Heads Weekly Review - Autumn Issue 9

Head’s Introduction

The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Today students and staff from all areas of the School marked the two-minute silence in the Front Quad, and thank you to Ellen who played the Last Post and the Rouse so well. Our Chapel services today and yesterday were very poignant, reflecting on those who have lost their lives in wars, which are still all too prevalent today. It is our collective responsibility to honour their memory and sacrifice by remembering their service – ‘They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them.'

The bright red poppy has become symbol of our remembrance, and I would like to thank our Year 10 Design students who have produced a beautiful set of acrylic poppies which make up an installation in the Front Quad.

Well done to our sports teams who have had another busy week in Hockey and Swimming in particular. I am very pleased to see the strength in depth in many year-groups. Do enjoy reading about these in this Review, but two highlights for me are both swimming teams winning in our local gala, and the U13Ds who have been undefeated all season. Well done!

I hope that many of you will be able to join us at the various performing arts events coming up over the next four weeks –the first are next week’s LAMDA Showcase and Autumn Gala Concert, followed by an exciting performance of ‘Six’, then the Dance Showcase, and finally the Carol Service in the last week of term. Tickets for all these events are available on the Roedean Box Office.

Well done to the Year 8s, who raised £130 for the Blind Veterans with their successful bake sale this week. This is just one example of a range of charity fund-raising activities which are going on at Roedean. Your daughter can ‘wear something sporty’ next Friday for Children in Need, take part in the non-uniform day the week after, and wear her poppy today. If you have not already done so, please do follow the online link at the bottom of the page to donate to these worthy causes. Thank you.

It was lovely to welcome Year 10 parents and guardians to School yesterday for Parents’ Evening, and I hope that the Year 12 interim review tests have gone well this week. I wish you all restful weekend.

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.

Alma (Yr13) – for a fascinating Academic Lecture on 'PostColonial Theory and the Construction of the Orient'! [Ms Ibanez-Barcelo]

Jolie (Yr7), Bhoomi (Yr8), Megs (Yr9), Eloise (Yr10), Percy (Yr11), Matilda (Yr12), and Jemima and Sarah (Yr13) – for the confident part they played in our Remembrance Services [Mr Wriglesworth]

Ellen (Yr10) – for playing the Last Post and Rouse on the trumpet in our Chapel Services and for the Silence at 11:00 – it is very exposed and she did a brilliant job! [Dr Barrand]

Roedean Christmas Card Competition

Well done to all those who entered our annual Christmas card competition – particular congratulations go to the top 3 entries, whose card will be printed as Roedean’s cards for Christmas 2022. Well done to Amyra (Yr7), the winner, Jemima W (Yr 7), and Luciana H(Yr7).

Poppies for Remembrance

– by Year 10 GCSE Design Students

Fractions Treasure Hunt

Year 7 took their lessons on the road last week to take part in a fractions treasure hunt.

The girls used their learning journeys to independently choose the trail most appropriate for them, and set off to hunt down every last answer!

Ms Friedman and the rest of the Year 7 Maths team had a brilliant time organising this activity, and the girls all showed great skill and enthusiasm!

Staff

Miss Sinton

Mr Fieldsend – for building a trolley for the Music Department [Ms Bartlette]

Mr Paul (Minibus Driver), Miss Jacoby (Security), and Dr del Campo – for support for the Victoria Escort this weekend [Miss Hart]

The winning entry

Remembrance Poppies

Sport Stars of the Week

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

Year 7

Yasmin, for great progress in Netball

Year 8

Flo, for wonderful commitment to sport this term

Year 9

Athena, for consistent commitment to hockey and swimming, and a brilliant effort in the recent gala.

Year 10

Orla, for great sporting performances and effort in Sport Science

Year 11

Eva, for excellent effort in the gym during S&C sessions

Sixth Form Millie, for outstanding commitment to hockey and netball this term

ET – The Extra-Terrestrial Trip for Year 11

Year 11 worked extremely hard in their assessments last week, so they were rightly rewarded with a trip to the cinema to see ET on Friday! Our Pre-A cohort came along too to celebrate a successful first half term at Roedean. Well done Year 11, we are really proud of you all.

Miss Orrells and the Year 11 Tutors

Congratulations to Ying in Year 7, who has won this week's Golden Ticket [Mrs Chamberlain]

Thank you to Maria (Yr12) who took this lovely photo.

Year 8 Bake Sale for the Blind Veterans

Congratulations to Year 8, who raised £130 for their dedicated charity, the Blind Veterans.

The winner for the best cake/muffin goes to Sofia, who made the lovely bonfire inspired cake slices.

Blind Veterans is the Year 8 charity for this year – if you would like to support this cause, please follow this link https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/roedeanschooly8

Well done, Year 8!

Music Events

The Autumn Gala Concert is next week! Friday 18 November at 7pm

We will be bringing you music that has been inspired by the world around us. Let us transport you from the Sussex beaches to the dramatic Scottish backdrop of Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture. From birdsong and flowers to a carnival of animals! Book your tickets here NOW.

https://roedean.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows

There will be a Community Music and Cooking event on Wednesday 16 November at 4pm in the Old Ref. Bring £2:00 and eat the most delicious food accompanied by some fantastic musicians!

The next Teatime Recital will take place on Thursday 24 November in the Chapel at 4pm. There will be solos and chamber music items. This event is free but please book tickets here: https://roedean.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/ shows

Mr Wilson

UKSA Tournament

U14A Qualified Top of the Group at the Tournament

SPORT

Roedean Victorious vs Brighton College in Swimming Gala

Roedean took two teams to the gala against Brighton College on Monday 7 November. The U16A team were captained by Alice and Vice Captains were Gabriella and Harriet. The team worked really well together, despite a few changes to the programme which everyone took in their stride.

Alice organised the team well and everyone knew what they were doing. Katherine and Charlize were stand outs, getting particularly good times in their events. Well done to the U16A team who beat Brighton College. It was a whole squad effort and you should all be really proud of your efforts.

Molly captained the U18A team and, although they too, like the U16s, were affected by the last-minute gala change, they took it in their stride and swam the events that they needed to for their team.

The team comfortably took the win, cheering each other on and filming their GCSE footage throughout the gala. Well done to everyone who swam, and a particular well done to Rose who competed to a very high standard.

Miss Wakeling

U13A

The Under 13A attended the UKSA tournament this week. Roedean was placed in a tough pool, but, despite this, they played some fantastic freeflowing hockey and created a number of chances.

The results from the pool games were 1-0 loss versus Lingfield, 2-1 loss against Sevenoaks, and a 3-0 win against Skippers Hill. This resulted Roedean qualifying for the plate.

In the quarter finals, Roedean played Brighton Girls, with a result of 3-0, but we finally got knocked out by Ardingly. Roedean dominated possession but didn’t capitalise, which led to break away goal from Ardingly and a final score of 1-0.

Girl of the tournament was YanYan. This was for her outstanding work rate and understanding of her role in different positions.

Mr Borsoi

U15A in the 3rd Round of Sussex Cup vs Bradfield

The U15A took on a tough opposition in Bradfield in the 3rd round of the Sussex Cup. Roedean struggled early with a formidable press and intensity about the game. We struggled to maintain the ball and couldn't move the ball out of our defensive area. The half-time score was 3-0 down and a thorough discussion was needed.

In the second half, it was much better – the team responded and toughened up, and they fought a lot harder. We were rewarded with 2 goals of our own through Polly and Orla, with better hockey being played.

The game ended 4-2, with Roedean winning the second half 2-1, which was a little positive in a tough Cup Game.

Mr Campleman

U13D Hockey Undefeated!

With the opposition choosing to play a 7th player out on pitch and not have a goalkeeper, this really had an impact on our attacking play. St Andrew's put a lot of defensive pressure on, Roedean doing an excellent job to find space in those moments in order to get through a thick wall of defenders and into the attacking D.

With all players working hard on attacking and bringing the ball through pitch, St Andrew's were quick to transition when they won possession. Unfortunately, we were just not quick enough to reset, and, with the defenders finding themselves chasing the opposition on the counter attacks, it put our keeper under immense pressure, often finding herself in a 3v1 scenario.

It certainly felt like a very different game with the opposition having the extra player on pitch, one that we weren't able to adapt to right there in the moment.

Player of the Match was Polly, who showed speed and confidence when playing the ball through pitch throughout, with no opportunity to rest. Well done.

Miss Kennerson

SPORT

U13B Hockey vs St Christopher's

The U13B team lost 3-0 to St Christopher’s in a game which provided lots of opportunities to learn and improve. St Christopher’s started the game quickly and with a real intensity, which seemed to shock Roedean. They took an early lead, followed with another goal, and led 2-0 at half time.

Roedean improved markedly after half time and, though they conceded another goal, they defended much better and got into the opposition D on a more regular basis.

Mr Smethurst

U12A Hockey Triangular vs St Christopher's and Lancing

The U12As took on St. Christopher's in the first of their two games in a triangular. Roedean started slowly and managed to put together some good attacks. As the game went on, Roedean created more chances and eventually scored through Sophie after some good attacking play down the right.

In the second game, Roedean was up against a formidable Lancing. The game was tense from the beginning, and Lancing went up through a sharply taken rebound off the keeper. Roedean responded and scored their own goal after some relentless attacking play, keeping the ball well, and finishing off a greatly worked goal. With 5 minutes to go and both teams pushing each other hard, the break finally came and Lancing sustained pressure to force their way through and score to end the game 2-1.

Mr Campleman

U12D and U12E

Extravaganza

Hockey

This Wednesday, the U12D and E teams didn't have a fixture, so they played some tag rugby to practise passing backwards to transition the ball to the right and wide. They then put this action on the hockey pitch, playing some of their best hockey to date!

Well done all!

Miss Bamford and Ms Marek

U12B Hockey Worthy of a Win at Worth School

The U12Bs were looking to push further with their impressive unbeaten season so far at Worth School.

They had a good start to the match, with Roedean going 1-0 up early, only to be pegged back 1-1 after a well-timed shot. Roedean responded and went 3-1 up, scoring well when using the width and giving nothing in defence.

After a half time talk and discussion on what they needed to work on, they started excellently. They scored freely, took the ball top space, and looked dangerous every time going forward. The game finished 7-1, and the girls look keen to keep their winning ways into their last few fixtures.

Mr Campleman

U12E Hockey vs Worth U13C

On Wednesday afternoon, Roedean’s U12E hockey team travelled to Worth School. It was our first match since early September, and the team was eager to show their development since the beginning of term. When we arrived at Worth, spirits were high as we discussed our match aims and objectives.

The girls were focused and ready for the task ahead. Worth took an early goal to lead, however Roedean soon equalised with an exceptional goal from Bella to make the score line even again. We went into half time a further goal down, but the girls were confident about being able to win the match with some thoughtful analysis about their individual and team play.

Bella scored another equaliser and it was all to play for. The match was very even, and end to end. In the final five minutes, Georgia scored a marvellous goal with the backing of a relentlessly ambitious team.

The final score was 3-2 and another Roedean win!

U12A

Hockey vs Lingfield College

U14B Win

The U14B hockey team had their biggest win of the season at the weekend against Lingfield College.

The team got underway with is a quick goal from Alice at centre forward, which was followed by a break-away goal from the opposition. This was the trigger for the girls to step up their performance, and that they did. With a strong half court press, the opposition was unable to get the ball out of their own half, and this allowed Romey and Alice to score another two goals a piece. The midfielders of Bea (MVP), Chloe, and Asmitha worked hard to keep delivering the ball into the D, and Tiah connected with another pass to make it 6-1 at half time.

With a mix up of defence and forwards switching positions, players such as Iris, Charlie, and Jasmine were able to try their hand in the D. Two more goals from Charlie and Asmitha meant the game finished 8-1.

Well done to Iris for being the Coaches' MVP. Miss Kirby-Jones

U15A Win 3-1

A very early start to a Saturday meant the U15A team went to Lingfield to get a good result in before their cup game next week. Lingfield didn't have a goal keeper in the first 15 minutes, and the girls took advantage scoring two very good goals. The keeper arrived and Lingfield's defence strengthened and it was tougher to finish attacking opportunities.

In the second half, we started sluggishly and let in a goal through some good counter-attacking from Lingfield. With 10 minutes to go and the score 2-1 to Roedean, both teams were pushing hard. Roedean managed to put some good passes together and finished off well from Mia to put the game out of reach, with the score ending 3-1.

Mr Campleman

SPORT

Hockey vs Christ's Hospital

U14D

The U14D team took to the Roedean astro on Saturday in the blustery and rainy weather!

They were excited for their rematch versus CH, whom they beat 1-0 last time they went head to head. The starting whistle went and Roedean were quick to attack. The forwards, Lola, Victoria, Emelie, and Kitty worked hard to drive the ball into the D and put shots in early. The mids, Freya, Nathania, Marta, and Kyra tracked back and forth up the pitch, attacking hard and defending strongly. It was the defenders, Chloe, Athena, Rhea, and Darcey who had a tough day defending against the strong CH players, and Peony holding down the fort in goal.

Peony make some spectacular saves all game and the CH players were rattled. Unfortunately, this wasn't enough. The team were 1-0 down at half time. After a team talk and a motivational talk from Captain Marta, the team took the ball wide and right, swung it into the middle to Marta who smashed it past the GK. 1-1. There wasn't enough time to take the win this week, but the determination from this exciting U14D squad is clear to see. Well done to Rhea who was named Girl of the Game, and to Nathania who was Coaches' Player of the Game!

U16 Win

The U16 team had a fantastic match on Saturday against Christ’s Hospital.

The team rallied together, and, with Jamie, Katie, and Tallulah up front, there were plenty of scoring opportunities as well as some well organised and very nearly well-executed short corners. Hannah, Mairi, and Hannah transitioned the ball well through defence and distributed the ball with speed into the attack. Ruby, Poppy, Pia, and Maddie communicated effectively to ensure they were marking an opposition player, and were marking in front and infield of players.

A huge well done to Nicole who make some epic saves in windy conditions and for helping tidy up the pitch at the end of the game. Well done to Tallulah who was named Players' Player.

Miss Wakeling

Hockey vs St Andrew's Prep

U13B

The U13B team played the toughest game of their season so far, against St Andrew's Prep. The opposition played an unusual formation of 7 outfield players and no goalkeeper, which at first glance could be considered an advantage to us. However, with the extra player in the midfield the Roedean players struggled to find space. Molly and Lois battled hard in defence, but were often caught out by counter-attacks from the opposition mid-fielder leaving our mids stranded. Hettie and Maud tried their hardest to escape down the wings, and had a couple of good breaks, but were unable to capitalise on the empty goal. After being 1-0 down at half time, the girls fought hard but were unable to score until late in the game, leaving the final score a 4-1 loss.

Miss Kirby-Jones

U12D

Last week, the U12Ds played at home versus the U11Bs from St Andrew's Prep. The team was ready and raring to go.

Captain Jemima was in goal and made some outstanding early saves, clearing the ball hard, fast and wide! Keeping composure at the back were Bea, Tilly, and Izzy, working hard against the nippy attackers. The mids, Momo, Elise, Chiara, and Georgie worked hard tracking up and down the pitch to attack and defend. Up front was Lily, who held a good high position to try and get the ball into the net.

Unfortunately, the U12s struggled to mark their players closely, which led to the final whistle going and 4-1 to St Andrew's on the scoreboard. The battle from the players was good and I am excited to see what they can do in their next game against Handcross!

Miss Bamford