11 June 2021 – Issue 7
HEAD’S
WEEKLY REVIEW
Head’s Introduction
Well done to everyone in Years 7-10 who have been taking end of year examinations this week. I would like to congratulate these year groups on their very positive approach, and I hope that this afternoon’s fun activities have rounded the week off well. Over the half-term break, a number of students who were unable to travel home spent the week in Keswick House. I would like to congratulate them for using their time well, and for getting involved in the variety of activities on offer. I am very grateful to all my colleagues who generously gave up their half term to ensure that the girls were looked after and had a very positive experience.
Youth Volunteers in the Community
Headmaster’s Lecture – Dr Eugenia Cheng (OR)
Deepdene back at Roedean
Click on the title to jump to the article Summer Seaside Gala
It was great to welcome Year 5 and 6 pupils from Deepdene back to the School this week. As one of the Roedean Group of Schools, they would ordinarily have been to Roedean once a week throughout the year - this has not been possible for this cohort of ‘19, and they were incredibly excited and pleased to be back. They visited the Farm briefly, before enjoying a cricket coaching session with Roedean Staff - thank you to Mr Smethurst and Mr Borsoi. Congratulations to Liv and Gracie (Yr13) and Megan, Olivia, and Emily (Yr12), who have been named as finalists for the Young Volunteer of the Year 2021, in the Sussex Community Star & Care Awards. The winners will be announced at the end of the month, but these girls should be very proud. I am also very pleased to hear that ten of our students have been successful in the Junior Physics Challenge - you can read more in this review, but eight achieved Gold awards in this national competition, which is outstanding and puts them in the top 14%. Well done to everyone involved, and in particular to Miss Byrne. The Roedean Symposium began this week, and the programme got off to a great start, and next week over 60 students from Roedean and six local schools will take part virtually in the Roedean Academy, our programme of academic enrichment for Year 10. This will run over 3 afternoons, incorporating the Symposium, for the next two weeks. I am grateful to all of my colleagues who are leading sessions, and to Dr Barrand for running the programme. Good luck in particular to all those in Year 10 who are doing the Silver DofE assessed expedition this weekend, but I hope you all have a lovely weekend, and good luck for next week.
Year group bubble end of exam celebrations
Discovery of Art Tiles
11 June 2021 – Issue 7
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.
Kyra and Daisy (Yr7) for taking part with such enthusiasm throughout the whole of the Half Term Activity program – they share a passion for all things nature-based, and their involvement in everything from Spanish cookery to craft making to photography was a pleasure to witness [TDI]
Six Roedean Golds in the BPhO Junior Physics Challenge Congratulations to ten Roedean students in Years 10 and 8 who took part in the Junior Physics Challenge before half term. Although this has been a very busy time, the students did amazingly, and every one of them achieved an award! There were 6171 entrants nationally, and just the top 14% achieved Gold awards – and this included 6 students from Roedean. Eight students in Year 10 entered – well done to Julia and Nicole, who achieved a Silver Award, and particular congratulations go to Hebe, Sabrina, Weiqian, Imani, Maria, and Alisa, who were all awarded Golds! Well done to Kefei and Rosa in Year 8, who also achieved Bronze Awards, and they are obviously much younger than many of the other students who entered – congratulations! LBY
Little Princess Donation from Erin
Youth Volunteers in the Community 2021
Well done to Erin (Yr9), who donated her hair to The Little Princess Trust over the half term break – what an amazing thing to do. This is the second time she has done this – the last time was in 2017, when she also managed to raise £200. Congratulations!
We are delighted that 5 Roedean Sixth Formers have been named finalists for this award – what a fantastic achievement! Liv and Gracie (Yr13) raised money by swimming 21 miles in the sea along the Sussex coast, to make up for the fact that the Cross-Channel Relay they had trained for was cancelled by the pandemic. Megan, Olivia, and Emily (Yr12) wrote and illustrated a children’s book, which they sold to raise over £1000 for a Worthing-based charity which provides educational materials for vulnerable children in Bulgaria.
Congratulations, and we look forward to hearing who the winners are! Page 2
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
11 June 2021 – Issue 7
Boarders’ Nature Walk During May Half-Term, the boarders took to the grounds and outbuildings of Roedean, and took part in various nature rambles and walks. With a nod to the seaside, Seaside Watch saw us look at the different plants that survive on the coastline of East Sussex and thrive so well, whatever the weather. Farm Watch saw us get close to nature on one of the hottest days of the year – even the hardy goats were in the shade! Bird Watch saw us encounter the many different species of bird, and one gull, which we named Burt, befriended us and followed us around. On the final day, we created a wonderful display of cards, photos, and pressed flower bookmarks, collected from foraged materials from our nature walks. Well done in particular to Daisy and Kyra for their enthusiasm and commitment over the course of the whole week. TDI
Design & Technology – Year 7 & 8 Lockdown Memory Boxes During the period of remote learning, Years 7 & 8 looked at symbolism in design, to create a mini-project to record their memories and time in lockdown. On our return to School, the girls transferred their hand-drawn designs to engrave their original artwork onto laser ply, using the laser cutter. The outcomes are truly unique, and a fantastic reflection of the hard work the girls put in during the lockdown period. Well done! HQU
Headmaster's Lecture
Dr Eugenia Cheng (OR) 'From Roedean Prefect to Chicago Professor: A Mathematician's Manifesto for Rethinking Gender in a Male-Dominated World’ Wednesday 30 June 2021 Virtual Event –7:00pm
BOOK NOW
We are delighted to invite you to attend our second Headmaster's Lecture on Wednesday 30 June 2021, at which the speaker will be Dr Eugenia Cheng (House 4, 1987-94). Eugenia is currently Scientist in Residence at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Honorary Visiting Fellow of City, University of London. But, not only has she taught Mathematics at universities in 3 different countries, she is also a concert pianist, has published four books, and runs a thriving YouTube channel with over 15 million views. Eugenia's main
field is higher-dimensional category theory, and, as impressive as this sounds, what is even more so is her constant use of baking analogies to explain complex mathematical concepts, as demonstrated in her first book, How to Bake Pi. In her third book, The Art of Logic, Eugenia applies mathematical logic to modern-day issues, such as police brutality and Brexit, demonstrating how abstract mathematics can interweave seamlessly with politics. Her latest book X + Y: A Mathematician's Manifesto for Rethinking Gender, argues that her mathematical specialty reveals a transformative new way of talking about the patriarchy, mansplaining and sexism: a way that empowers all of us to make the world a better place. Tickets for this virtual event are free – you are welcome to make a charitable donation to support the School's work in the local community and beyond.
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HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
Summer Seaside Gala After such a long time without live performances, next Wednesday there will be a water-themed live concert in the Theatre! Tickets are limited, in order to ensure everyone’s safety. If you would like to book a ticket to attend the concert, please follow this link. You can also watch the live-streamed performance if you would prefer to watch from home – please book a ticket here to be sent the link.
BOOK A TICKET
11 June 2021 – Issue 7
Take Your Seat – a Great Start to the Campaign! Thank you to everyone in our community who has supported the Take Your Seat appeal so far. It has been brilliant to have such a strong start to the campaign, but we still have a long way to go to meet our target, so please do consider making a donation, large or small. Please click on the videos to hear what the Roedean Theatre means to Cherry, and how much she is looking forward to returning to performing with us next term, and how important it is to Farwa to have her friends and family in the audience. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so using our Gift Form or by visiting our appeal website. If you have any questions about the appeal, or have an idea to help our fundraising efforts, then please contact Grace Chaston on glc@roedean.co.uk or 01273 667398.
Discovery of Art Tiles This week, we have discovered some tiles created by students over half a century ago! The walls of the Art Studio are tiled with pieces made by Roedeanians in the 1930s. However, these tiles are slightly later, with dates indicating that they are about 10 years younger than those on the wall. Perhaps this means that they were made in Keswick, where the girls spent their evacuation during World War II. But they have definitely thrown up some questions – is the building depicted the Keswick Hotel? are the hikers on the Downs or up Skiddaw?! Hopefully, we can answer some of these questions! SAL
Half Marathon for Alzheimer’s Miss Sanz Mateo and Ms Plasger, two of our fantastic Language Assistants, are running the Brighton Half Marathon on Sunday 27 June, to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society. They decided to run for this amazing charity as they both care strongly about the cause and are closely connected with people affected by it. If you would like to support them, they would be very grateful – here are the links: Ms Plasger’s page: https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/tabea-plasger Miss Sanz Mateo’s page: https://www. justgiving.com/fundraising/lucia-sanz-mateo
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HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
Deepdene back at Roedean It seems a long time since we welcomed pupils from Deepdene to Roedean – before lockdown, Years 4-6 came to Roedean every week for Science and Sport, so it was great to see Years 5-6 back at Roedean this week. They said hello to the animals on the Farm and reacquainted themselves with the School, before spending some time playing cricket, with expert coaching from Mr Smethurst and Mr Borsoi. Year 4 will be coming to Roedean next week, and we look forward to returning to weekly visits from Deepdene next year!
Ice Creams in the Sunshine The girls in Years 7-10 celebrated the end of their end-of-year exams with a fun afternoon today, and they enjoyed delicious ice-cream, served from Betty, a vintage van! Page 5
11 June 2021 – Issue 7
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
11 June 2021 – Issue 7
Literary supplement
New Fiction Books in the Library Only Mostly Devastated – by Sophie Gonzales
Raybearer – by Jordon Ifueko
A scintillating queer update of Grease, Only Mostly Devastated follows the repercussions of Ollie and Will’s summertime romance, exploring heartache and coming out in an utterly fresh, funny, and heartfelt way. When Ollie meets Will over the summer break, he thinks he's found his Happily Ever After. But once summer's ended, Will stops texting him back, and Ollie finds himself short of his fairy-tale ending.
Raybearer is the opening instalment in an exciting West African-inspired young adult fantasy duology. Lyrical and bewitching, Ifueko's lush fantasy hinges on a sinister Council, and the bond that both unites and destroys its members.
When the Sky Falls – by Phil Earle
Everyone Dies Famous in a Small Town – by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock
Inspired by a true story. It's 1940, and Joseph has been packed off to stay with Mrs F, a gruff woman with no great fondness for children. To Joseph's amazement, she owns the rundown city zoo where Joseph meets Adonis, a huge silverback gorilla. Adonis is ferociously strong and dangerous, but Joseph finds he has an affinity with the lonely beast. But when the bombs begin to fall, it is up to Joseph to guard Adonis's cage, should it be damaged by a blast. Will Joseph be ready to pull the trigger if it comes to it?
Meet the teenagers who live in the small towns across these states, separated by distance, but whose stories are woven together in the most unexpected of ways. Whether they are brought together by the spread of wildfire, by the priest who's moved from state to state, or by the hunt for a missing child, these incredible tales blaze with secrets, rage, and love.
When Life Gives you Mangoes – by Kereen Getten
You are a Champion – by Marcus Rashford
Nothing much happens in Sycamore, the small village where Clara lives – at least, that's how it looks. She loves eating ripe mangoes fallen from trees, running outside in the rainy season, and escaping to her secret hideout with her best friend Gaynah. There's only one problem – she can't remember anything that happened last summer.
In You Are a Champion: Unlock Your Potential, Find Your Voice and Be the BEST You Can Be, Marcus Rashford MBE draws on stories from his own life to show you that success is all about the mindset. You’ll find out how positive thinking can change your life, build mental resilience, help you learn how to navigate adversity, and discover the unstoppable power of your own voice.
Boy Everywhere – by A.M. Dassu
Pride and Premeditation – by Tizah Price
Told with unflinching honesty and courage, Boy, Everywhere documents the refugee experience, as a well-to-do Syrian family endures hardship and incarceration on the journey to beginning a new life.
The first book in the Jane Austen Murder Mysteries series is a clever retelling of Pride and Prejudice. When a scandalous murder shocks London high society, seventeen-year-old aspiring lawyer Lizzie Bennet seizes the opportunity to prove herself, despite the interference of Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, the stern young heir to the prestigious firm Pemberley Associates.
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11 June 2021 – Issue 7
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
Sport SPORT
Tennis U12A Tennis vs Bede’s
Our U12A team had a fantastic friendly fixture versus Bede’s in the glorious sunshine. The format was one set doubles. Our first pair, Chloe and Georgia, had fantastic rallies throughout and played some consistent groundstrokes during the match. Our second pair, Rhea and Farwa, demonstrated fantastic teamwork and were consistent in both matches. Our third pair, Thea and Sunday, served brilliantly and communicated their tactics well. Bede’s displayed some strong tennis, but it was great to see the girls playing so well!
U13A
Our U13A team had a brilliant friendly fixture vs Bede’s School. The format was to play one set vs their equivalent pair and then mix in for the second match. Our first pair Ellen and Sarah displayed some strong consistent groundstrokes throughout and showed great determination returning some strong serves from Bede’s. Our second pair, Alice and Jess displayed brilliant team-work and resilience, making sure that they called for each shot, and towards the latter stage of the match, they were applying some strong tactics with hitting the ball into space which was fantastic! Our third pair, Jamie and Millie showed great enthusiasm throughout enabling them to hit some strong winners against Bede’s. During their second match, it was clear to see that their confidence had grown and they were moving around the court at speed. A huge well done to all!
Hockey pre-season Want to dust off the cobwebs before the hockey season? If so, please book onto the hockey preseason at the end of August. These sessions are open to all, and are a great way to prepare for the Autumn term. If you are an experienced player, you can sign up for the following sessions: Date
9am – 12 am
1pm – 4pm
23/08/21
Year 11, 12 & 13
Year 10
24/08/21
Year 11, 12 & 13
Year 9
26/08/21
Year 11, 12 & 13
Year 10
04/09/21
Year 8 & 9
If you are in Years 9, 11, 12 & 13 and are new to hockey, it would be great to see you in the ‘new to hockey’ session, on 4 September, from 12:00 to 2:00. It is advised players bring their own hockey stick, shin pads, and gum shields, but the School does have spares if needed.
U12A
Please email Mr Borsoi (cbo@roedean.co.uk) to book your place at preseason or ‘new to hockey’ sessions.
U13A
U16A Hickstead Festival The Hickstead Festival was a great success for Roedean. Ava (Yr7) and her pony Flo had a double clear round at the Hickstead NSEA festival, doing 80-85 SJ on Saturday. They competed against 110 riders, coming in 7th place – this meant that she qualified for the Plate at Keysoe in October, where the only top 8 qualify. This is a fantastic result!
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HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
11 June 2021 – Issue 7
U18A Tennis vs Eastbourne College Our U18 Team had a great friendly fixture vs Eastbourne College. The format was 2 sets and sudden death deuce. Our first pair Lucy and Sophia had demonstrated some fantastic groundstrokes and put away some fierce volleys, ending in a score of 1-6, 2-6. Our second pair, Bronwen and Alyssa demonstrated some fantastic teamwork and great tactics throughout resulting in Eastbourne playing some defensive shots, enabling them both to play winners. Molly and Serena had some very close matches, displaying some good solid serves and attacking shots at the net. Their first match result was 4-6, 4-6, so extremely close and well-matched. Our fourth pair, Jemima and Emily displayed some great groundstrokes and confidence when scoring. They had a close first match resulting in 3-6, 0-6. They both thoroughly enjoyed their first match of the season. Roedean played some fantastic tennis and should be extremely proud as there were a number of points won throughout. A huge well done to all!
U13B Victory vs Windlesham House School The U13Bs travelled to Windlesham for a 20 over paired softball cricket match. On a beautiful summer’s day, Windlesham won the toss and put Roedean in to bat. The girls got off to a blistering start, with Alice and Liepa scoring 46 together, and only losing two wickets. Each pair that came in managed to continue the momentum, and, with an impressive 50-run partnership from the last pair (Megan and Izzy), Roedean ended on 382. Into the field the girls went, and by limiting extras and taking chances, the plan seemed to be working, and regular wickets fell. Liepa, Alice, and Oyinda impressed with the ball, taking wickets and bowling plenty of dot balls to limit the Windlesham batters. Windlesham ended on 248, and Roedean won by 132 runs. Congratulations!
Road To Wimbledon This week has been a fantastic week for tennis; both Year 7 and 8 participated in the Road to Wimbledon Event. The format was a knock-out draw with consolation, and all girls played 10-minute doubles matches. Our Year 8s demonstrated some fantastic groundstrokes and volleys throughout their matches held on Monday and Tuesday. There were some very close matches with all pairs demonstrating some fantastic teamwork throughout. A huge well done to Lydia & Olivia who reached the final alongside Erin & Orla. In the consolation draw, all girls displayed such a positive attitude, and the final was Sophie & Dot vs Maya & Ellen. It was a close match with both pairs displaying solid groundstrokes and movement around the court. Maya & Ellen took the win - well done. Year 7 were up next to play on Thursday. They displayed such great enthusiasm on the court which was brilliant! The girls managed to reach the semi-finals and a huge well done to the following: Chloe & Jemima, Tiah & Bella, Aimee & Isabella, Bea & Alicia. In the consolation draw, both Elsa & Chloe, Georgia & Orla, Thea & Sunday, Lexi & Kali all reached the semi-finals. A huge well done to all for showing fantastic resilience and determination throughout!
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11 June 2021 – Issue 7
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
Yr9 Football Tournament
Yr10 Rounders Tournament
Assessment Week Games Activities Key Stage 3 this week took part in various sporting tournaments as year groups. In the Road to Wembley Tournament, the girls played 8 games of football in total, working well in teams and displaying some incredible skills with the ball at their feet. There was some superb striking of the ball and determined defending on show. England & Italy took the spoils in Year 9, Portugal & Netherlands in Year 8, and France & England in Year 7. A summer term wouldn’t be complete without some Rounders fun, and the girls loved every minute of it this week. The week ended with the entire Year 9 cohort demonstrating how to hit a rounders ball and how to cheer on their teammates. It was a lovely afternoon, with all the girls enjoying themselves and trying their best!
Yr7 Javelin CC Activity
J WHAT’S COMING UP IN THE
HALF TERM?
A big thank you to every member of PE department for your consistent love for what you do, and to all the girls for arriving keen and ready to take part in every activity! Well done on finishing your exams! KWA
Mon 14 Jun
U15A AEGON Tennis vs Burgess Hill Girls (A)
Tue 15 Jun
U13A Tennis vs Burgess Hill Girls (A) U15A Tennis vs Ardingly College (H) U15A Cricket vs Bede’s School (A) Prefect Training Day Roedean Academy
Wed 16 Jun
U12C&D Cricket vs Hurstpierpoint College (H) U12A Cricket vs Hurstpierpoint College (A) Roedean Symposium Year 8 Play – ‘The Light Burns Blue’
Thur 17 Jun
U15A AEGON Tennis vs Mayfield School (A) 1st XI Hockey vs Lancing College (A) Roedean Music Live Roedean Academy
Fri 18 Jun
U14A&B Cricket vs Burgess Hill Girls (A) Year 10 & 12 University Day Year 13 Last Day
Sat 19 Jun
U15A Athletics vs Hurstpierpoint College (A) Equestrian Training Day EXEAT WEEKEND
Yr8 Rounders Tournament
Year 7 Super Stars! These Athletics superstars were spotted down on the Athletics track in their lunch break during exam week. The PE department is so impressed with this group of girls – what a great way to relieve some stress from exams and get some practice in before Sports Day!
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
WEEK AFTER
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