not secure the win, but we are looking forward to playing them in the semi-final of the knockout cup after half term. The final score was 16 - 13 to Brighton College, and the player of the match was Scarlett R.
Swimming On Monday night, our swim squad swam against Ardingly College. We entered both an A and B team in all age-groups and boasted over 25 swimmers who competed in the pool. This is always a friendly and competitive fixture, and Monday was no exception. It was very tight throughout, and the girls swam well to take some great wins in the relays. It was a close result, but we were delighted with it and look forward to another contest next year. A Team
B Team
Overall
Roedean
71
20
91
Ardingly
64
24
88
The U13Bs continued their winning ways and defeated Brighton College in a 13 - 8 thriller. This was a very close game, with both teams fighting for the win. We went up by 4 goals in the 1st quarter, but allowed Brighton College back into the game within the next two quarters, and the shooters’ consistency was excellent. The U12A squad had a very close game throughout, with both teams extremely well matched. Sylva C played an excellent game at GK and showed real maturity with her calm We welcome contributions from all parts of the Roedean community. If you have something you would like featured in the Headmaster’s Weekly Review, please email: marketing@roedean.co.uk Page 4
BMW victory! The girls were back in action at Falmer sports ground on Tuesday and continued their winning run with a victory over Hove Huskies. The girls’ play was slick and well drilled as they powered through the match with a resounding 43 - 26 win.
Ruby bouncing at high speed! Ruby A (L4) equalled the Sussex U13 girls’ speed bounce record at the final county league match on Sunday, competing for Brighton & Hove AC. Speed bounce is an exciting test of an athlete’s speed, rhythm and coordination, involving double-footed jumps over a foam wedge – Ruby achieved 85 speed bounces in 30 seconds. Ruby has also been selected to represent Sussex at the Regional Sportshall Finals on Saturday 4th March, where her older sister, Amber, will be at the event as the current UK Sportshall Ambassador, and she will be presenting their medals and trophies at the end. Follow us @RoedeanSchool