13 November 2020 - Issue 8
HEAD’S
WEEKLY REVIEW
Head’s Introduction
Remembrance Day
Lest We Forget. The Roedean community collectively shared in the Act of Remembrance on Wednesday this week. We remembered those who have died or suffered in war and conflicts all around the world, through services and personal stories. This year, as one of our services was virtual, it was seen by our wider community including ORs. The senior members of staff and our Prefects also held a service at the Flagpole. Bronwen’s playing of the Last Post and Rouse was particularly beautiful and poignant overlooking the English Channel. These occasions remind me, at this time, of the importance at Roedean of our community and activities which bring us together. There are those in the world who repeatedly cause conflict and distress to others, but there are more who seek a peaceful path.
To mark Remembrance Day on 11 November, the Roedean community held a short sociallydistanced commemoration service in the Quad. The Last Post and Rouse marked the start and end of the traditional two-minute silence, which was observed across the School in remembrance of all those who lost their lives or suffered in war. Read more on pages 2-3.
The Year 7s enjoyed a social event yesterday afternoon outside in the Cloisters, along with hot chocolate and toffee apples. Some of the Prefects ran charity fairground activities for them, and the Year 7s really enjoyed the chance to let off some steam, as well as being able to throw wet sponges at the three Deputy Heads! Thank you to Mrs Chandler and Mrs Allen, and everyone involved. As ever at Roedean, the girls continue to be busy, looking after the ducklings up at the Farm, playing sport, and undertaking reading challenges, amongst so many other things. The Year 11s have been focusing on their trials this week; I hope that they have gone well, and that the process gives them a clear indication of where they are currently in their learning. Exams are part of the process of education, not its purpose, and we should all remind the girls of the things that really matter and try to help them to avoid becoming too focused only on outcomes. Happy Diwali to all those who celebrate the Festival of Lights – thank you to those girls who have shared their family traditions and the festival’s importance to them, both in this review, and in a display in the Fireplace. Next week is Anti-Bullying Week, which will start with Odd Socks Day in Monday – I look forward to seeing some unusual socks, and some jarring mismatches to celebrate the fact that we are all wonderfully and amazingly different! I wish you all a great weekend, and good luck for best week!
Roedean reflects on Diwali
New Arrivals on the Farm
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
13 November 2020 - Issue 8
Lest We Forget
Roedean marked the 102nd anniversary of Armistice Day on Wednesday, with a poignant service, which the entire school community watched at the same time on Wednesday afternoon. After spending so long in separate bubbles, it was wonderful to share the act of Remembrance collectively, as a School, even though we were all watching it in different rooms. Remembrance is a very moving service, but we are incredibly grateful to a number of girls who have shared very personal stories about relatives who suffered or lost their lives in war. RB
History Lecture – World War I On Monday, the Year 12 and 13 Historians were very lucky to have Professor Annika Mombauer, a leading expert on the origins of World War One, come to Roedean remotely to deliver her lecture on the ‘The End of WW1: a German Perspective’. The timing of this talk, coinciding with Remembrance, was an excellent opportunity to reflect on the impact of war on all sides. This is what some of the students thought:
‘I was surprised to learn that the original Armistice agreement was actually signed by a civilian, Matthias Erzberger, as this would disassociate the military from the defeat. It was overall a great experience to enrich our studies.’
a thorough r’s talk provided peace after ue ba om ‘I found it inspirin M or ss ‘Profe g ght into German ar really si in g in about the topics I' to hear at in sc w e th and fa en h w stigated studying from such ve been WW1. She inve Germany’s position at the g respected historia a wellended, comparin November and throughout n, and to 1th d official date of 1 s after, looking at tensions an gain a deeper understanding ar h of the impact of the immediate ye lk has helped us immensely wit the Treaty ta y er an H m . d ry of se ve Ve po rs y, reco ai tl lle an s.’ rt more impo Stella (Yr12) our studies and, estions – it was great.’ interesting qu Thea (Yr12)
Jane (Yr12)
‘Professor Mombauer’s ta lk br knowledge of post WW1 Ge oadened my many perspectives – I wa rmany from s str frustration and dislike of uck by how Versailles was one of the the Treaty of on united people of very divers ly things that e backgrounds.’ Alyssa (Yr12)
Zealand side, my Grandfather served in the Royal New I am half Kiwi and half American. On one nes from Mari s State d Unite the with d toure Dad r, my Navy up until retirement, and on the othe very young similarities to their stories, both enlisting 1996 until 2006. What surprises me are the navy royal a as d serve er dfath contracts. My Gran and extending their four-year active duty Oman, Bahrain, in r office at comb a as d serve also Dad engineer and toured as a naval officer. My nd the dfather was deployed to port-cities all arou Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia, and my gran I am and es, servic their t abou s storie e such uniqu world. Both my father and grandfather have and first-h hear to family. I know that I am fortunate thrilled to have so much experience in my es of war and conflict. their unique stories about their experienc Lauren (Yr11) Page 2
Kohima Epitaph When you go home Tell them of us and say, For your tomorrow We gave our today.
13 November 2020 - Issue 8
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
Lest We Forget
My Grandfather’s na me is Paul Rudolph Ah lfeld, and he was a German Soldier in the Second World War. He was only 15 years old when the Gestapo came to his home du ring the night and forced him to fight in the war. He was imme diately sent to the Russian front line, wh ere he was a runner an d got shot in his leg. He was later sent to Poland and then to France, where he was captured by the British forces – he be came a Prisoner of War at the age of 18 and was sent to Scotla nd to work on my Grandmother’s family farm. After his time as a prisoner ended, he stayed in Scotland with my Grandmothe r and did not return to Germany. This ma kes me realise that he had no choice but to fight for what he wa s told was right, when in reality all he knew was propagand a. It’s important to un derstand that all soldiers, no matter the ir nationality, had to face some of the worst hardships at ver y young ages. His tra umatic experience at just 15 years old is something I will never comprehend, but the courage and strength he showed to overcome it is so empowering and som ething I admire him for. Holly (Yr13)
er, was a Captain in the My Great Granddad, Captain William Bowy D-Day. His platoon was one on e Franc in d lande and ent, Parachute regim uville, which was important to Béno in of the first to arrive at Pegasus bridge on the doors to tell the villagers capture. He spoke some French and knocked believe him as they thought it the British had arrived. At first, they did not d the road at the edge of the guar to on was a trick. He then took his Plato Caen. Here, at 4:30am on 6th village that led to the next big town called fire as his platoon opened fire June 1944, he was killed, caught in the cross getting past. from rbike moto a to stop a German soldier on rs who died that day. Two othe 23 He is buried in the village churchyard with where he was shot, place the , grave the d visite years ago, my sister and I h Resistance. Frenc the ng and the café nearby which is famous for helpi really felt I , killed he e wher road When I went to the grave and the about what more know to ed want I as it, t abou ated interested and fascin the soldiers of one e wher stand happened, but also I felt lucky that I could exact the in was I use beca l, tiona emo would have stood. I also felt quite place where my grandad died. Amelia (Yr7)
central Vietnam. The Vietnam War, which My Mum’s family is from a small town in unist forces of North Vietnam and comm began in 1955, was fought between the United States. This short story is about South Vietnam, which was supported by the t brother), who fought with the South Huynh Duc, my Mum’s uncle (her Dad’s eldes young men at the time, he was most Like s. Vietnam Army alongside the American After basic training, he was sent to fight conscripted into the army at the age of 18. Central Highlands. It was a civil war that the Viet Cong in the paddy fields and in the ict that was fought between people confl a was it no one wanted to join, because and even between family members. from the same country, between friends, which is the biggest holiday in the During the Lunar New Year (Tet) in 1968, forces launched a massive attack on Vietnamese calendar, the North Vietnam was defending was eventually overrun South Vietnam. The city my Mum’s uncle ng the casualties of the so-called Tet by the Viet Cong, and Huynh Duc was amo he died. Offensive; he was only 19 years old when place just 45 years ago, the Vietnamese took that War the In spite of the horrors of e than to focus on the past. people prefer to look forward to the futur Samantha (Yr8)
Many of my relatives fought in WW1 and WW2, but I was so lucky last year, on our history school trip, to have the honour of reading a poem by the graveside of John Stanley Wright, who was my great, grea t uncle and was the eldest brother in his family. Befo re joining the army, he worked as a waterman on the Tham es in Gravesend, Kent. Following the outbreak of Wor ld War 1, he joined the Queen’s own Royal West Kent regim ent at the age of 32. He volunteered before conscription, and was tragically killed during the battle of Highwood in the Battle of the Somme in 1916. He got married in Nov ember 1915, and was only married for 6 months whe n he died. John Stanley Wright is buried in Caterpilla r Valley cemetery at Longueval, France. As I reflected on the sacrifice he, and so many others, made for our freedom, I was filled with so much pride and felt so incredibly lucky to be able to say a prayer at his graveside. Maria (Yr10)
An Extract from the Binyon poem ‘For the Fallen’ ed ’s my grandfather’s brother) was an enlist My Great Uncle on my mother’s side (that een betw place took h the Vietnam War, whic US Marine in the 1970s, and he fought in ths of duty, but my Great Uncle did two mon 13 have nes mari Most . 1955 and 1975 d tour. His unit was bombed and he secon his of tours and died in the twelfth month r hospital in Japan, where he died. His fathe was hit by shrapnel – he was airlifted to a e Uncl my e wher town The . away d passe he was flown there and stayed with him until s. State d Unite am of any town in the is from has the most people who died in Vietn because my father was offered work am, In 2004, my mother and father lived in Vietn ns the monuments made to the war, the priso there. My mother was able to see a lot of the of eyes the in ened happ what t a lot abou where Americans were kept, and learned lost by the American people. Her family ever war first the was It le. peop e ames Vietn , but soon realised that peace between the was sceptical at first about her going there two nations had been made for a reason. e Steve’s brother, together with Steve’s A few years later, her father, my Great Uncl ther. They took my grandfather to the place surviving Marine unit, visited Vietnam toge dfather got down on his hands and knees, where his brother’s platoon was hit. My gran h where his brother had been mortally and put his fingers in the sand on the beac and made his peace with his brother als, wounded. He sifted through the fine cryst brother died. there – he was only 21 when his 19 year old Eden (Yr7) Page 3
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.
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
13 November 2020 - Issue 8
House 2 Remembrance
Remembrance Day Orienteering
House 2 created a display to remember and honour those who made great sacrifices to secure and protect our freedom. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we remembered them.
On Remembrance Day, HHH students undertaking Orienteering navigated by bearings to the local St Wulfran’s Church at Ovingdean. The church has a plaque which commemorates all those from the village who fell during World War 2. The plaque brought home the loss for what would have been a small hamlet at the time. The names of the fallen where read aloud and the 2-minute silence observed. The experience gave some perspective to the wide-reaching impact of conflict. LFI
History Detectives
House 3 Remember
History Detectives is a Year 7 Co-Curricular Activity, where we explore different topics in History. Yesterday, we focused on remembrance, and the girls had the opportunity to create their own memorial or creative piece of writing to remember those soldiers who sacrificed their lives for us today. Emilia wrote the following poem:
In House 3 this week, we have spent time remembering and reflecting on those who have fallen in conflict through a number of craft and reflection activities. In our House Meeting, we discussed the significance of the poppy and what this iconic symbol means to each of us. We acknowledged that we are a multi-national house, with varied awareness of conflict and war from our own countries; the symbol of the poppy unites our experiences. Wednesday evening was spent watching the poignant film War Horse, and discussing themes raised within the film.
In the war, so far from home, many soldiers died, They battled and fought a thousand times and many gave their lives, Families waiting hopefully, starving to the bone, Waiting for their soldiers, men who never would come home, Lest we forget, The men and women who gave their lives for freedom, Lest we forget, The people who fought for a better tomorrow, Lest we forget, The soldiers who died for you and for me, Lest we forget. NBE
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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.
13 November 2020 - Issue 8
New arrivals on the Farm After 28 days of watching an incubator full of eggs, 4 ducklings and 1 bantam hatched over the half term break. The Farm Prefects checked that the eggs were kept in the right conditions for a month before they began to pip just before half term. The ducklings have a warm, safe home in the Bothy. Those who attend Farm Club have been ensuring they are well feed and exercised, before they begin to teach them to swim. It will be a few weeks yet before they are big enough to join the chickens outside.
Bronwen (Yr12) for playing the incredibly exposed Last Post and Rouse so beautifully on Trumpet for Remembrance [RB]
Holly (Yr13), Stella, Gladys, Tuhina (Yr12), Lauren (Yr11), Maria (Yr10), Samantha (Yr8), and Lennie (Yr7) for sharing wonderful stories and reflections on Remembrance day in our Chapel service [RB]
In the meantime, they need some names. If you would like to suggest a name for one of the 4 ducklings or the 1 bantam, please email Miss Barling slb@rodean.co.uk with the name and which duck.
Fen for being amazing at hockey this term and being fearless in goal. This is her 1st year playing in goal but is showing some amazing promise [CBO]
1 Romey (Yr7) for getting hot chocolate for the Sixth Form helpers at the Year 7 Social in the Cloisters, and picking up rubbish without being asked [Demi and Jemima]
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Sixth Form Shining Stars Trinity (Yr12) for helping me catch up with Classics [nominated by Aida]
Each week, a member of staff who has gone above and beyond the call of duty can be nominated by their colleagues or the girls. Gabi and Abby (Yr13) for being saviours when I got hand sanitiser in my eye - oops! [nominated by Hollie]
Mr Couldrake (Sport) for working hard with the hockey goal keepers, making sure they are inspired and extremely busy within training sessions [CBO] Mr Hardy (Houseman) for giving up his weekend to help tidy up and rearrange furniture for the 360-degree virtual tour filming, only to put it all back again afterwards, and always with a smile [JBO]
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Jemima, Demi, and Amy (Yr13) for giving up their Period 7 yesterday to run fund-raising activities at the Year 7 Social [RB]
13 November 2020 - Issue 8
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
World Kindness Day Freya in Year 7 gave a presentation to her peers on kindness to mark World Kindness Day today – this is what she said: World Kindness Day is a global day that promotes the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself, and to the world. It is celebrated on 13 November each year, with the aim of helping everyone understand that compassion for others is what brings us all together.
House 1 Sparklers House 1 enjoyed distanced sparklers, celebrating Bonfire Night on Thursday 5 November
Year 7 Social in the Cloisters Raised £186 The Year 7s wrapped up warm to enjoy their Social yesterday. It was outside in the Chapel Cloisters, but their Hot Chocolate, and the excitement of being able to take part in some fun, Covid-safe activities to raise funds for our school charities, definitely kept them warm. The four activities were Sponge the Teacher, Coconut Shy, Get the Balls in the Bucket, and Coins in a Jar. The prize for the first was simply the chance to throw a sponge in a teacher’s face (and this was pretty popular!), but the others won prizes. Those who completed the other activities went into a prize draw. The winners were:
Thank you to Miss Allen and the Year 7 Tutors, to the Catering Department for preparing the Toffee Apples, and to all those involved in the set-up. Particular thanks also to Dr Barrand, Jemima, Demi, and Amy, who organised the activities, and to Mr Chamberlain, Dr Hobbs, and Dr Barrand again for agreeing to be sponged by the girls!
Research shows that kindness benefits both the giver and receiver. Scientists at University of Sussex did brain scans of over 1,000 people when they performed acts of kindness, and they found that the reward networks of the brain are activated in the same way they are when we eat nice food, receive money, or look at someone we love. So everyone benefits when we help others. Others It doesn't matter who you are, Or what you have, or do If you give your very best The best returns to you.
Everyone had a great time, and the event raised £186 – well done! JC
A law of compensation works, We get just what we earn. If we love others with our hearts, We get love in return. The little things we sometimes do For others day by day
Coconut Shy – Layla, Eden and Anjani Get the Balls in the Bucket – Lola, Isobel and Sunday ■ Coins in a Jar – Freya, Emilia and Georgia ■ ■
Return quite unexpectedly In some peculiar way.
Here are some ideas of things to do on World Kindness Day: send an encouraging email write down someone’s best qualities have a judgment free day cheer on a classmate chat with someone who might need some company ■ write a kind note ■ thank someone ■ leave a surprise in a library book ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Year 12 Christmas Foodbank Appeal With Christmas fast approaching, it is easy to get distracted by the excitement of the festive period, but now, more than ever, our local community needs our support to ensure that those hit the hardest by poverty, and the consequences of the Coronavirus, can be fed over the Christmas period. During the second half of term, Year
12 are organising a Christmas collection for the Whitehawk Foodbank. We are asking for donations of preserved food, such as tins, long life milk, and pasta, with toiletries being a fantastic contribution as well. No baked beans, please, as the food bank has plenty of these. Small, wrapped Christmas gifts, with a clear labelling of Page 6
Amelia Earhart, the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, said: ‘No kind action ever stops with itself. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves.’ the intended age and gender of an appropriate recipient would be very welcome too. There will be number of collection points around the School from Monday 16 November until the end of term. Thank you for your support! Thea (Yr12)
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
13 November 2020 - Issue 8
Outstanding Distinction for Jacqueline – Grade 8 Singing! In these troubled times, it is particularly uplifting for us all to celebrate excellent achievements, and on Wednesday this week we learnt that Jacqueline (Yr13) had passed her Grade 8 Singing examination with Distinction, with a stunning 145 out of 150 marks! Jacqui has been studying online from her home in Beijing since the first lockdown in March, so, when ABRSM announced their new recorded Performance Grades would begin this autumn, her teacher, Miss Money, strongly recommended that she should be one of the first to take advantage of these. Performance Grades take the form of a mini recital, with candidates having to prepare four (rather than three) pieces or songs. These are marked out of 30 with the usual criteria being applied, but there is an additional mark box, also out of 30, for ‘the performance as a whole’, taking into account the pacing of the programme, along with presentation and communication.
Weekend walk with Miss Le Bihan ‘Trial Exams are coming. Other than doing revision, having a rest is also important! How about a walk?’ We went for a walk around Roedean with Miss Le Bihan and her dog, Cassis, on Saturday. The whole landscape was bathed in the warm glow of the rising sun, the sun shone brightly, and the water in the pond glittered invitingly. Having a walk is always a good way to explore the outdoors. I really loved it because it is exceedingly beneficial. After a walk, you’ll notice that your mood improves drastically. Even if you are feeling under the weather or are having a bad day, having a walk will definitely lift your spirits. Additionally, after having a great walk, you’ll be addicted to the outdoors. The more time you spend on it, the more you learn to appreciate nature. The walk’s really fun and relaxing! Massive thanks to Miss Le Bihan and Cassis! Shannon (Yr9)
Jacqui worked with her teacher, and also her vocal coaches in China, to produce a balanced and varied programme, singing in three different languages and including a characterful Mozart aria from Cosi fan Tutte to end on a high note! She then had to organise an accompanist and a suitable venue, and also ensure that the recording was of high quality, with the camera well-positioned to show her clearly throughout the performance. There was a lot to take on board, but she clearly grasped all the important points and was able to submit a really impressive recording to ABRSM. Miss Money commented, ‘This tremendous result is a credit to Jacqui’s talent, hard work and motivation!’ Congratulations, Jacqui!
Maths Stars of the Month Congratulations to the Maths Stars of the Month:
Cash-less System for Donations
Year 7: Beatrix – for outstanding effort and achievement ■ Year 8: Grace – for her self-motivation and excellent effort ■ Year 9: Melanie – for consistent hard work and dedication ■ Year 10: Hebe – for extremely high performance ■ Year 11: Shamina – for persistent hard work on past paper revision ■ Year 12: Alyssa – for her great attitude & work ethic, and such great progress ■ Year 13: Philippa – for always having a ‘can do’ attitude MWE ■
For COVID-safety reasons, please follow this link to add charity donations to your bill.
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HEAD'S WEEKLY REVIEW
13 November 2020 - Issue 8
Happy Diwali! Diwali is a festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. The word Diwali comes from Sanskrit and means 'rows of lighted lamps'. Diwali is known as the 'festival of lights’; traditionally, houses, shops, and public places are decorated with small earthenware oil lamps. The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance, although each faith has different stories that are commemorated as part of Diwali. For Hindus, Diwali celebrates Rama and Sita’s return home from exile; for Sikhs, Guru Hargobind’s release from prison; for Jains, the release of Mahavira’s soul when he achieved Moksha. Diwali also honours the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi, (from whose name we get the word ‘luck’!) Diwali is celebrated with diya lamps (which might even be floated across the River Ganges), firework displays, beautiful rangoli patterns outside houses, and, of course, festival food, and the exchange of gifts. EEA
During Diwali, pe ople wear their finest clothes, illu with diyas and minate their ho rangoli. People uses would light firew family feasts, w orks and partake here mithai (swe in ets) and gifts ar my neighbourh e exchanged. In ood, fireworks too! Th the children would go outside to play with min en, as it gets da i rk, we would he for the main ev ad inside to get ent. We would pr ready ay and then ever firework display yone would wa outside. tch the Tamanna (Yr9)
by Hindus, but also Jains, Sikhs, Diwali is a major festival, observed not only northern India, it is celebrated in and some Buddhists around the world. In ayana is an ancient Indian epic, Ram The accordance with the Ramayana. the tale of Prince Ram of Ayodhya, composed in the 5th century BCE. It tells and brother. Sita, Ram's wife, and when he was sent to exile with his wife ayana follows the story of Ram Ram the and n, was kidnapped by King Rava As Ram and his family return as he defeats Ravan and rescues his wife. oil lamps on the moonless night, of s home, citizens of Ayodhya lit thousand ol of the victory of good over evil so they could safely travel home. This symb lamps called diyas in and around is now celebrated annually, by lighting oil ng and sharing sweets, and maki oli, rang a their homes, as well as creating ly will be hand-making diyas to burning fireworks. This Saturday, my fami are way too expensive here!), and celebrate Diwali (especially because diyas ts! swee rite we’ll attempt to make our favou Tuhina (Yr12)
als to me and my family. It is a Diwali is one of the most important festiv and, of course, the delicious time of joy, togetherness, light, fireworks, homecoming after defeating a’s food. Mythologically, it marks Lord Ram the demon Ravana. ing and decorating the house, We all spend the days before Diwali clean On the actual day, there is a day. the for ing plann making the food, and go to parties, sometimes friends buzz of excitement, sometimes we would es, make rangoli patterns, cloth best our would come over. We dress in prayers to Lord Ganesh and and light up earthen lamps (diyas). We offer tasty food, and we light up ur devo Goddess Lakshmi. After the prayers, we of lights. al festiv the rate celeb sparklers and fireworks to because we do not live in ly, fami my This festival is especially important to e, and for me and brother hom at feel to ts paren my India, so it is a way for to experience the festival and culture. Naisha (Yr8)
Diwali (Deepawali), known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and many others all over the world, Diwali signifies the beginning of New Year, and is about victory of good over evil and welcoming new beginnings. It’s about inviting Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, into the home. Diwali festival spans over 5 days, with Day 1 of Diwali called Dhanteras. On this day, Hindus offer a lighted deeya (clay oil lamp) to pray for protection from untimely death. This day marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations. Day 3 is the main celebration day. This is the day when families worship the divine Goddess Lakshmi to achieve the blessings of wealth and prosperity. People light diyas and candles in their homes, and light up sparklers, crackers, and fairy lights. Day 4 is celebrated as New Year in some parts of India, and Day 5 is last day of the festival – in some part of India, it’s celebrated as Bhai Dooj, which is dedicated to the bond between sister and brother. Aarushi (Yr8) Page 8
father's I'm half-Chinese, half-Indian, and my ration side is Indian, so Diwali is a major celeb my to go lly usua I li, in my family. In Diwa relatives grandparents' house and see all the eat We . time I haven't seen in a very long ther dmo gran my h whic food an traditional Indi night. I the in ers rack firec off set and es, mak s you feel that Diwali is important, as it give which ily, fam nded exte your all a time to see time, long you might have not seen in a very s. ition and to honour old trad Malika (Yr12)
13 November 2020 - Issue 8
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
Art GCSE Mock Exam
Edie - mixed media sculpture
Year 11 Art students completed their 10-hour Art mock exam this week, over two days. Students had the opportunity to create an extended piece of work, developed in response to their individual themes and to showcase their best skills in an ambitious final piece. APH
Christy - linocut and screen
Lea - oil
he
Phoebe - guac Keira - guache
Emma - screenprinted tulle garment
Ashley - acrylic
Selina - photographic collage
Harriet - screenprint collage
Bea - machine embroidery
Natalie - paper weaving Page 9 & machine embroidery
Camilla - mixed media photographic collage
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
Art
Create & Calculate Here is some work from the Year 7 Create & Calculate Art Club. They have been creating mathematically-based art works. We have made geometric orbs, drawn Fibonacci spirals, and painted Pi Skylines. AB
Pre-A Art The Pre-A students have been working on a 10week fashion and textiles course – this week, they have been producing garments inspired by plants and flowers. APH
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13 November 2020 - Issue 8
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
13 November 2020 - Issue 8
Literary Supplement New Books in the library this November Don’t forget you can still borrow books from the Library! Either email library@roedean.co.uk or pop in and see Mrs Bailey at break or lunch.
Roedean Readers Awards
STUDENT BOOK REVIEW The Silent Patient – Alex Michaelides Over the half term, I read ‘The Silent Patient’ by Alex Michaelides. It is a psychological thriller about a woman named Alicia Berenson, who lived a seemingly perfect life up until the day she shot her husband in the head five times; she never speaks again. The plot captivated me from the start, and soon I found myself unable to put it down. It is meticulously executed and has some chilling plot twists that had me staying up at night! I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys any sort of thriller. I also think it has a really unique take on modern health, and it helped educate me a lot on the nature of psychology, so I found that I was learning a lot too! Olivia (Yr10)
The awards are a great way of getting you reading a wide range of texts and genres.
If you would like to write a book review for the Head’s Review, then please email Mrs Bailey (gba@roedean.co.uk).
If you need help with finding books to complete the award, then head to the library and see Mrs Bailey who is always happy to help! • Every page completed gets a MERIT – any teacher can give this; they just need to check the page, initial it, and date it • 10 completed tasks gets a COMMENDATION. • A completed booklet also gets a BRONZE, SILVER or GOLD AWARD in Final Chapel, and a READING BADGE.
Reading Selfies Thank you to everyone who has sent in a reading selfie, please keep them coming!– send them to library@roedean.co.uk. Page 11
13 November 2020 - Issue 8
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
Literary Supplement
House Captains and Team Leaders
Roedean Roving Reporters! Our Roving reporters are back! This week Romey (Yr7) interviews Ms Shillito about her latest book I’m just Norman: Roedean English teacher, Hannah Shillito, got into writing at a young age, but when she went on maternity leave to have her baby Millie, she started to have more and more ideas. When lockdown came, she decided she was going to write a children's book about her dog, called I'm just Norman. It soon got published, and she donated all profits to NHS Charities, such an important organisation, especially during the pandemic. I'm just Norman is her first book, and if you read it you will see that her dog is the inspiration for the book. Nobody knows what kind of dog
Norman is, but it doesn't matter; he is just happy being himself. She wants young people to know that it doesn't matter where you are from, or what you look like, you just have to be YOU! At the moment, Hannah is back teaching English at Roedean and she is inspiring her students to do much more reading and creative writing. Since publishing her children's book Hannah has also published a collection of poetry called "mama" which was illustrated by a friend who is a fashion designer by the name of Giulia Messina. Her big dream for the future is to illustrate her books herself.
House Captains, Deputy House Captains, and Team Leaders offer significant leadership to their House and Team, and to the entire Roedean Community. Girls who are Captain of a House or a Team Leader should act as role-models, and demonstrate Roedean’s ethos and values to students in Years 7-13 across the School. They assist in supporting the School with House events and House activities, within Roedean and the wider local community, and offer support in Assemblies as well. House 1
Boarding Captain: Ashley Boarding Deputy: Veronica Day Captain: Matilda Day Deputy: India
Team 1
Dance Leader: April Drama Leader: Jemima Music Leader: Karena Sport Leader: Sophie
House 2
Boarding Captain: Emma Boarding Deputy: Kelly Day Captain: Keira Day Deputy: Martha
Team 2
Dance Leader: Natalie Drama Leader: Tilly Music Leader: Ananya Sport Leader: Sydney
House 3
Boarding Captain: Olivia Boarding Deputy: Helen Day Captain: Isla Day Deputy: Millie
Team 3
Dance Leader: Gabby Drama Leader: India Music Leader: Poppy Sport Leader: Charlotte
House 3
Boarding Captain: Zara Boarding Deputy: Phoebe Day Captain: Bo Ana Day Deputy: Mia
Team 3
Dance Leader: Savina Drama Leader: Bo Ana Music Leader: Alma Sport Leader: Michelle
Keswick
Boarding Captain: Sophia Boarding Deputy: Jemima & Sasha Day Captain: Jemima Day Deputy: Bella & Jane
Competition time! This week we are launching a new compeition and we want you to get creative! We would like you to choose your favourite book and make a creative representation of it. This could be recreating the front cover as a photo starring you! Creating a comic book version of your favourite chapter! Redesigning the front cover! More ideas are listed below, so have a look if you would like some inspiration. Choose your favourite book and get creative! • • • • • • • • •
Bookmark it! Manga it! Toilet Roll it! Meme/TikTok I ! Storyboard it! Photograph it! Advertise it! Re-design it! Quiz it!
Prizes for the top 3 creations! Please send finished creations to library@roedean.co.uk or hand it in to the library helpdesk. Deadline for entry – 27 November 2020.
Reading Reps We are looking for 1 or 2 students from each year to be Reading Reps. We would like you to share your love of reading with your year group, and to work with Ms Shillito and Mrs Bailey to promote a love of reading across the whole of the School. If you are interested in this role, or would like to know more, please email Mrs Bailey (gba@ roedean.co.uk).
Happy World Kindness Day! Look out for notes of kindness from your fellow students next time you borrow a book! Thanks to Freya (Yr7) for organising the lovely idea.
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Lawrence Boarding Captain: Lauren Boarding Deputy: Ottavia
13 November 2020 - Issue 8
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
Sport Instagram Launch: We are very excited and proud to announce Roedean Sport on Instagram! We have just launched this half term and it has been a busy two weeks already. We will be giving insight as to how we run things in the sports department, with discussion topics at the beginning of the week on latest teaching trends and how to achieve outstanding teaching and coaching practice. There will be insight into the way our lessons are set-up, what themes we are focusing on, and an in-depth look at the numerous programmes like Sports Leaders, Strength and Conditioning and Sport Scholars. Of course, we will still have action shots of the girls giving it their best and showing off all that Roedean has to offer the girls day in, day out. A key focus of this new push in social media is to connect with teachers, parents, pupils, and organisations, big and small, in order to bring forth a platform for growth for all, as well as a community of togetherness through sport. So, what are you waiting for? Follow us on Instagram @Roedean_Sport and on Twitter @RoedeanSport and help us take part in this area for change in our community.
Sport and the Community Sophie (Yr8): ‘I play football for the Lewes U13 Team. I really enjoy playing for them, because we are a very close team and we play well together in training and matches. We all play at a similar level and we always support each other.’ Elodie (Yr9): ‘I play hockey for Brighton & Hove Hockey Club. I train and play matches for the U14 and U16 teams, where we train twice a week and play matches regularly on weekends. For the U14 Team, I play in the Albatross League against other clubs in the South East of England. I also attend a regular tennis club training session in Hove Park on Sundays, these sessions are for ages 11-16. In hockey, I love the teamwork in matches and the opportunity to develop my skills in training. I enjoy learning from my experienced mentors, taking on their advice and strategies, in order to further my love of the sport and excel in it, in every way possible. Last year, I got into the Sussex development squad for my age group, which was a huge achievement for me, and I believe that it was due to hard work, following advice, and the training I get from school and club sessions. You take so much from playing sport for a club or even just going by yourself, meeting new friends, and developing my confidence. It gives you a chance to get away from the real world and focus on the sport for a small amount of time. I thoroughly enjoy the feeling of working in a team and playing against teams from other areas. There is something about learning together and improving with each other that just makes it feel extra special and enjoyable.’
Olivia (Yr9): ‘Outside of school, I play hockey for Brighton & Hove Hockey Club. I really enjoy playing hockey there because it offers a different type of training, which expands my skills and allows me to use those skills during practices and matches at school. I like that I can meet new friends outside of school and enjoy hockey sessions that really improve my skills.’ Freya (Yr9): ‘Outside of school I play football for the Hollingbury Hawks U14 girls’ team. I really enjoy playing football for my club because of the competition, skills, and friendships. The Hawks are all inclusive, which means we have many teams of different age groups and genders. We play weekly Sunday matches which include friendlies, tournaments, and cup matches. This contributes to my love of sport, because it gives me the extra skills that help me develop my technique, in order to slowly get better and to keep me fit to play other sports that I also love.’ Lilah (Yr9): ‘Outside of school I play regional netball for the 5Ways U14 team. I enjoy playing netball because it is a team sport, and I therefore get to be part a team and can be competitive against other girls from different schools. My club isn’t the most well-known, but it has a lot of good friends and it is really inclusive. This contributes to my love of sport, because it makes me feel healthy and it energises me during the week. I love to play sport with other people because it is good to meet new people and to share my love of netball and other sports.’
Yr7 S&C Year 7 started with their Strength and Conditioning Programme last week, and they had another good session this week. The focus for these sessions is building the technical principles of fundamental movements, in order for Roedean girls to be dynamic and powerful athletes in the sports that they play. Strength and Conditioning is important in the girls’ curriculum, because it highlights the importance of performing movements with efficiency and speed, allowing them to utilise these skills in training and matches in their sports. Page 13
13 November 2020 - Issue 8
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
Yr8 & Yr9 CoCurricular Netball The Year 8s and 9s are keeping up their netball this term, in preparation for next term’s netball season. We had lovely weather last week, with a view to match the best from our netball courts. The girls worked hard on their driving to get the ball and different types of passing. It’s so good to see so many on the courts, and it looks like we’ll have a promising netball term after Christmas.
Yr 8
Yr 9
Yr11 Hockey GK Session
Yr11 Indoor Cricket
Dan Couldrake is our hockey goalkeeping specialist, and he has been working closely with all the keepers in their sessions this term. The girls have been taken for one-to-ones and have been working very hard, focusing on their basics, such as footwork, weight transfer during saves, and diving saves. The girls have really enjoyed these sessions and are becoming very difficult to beat in the matches that we play in games lessons.
Indoor cricket has been a blast on Mondays in CHall – the girls are working hard, enjoying the new skills they learn, and smashing the cricket balls to all places from the Lobster. Last week we focused on catching and dive catching onto mats. The girls are thoroughly enjoying these sessions focusing on batting, bowling, and fielding indoors. In batting, the girls have looked at their transfer of weight from back foot to front foot. Bowling has been focused on the entire bowling action, ensuring a straight line is maintained from the run-up to follow through. Well done to everyone who has been involved.
Yr12 & Yr13 Co-Curricular Hockey and Netball The Year 12s and 13s having been working hard in their hockey and netball this term during co-curricular sessions. In hockey this week, they focused on some goal scoring, particularly looking at scoring quickly and with deflections. In netball, getting back onto the courts was a relief for some, as they could develop their skills and play some netball again. During this stressful year, it’s really important the girls get their daily dose of exercise, and the co-curricular sessions are therefore vital to ensure the girls stay healthy and active with their friends.Well done to everyone who has been involved.
Yr 13
Yr 12 & 13
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