17th March 2017 - Issue 10
HEAD’S
WEEKLY REVIEW
Springtime feast
Head’s Introduction
A week of amazing academic pursuits The girls have been immersed in a fantastic week of academic activities, each designed to inspire and reveal hidden talents or passions for learning. It has been Academic Week! They began the week with an invitation to explore the ethical dilemmas in the recent hit BBC series of ‘Sherlock’. Monday ended with the chance to join in with the Academic Prefects’ Reading Party, indulged by the catering team with a superb Alice in Wonderland-themed spread. On Tuesday, Iman S-A (6.2) led a fun factfinding mission within Quantum Physics, that left all in the room wallowing gloriously in Bohrian bewilderment. Students of all ages were then able to take part in a Greek and Roman Art auction, bidding for major art objects from Greek and Roman times, spending with fake cheque books. The winners had to be able to show that they had won the best pieces for a proposed exhibition or art house. Wednesday then saw a day of Art History: the Bigger Picture Company came in to deliver two super workshops to the U5 and Sixth Form art students. The lecture they gave at the end of the day on ‘The City as a Work of Art: Myths and Masterminds of Renaissance Venice’ was a fascinating journey through the history and geography of that mythical city.
Thursday was a day for the languages, primarily English. Dr Lighthill, a former BBC director and producer, gave workshops on Shakespeare and further enrichment in his lecture entitled ‘Why bother with a 400 year old writer?’ It gave a high calibre examination of why this bard is still so relevant for students today. Finishing off the week in style, the Royal Geographical Society came in to discuss all matters ‘Heritage’ with the girls, and Mr Dawson gave us a re-reading of what bad science is, based on Ben Goldacre’s book. We were delighted that a number of members of staff also took up the challenge to go off piste in their lessons, for example, Ms Roberts thrilled the Yr 7s with a quick entrée to Chaucer! Thank you to Consuella Z (6.2) who has spear-headed much of this week and supported much of the preparation for this complex but exciting programme of activities, and also to the academic prefects, Georgina, Natasha, Tara, Natalie, Harriet, Alex and Ella – it has been a great week, full of academic challenges for all! AK
Our inaugural Women in the Workplace evening, this week, brought together teachers, pupils, and parents from a variety of professions and fields to discuss the important issue of gender equality in the workplace. The quality and intensity of the discussions and debates showed how important this issue is to everyone and there was a strong consensus that we all have to continue to challenge our own preconceptions and inequality where we find it. Thank you to all our parent panellists and our speakers for sharing their insights, and thank you to all the girls who spoke with clarity about what matters to them and to their futures. They were truly inspiring. The sheer diversity of academically stimulating and challenging activities open to the girls this week has been impressive, and I have been very pleased with their engagement with them. Some activities were accessible to all, and others were targeted towards those with a specific interest. I am very grateful to Ms Kazem for her efforts in putting on this academic extravaganza. Beyond Academic Week, there have been a number of other events this week, from musical competitions and the Year 8 Parent-Tutor Evening to the stunning devised A Level Drama production (well done Honor and Harriet!) and a Roman cooking demonstration for the Junior girls. I am delighted that the girls are enjoying all these great opportunities. Yesterday, there was a meeting of full Council at Roedean and Council members were inspired by hearing our shortlisted Prefects speak with great passion about their School. Roedean is fortunate to have such a dedicated and experienced body which supports the School in so many ways. The last two weeks of term include the Parents’ Guild Quiz Night and our Tribute Celebration for Mr Ken Thomson. It is also an important time for those taking public examinations next term, who must ensure that they know exactly what they need to do over the Easter break. Good luck, and I wish you all the best for coming week.