102 Country Life August 31, 2022 However, there was a reason the school was built in such a windswept position. The three Lawrence sisters, Penelope, Millicent, and Dorothy, who founded the school in 1885 to help girls get into the women’s colleges at Cambridge, were keen to make a statement when it moved to its clifftop position in 1898. THERE is a hazard that comes with attending Roedean in East Sussex, which perches high on a cliff surveying the English Channel: Roedean Hair. ‘If you’re in the sixth-form boarding house, it’s hardly worth brushing your hair in the morning, because by the time you’ve got to school the wind will have got to it,’ laughs deputy head Ross Barrand. Indeed, girls here were familiar with the term ‘lockdown’ long before the pandemic struck, having to be confined indoors and bussed between buildings when winds reach 40mph. Netball rivals dread matches here— a shot at goal can be wildly unpredictable. Sometimes,
AquathonRoedeanRoedean'sinCountryLife 16 September 2022 – Issue 3 ’HEADS REVIEWWEEKLY Merla Wins a Role at the National
I would like to wish our Mexican students happy Independence Day, and I hope that the Year 7s have enjoyed a lovely day at Arundel Castle today. I wish you all a relaxing long weekend, and thank you in advance to the boarding and support teams who will be looking after the boarders on the Bank Holiday. Good luck also to Year 13 for their first set of assessments next week. Youth Theatre the most important person is the one who can make
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, this week has seen remarkable numbers of people who wish to pay their respects in many different ways. During the multiple social and political changes which have taken place during her reign, she remained a constant steadying influence for Britain and beyond for nearly 70 years. I am pleased that there is a book of condolences in Reception, and this will provide those in our community with a chance to reflect on Her Majesty’s reign and record their reflections and words of sympathy. It is also wonderful that the condolence book sits in front of the impressive collaborative mural which was painted by students and staff to mark her jubilee last term.
Head’s Introduction
I am pleased to see that Hockey fixtures and the Co-Curricular programme have got off to a good start and are now in full swing. We have already had some strong matches against Great Walstead and Ardingly, including an evening match on the astro, and I know that the Sports Department are already really impressed by the girls’ positive and determined approach and their team-work.
the tea in a storm Why the sea is the best schoolmasterschoolmaster Schools with coastal settings have a natural advantage in terms of outdoor life, character-building, health and happiness. Madeleine Silver reports CLI371.schools_sea.indd 102 Hockey Ardinglyvs
This week and last, we welcomed Year 13 and 12 parents to Keswick to meet with tutors, to reconnect or meet for the first time for those new to the School. Thinking about university applications and more widely, these relationships are incredibly important in the Sixth Form – I am grateful to Dr Hannan and Miss Carragher for organising these events.
Roedean's in Country Life
HERE is a hazard that comes with attending Roedean in East Sussex, which perches high on a cliff surveying the English Channel: Roedean Hair. ‘If you’re in the sixth-form boarding house, it’s hardly worth brushing your hair in the morning, because by the time you’ve got to school the wind will have got to it,’ laughs deputy head Ross Barrand. Indeed, girls here were familiar with the term ‘lockdown’ long before the pandemic struck, having to be confined indoors and bussed between buildings when winds reach 40mph. Netball rivals dread matches here— a shot at goal can be wildly unpredictable.
Mr Carter, Miss Hart, Mrs Wilson, Mrs Andrews, Ms Marek, Mrs Mitchell – for helping to run to the aquathon on Monday – we could not have done it without you. [Miss Wakeling]
Sometimes, the most important person is the one who can make the tea in a storm
Daryna and Eni (Yr12) – for speaking so confidently in Chapel, even though they have only recently joined Roedean [Ms Keller]
‘The idea was that girls could do anything boys could do and that they deserved an education that was at least as good as boys had,’ explains Dr Barrand. ‘All three sisters were very big on the holistic, rather than merely the academic, side of education. The story goes that girls had to go through the tunnel that runs from the school to the sea and swim before breakfast every day. I’m not sure if that’s entirely true, but there’s certainly always been a connection to the sea.’ It was in the lapping waves below that the six Roedean girls who triumphantly swam the Channel in June this year trained; on the newly initiated ‘Wild Fridays’, year sevens
Staff
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Madeleine Silver reports CLI371.schools_sea.indd 102 25/08/2022 10:24 Page 2 16 September 2022 – Issue 3HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
102 | Country Life | August 31, 2022
Unsung heroes in the spotlight
Why the sea is the best schoolmasterschoolmaster health and happiness.
Roedean Runners
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.
Schools with coastal settings have a natural advantage in terms of outdoor life, character-building,
Everyone is welcome to come for a jog around the campus on a Monday afternoon in Activity 2 – we meet by C Hall atMiss4pm.Orrells
We are delighted that Roedean is featured in the current edition of Country Life – the article is focussing on schools by the sea, and the story of our sea-swimmers has put us top of the bill! Follow this link to read the full article on our website.
However, there was a reason the school was built in such a windswept position. The three Lawrence sisters, Penelope, Millicent, and Dorothy, who founded the school in 1885 to help girls get into the women’s colleges at Cambridge, were keen to make a statement when it moved to its clifftop position in 1898.
Well done girls – see you next week!
Well done to the Year 7 runners who joined me for Running is Fun this week! Bella, Scarlett, Hazel, Dhiya, Lili, and Andrea aimed to run 1km, but actually ran 2!
Year 9 – Minnie, for a brilliant hat-trick on Friday night
Sport Stars of the Week
A Week in the Life of House 2
Mrs Waller
This week boarding...in Cookie-decorating and Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrations! Page 3 16 September 2022 – Issue 3HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
YearScience11-
Year 7 – Martha, for showing an amazing attitude and approach to hockey so far this term
Congratulations to this week's Sports Stars! [Miss Kirby-Jones]
Year 8 – Lyla, for all sports, but still giving 100% in PE and Games lessons
Year 10 – Zella, for her commitment and effort in Sport
Ellie, for stepping in to save the day and help Roedean beat Brighton College in a Badminton fixture
Year12 – Euran, for showing great effort in table tennis!
Year13 – Sophia, for her effort in strength and conditioning this term
This week, girls from across all year groups have been activity crazy! Did you know that Monday was International Chocolate Milkshake Day? Well Miss Housden did, and the girls went mad for the shakes and toppings. 'Burnsie Bakes' out-did herself on Sunday, and made over 100 pizza pinwheels for the girls to enjoy at House Meeting. We have had model aeroplane flights down the Main School Corridor (ssshhh, don't tell the Headmaster!), jewellery-making, and, last night, we created 'tribal twos' – every girl in house is making a 'two' that will become part of a decoration for the ODR. I am exhausted – it's just as well that this weekend there's a pamper night planned, with a mocktail bar and facemasks at the ready! Just another week in House 2...!
Mrs Quirk
Nowadays, Mexicans celebrate this victory on 16 September with pride and joy. A fun fact is that, instead of celebrating the date the war was
Merla Wins a Role at the National Youth Theatre
Congratulations to Merla (Yr11), who was selected to become a member of the National Youth Theatre this summer, following an extremely competitive application process, with over 10,000 young people auditioning for 200 places.
Through the NYT, Merla has had the opportunity to learn a vast range of theatre techniques from industry professionals. She is really excited about the opportunities that have now been opened up to her both in terms of access to NYT and non-NYT auditions, and the NYT REP Company course, which offers free, practical, industry-based talent development.
Natalia, Manola, Andrea (Yr10)
Today is Mexican Independence Day – as we have students from Mexico in our community, we asked them to share some information about the history and significance of independence day:
Mrs Moore
'212 years ago, Mexico united to fight for freedom. In February of the year 1519, Spain invaded Mexico. This event changed Mexico forever. It brought new traditions, beliefs, foods, people, animals, and knowledge. On the other hand, it also brought new governors, rules, and deaths caused by diseases of the Spanish people. The conquerors treated the Mexicans very poorly, even though they invited them to our land with gifts and kindness. After 300 years of Spanish rule, the natives of our country realised that something had to be done and that an independence was necessary. In 1810, Mexican heroes, such as Miguel Hidalgo, started the war of Mexican Independence by shouting the 'Grito de Dolores' ('Cry of Dolores'). This war lasted 11
This is a brilliant achievement, and we look forward to hearing about her future successes.
won, on 27 September, we celebrate the start. To commemorate this event on 16 September, a ceremony called 'El Grito' is held, in which the bells of the National Palace are rung, and the president of Mexico makes a speech to pay respect to the great heroes who fought.
We are proud to announce that our talented DT Technician, Ms Hook, stars in a television series starting next week on Channel 4.
At night, you see green, white and red fireworks to represent the colours of the Mexican flag, which was created at the end of the Mexican independence to represent a new beginning for
Mel Giedroyc hosts the show, with Sophie Sellu, entrepreneur and woodworking expert, and Tom Dyckhoff, a design academic.
years and caused more than 3 million deaths, but it was definitely worth it to reach independence.
Mexican Independence at Roedean
A 'Big Build' will be the focus of each episode, in which the contestants will be challenged to build large wooden objects and structures within two working days.
Page 4 16 September 2022 – Issue 3HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
We,Mexico.asMexicans, are extremely proud and grateful of our ancestors who fought during this war for liberty. Thanks to them, we were able to create a beautiful country in which cultures and traditions flourish.'
The second season of Handmade: Britain's Best Woodworker begins on Wednesday 21 September at 8:00pm.
Watch Ms Hook go head-to-head with 9 other of Britain's top woodworking enthusiasts, with one eliminated each week.
Roedean Staff Member Stars in Channel 4 Show
The U13C team had an impressive first game of the season away against Windlesham House, winning 2-0.
The U15C team took to the Ardingly pitches on Saturday for their first match of the season. They came out strong, both excited and nervous to play their first game in over 6 months! After a successful training match last week, the team played some of the best hockey I have ever seen them play!
The girls played brilliantly from the first whistle, putting pressure on the opposition, and rarely being pushed into their own half. The midfield players showed off some great linking play with the forwards. Alicia (the opposition's MVP) made some lovely drives down the right wing and helped create two of the goals.
All three of the goals were scored by centreforward, Alice, who was always in the right place at the right time. A mention must go to the strong defensive team, who worked tirelessly to keep the D free of the ball. Izzy (the coaches' MVP) played extremely well, creating lots of opportunities, and not getting panicked by the oncoming attackers.
The second half was stronger from Roedean, with every player fighting hard to get the ball back and maintain possession. The girls scored a fantastic team goal from a short corner which gave them confidence, but we struggled to keep up with a fit Ardingly side and this allowed them to score more goals after that.
What an exciting and impressive start to the season. Next up...Eastbourne College!Miss Bamford
They were creating 2v1 opportunities, clearing the ball up the pitch and passing the ball calmly and accurately. With Chaya, Sophie, Jess, Amelia, and Olive controlling the back, Rida, Maisie, Millie, and Georgie dominating the middle, and Aarushi, Isabella and Inky driving the ball to goal, it was Captain Nancy who took Coaches' Player of the Game for her composure on the ball and energy through the pitch all Ridagame.was
The Opposition's MVP went to Florence, and Coaches' MVP to Lois – well done!
Miss Kirby-Jones
The second half was where the performance became much better and Roedean‘s work rate significantly improved from last week. Goals from Bella, Athena, and Nathalia, plus an unlucky own goal saw Roedean score four in the second half to round off a 5-1 win.
Miss Hammond
The girls started quickly, with much of the possession in the first half and plenty of chances at goal. Molly and Lucy scored two goals in the first half, which took the pressure off going into the second half. The opposition had more of the ball in the second half, but an 'unflustered' Florence and Lois in defence meant that they were never allowed a shot on goal.
HEAD’S REVIEW SPORT
U14B
Miss Kirby-Jones
U13B
Well done!
Hockey vs Windlesham House
Page 5 16 September 2022 – Issue 3
Mr Smethurst
The U14B hockey team started their season off with a 3-1 win over Ardingly College.
WEEKLY
The U16Bs had their first external match of the season against Ardingly 3rd team. They knew it would be a fiercely contested game, and were all up for the challenge. With new combinations in the squad, they took a while to link up effectively through the field and this, unfortunately, gave Ardingly the chance to get a couple of goals up.
Hockey vs Ardingly
U13C vs Windlesham House
U15C
U15C vs Ardingly
awarded Girl of the Game by Ardingly, with her successful drives down the right wing and even taking a goal! Nancy and Aarushi also managed to bag a goal each, with the score at 3-1 win on the final whistle.
U13C
The under 13B team registered their first win of the season in a much improved performance. A tight first half saw chances created at each end, and a goal from Iris was cancelled out by the opposition to leave the score 1-1 at half-time.
The final score was 5-1 to Ardingly. A huge well done to all the girls for giving their all – that is all we ever ask for! A special mention goes to Nicole (Yr12), who was awarded Opposition's Player. I am looking forward to next weekend against Eastbourne!
U16B
KWA
Page 6 16 September 2022 – Issue 3HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
Claude also had their 1st try at rowing a double in a race and is looking forward to doing more doubles in the future.
Roedean Aquathon
They also rowed in Novice Ladies (in sweep position) against many older, stronger and experiences rowers, on occasion coming in second place.
The Season ended in Paignton for the 65th South Coast Championships last weekend. This is where all clubs of the 3 south coast associations from Cornwall to Kent including the Isle of White come together for a last Regatta and end of season Party.
Wellrowers.done, Claude!
The day ended with everyone changing into their party outfits and dancing the summer away to a live band on Paignton Green next to the beach with a full moon.
Well done to Claude, who has had a great rowing season. Their crew of Girls J16 x4 managed to win all their races in the Ladies J16 x4 but one, in which a blade snapped due to rough sea conditions! This meant that they have won the CARA (coastal amateur rowing association) Cup for their category in their region (Kent and Sussex).
Roedean had a strong start to the swimming season, with 8 girls joining the Junior team, 9 girls represented the Intermediates and 7 girls were in the Senior team. It was our first aquathon of the season, and the sun shone as the girls jumped out of the pool and joined the cross-country course.
Claude's rowing
The Seniors finished first, and cheered the Inters and Juniors through the line. A huge well done to the 24 girls who took part in the event, and the 8 girls who volunteered to marshal and lane count. A special mention goes to Mrs Topping, Mrs Ellis, and Mrs Perry, all of whom helped marshal.
Claude’s Crew came 3rd in the Girls J16 x4, being defeated by the winners of the 2 other regional associations. They put up a good fight, but ultimately the other crews were bigger, stronger, and more experienced. They also entered the J18 x4 category and came a very respectable 4th.
The rowing season now switches to the river and Head Races. The 1st of which is at Reading on the 8th October which will see the club rowing against some of the countries best school
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: abw@roedean.co.uk @@RoedeanSchoolRoedeanSchoolFollow us 16 September 2022 – Issue 3HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
PE FUN!