Head’s Introduction
Last Friday’s performance of Alice By Heart was simply a triumph, and particularly so because this production was entirely student-led. The idea to put on the show in this way grew from a kernel planted years ago, but it was proposed formally last term, and from that point the students drove it forward – congratulations to everyone who was involved as the finished project was brilliant. There is a write-up of the show in this Review, but, in many ways, the remarkably successful performance of this musical epitomises so much of what we do at Roedean – I am so proud that the students grasped the opportunity to challenge themselves and step out of their safe comfort zone, to take complete control of every aspect of the production, from performing and stage-management, to costumes, lighting, and sound. Huge congratulations!
On Wednesday this week, it was such a pleasure to welcome Jane Chandler back to Roedean, and she was delighted to be back to formally open the new PE classroom by the all-weather pitch. Naming the room after Jane is a wonderful tribute to a beloved teacher who gave 34 years of her career to Roedean. Four years into her retirement, she does a park run on Saturdays and umpires Netball on Tuesday evenings, so it is fitting that we have a constant reminder of her down on the sports fields where she inspired generations of Roedeanians.
The New Scholars’ Event on Tuesday, at which the students were presented with their badges, provided an opportunity to hear about what scholarship at Roedean really means –students in each area described the enrichment activities and workshops available, providing stimulating stretch and challenge, and there were also performances from others during the evening. Thank you to Ms Ibanez-Barcelo for running this special event. In addition, yesterday’s Sport Scholars’ workshop was a great success.
There have also been a number of exciting activities with an academic focus in the last week: the Maths enrichment day for Year 10s from a number of schools went very well, our internal Sumdog Maths competition was great fun, and the Top of the Bench event challenged our most talented chemists. Good luck to our debaters and public speakers, who are taking part in two events early next week – I look forward to hearing about how they go!
Congratulations to Candis in Year 12, who has recently won two international singing competitions – outstanding! She will also be one of over 100 musicians performing in our Dreams and Nightmares Gala Concert. Good luck with your final rehearsals, and I am looking forward to next Friday. In the meantime, I wish you all a 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.
Galina and Fleur (Yr13) – for singing 'For Good' from Wicked in Chapel so beautifully – very powerful [Dr Barrand]
Megs (Yr11), Emma-Lynn (Yr10), and Tilly (Yr9) – for sharing their thoughts on sisterhood in Chapel this week [Miss Hart]
Unsung Staff hero in the spotlight
Ms Woodbridge – for masterminding the stagemanagement of the New Scholars' Evening so brilliantly [Ms Ibanez-Barcelo]
Mrs Arnall – for being so quick to help others, such as taking time on her day off to accompany six Year 13s and me to the Young Pastoral Leaders conference as a First Aider [Ms Sturgeon]
Roedean Hosts Hope4
Today we had a visit from Chris and Zoe Lomas and Ivan Ivancev from Hope4, the amazing NGO which expertly facilitates our annual Moldova project. It was wonderful for the students who have been to Moldova in the last two summers to see them again, and equally wonderful for our guests to see Roedean!
Dr Barrand
Dreams and Nightmares Gala Concert – Next Week!
Over 100 students are involved in the upcoming Dreams and Nightmares Gala Concert on Friday 29 November at 19:00 in the Theatre – there is music from Debussy and Saint-Saens to The Cranberries, Laufey, Hans Zimmer, and Abba!
You can book tickets here:
https://w3u.uk/roedean-dreamsnightmares
Ms Bartlette
A brilliant photo by Mrs Wilson
Snow at Roedean!
Top Of The Bench
On Monday 11 November, Miss Holmes and I took four of Roedean’s finest chemists to Brighton College for the Royal Society of Chemistry's 'Top Of The Bench' competition. The team had to be made up of two Year 9 students, one Year 10, and one Year 11 student. We were spoilt for choice, as there are so many strong chemists to choose from, but Bella, Cheryl, Sohana, and Michelle were our team for 2024.
The students had to work in a lab against their counterparts from other local schools across East and West Sussex, completing an unseen practical task. Sohana and Michelle had to complete this independently, but Bella and Cheryl were able to work together for this section of the event. After the practical work came a written test which all students had to complete individually.
All four of our students were absolutely brilliant, carrying out their practical work safely and with skill. Although we didn’t win the overall competition, we all had a fabulous time, and a victory for Roedean was that Michelle was the highest scoring Year 11 student from across all the schools.
Well done to everyone involved, and we look forward to taking another strong team to compete in 2025!
Mrs Barker
On Monday this week, Roedean hosted a Mathematics enrichment event for Year 10 girls. Forty-five students from three local schools joined 15 of our own students for a busy morning.
The event kicked off with a presentation on careers involving Mathematics, then student teams battled it out to solve problems in the Dragon Quiz. To finish we learned about some of the Mathematics involved with space travel, and built our own helicopters.
Many thanks to the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme for running this fantastic event.
Mrs Hopper
Alice by Heart – Spectacular!
Last week was a very special one in the Drama Department, as our first student-led production, Alice By Heart, hit the stage. A creative team of nine Sixth Form students turned months of planning, hard work, and pure imagination, into a reality, as a cast of twelve executed their creative vision with passion and dedication.
Every aspect of this show was designed and executed by students from across the School. Merla (assisted by Lydia) expertly led the cast and creatives as Producer and Artistic Director; it was Merla's unwavering determination that got the project off the ground, and her contagious passion and collaborative style drove this production to the success that it was. Other elements of the Creative Team included the whimsical and expressive choreography by Fleur, Hannah, Kate, and Phoebe, the ethereal musical direction from Galina and Candis, and absolutely masterful stage-management from Mia, who has worked tirelessly to keep everyone on track all term.
Other members of the student-led backstage team worked hard to learn the ropes, taking over from our patient and professional technical staff, Ms Izzard-Davey, Mr Paton, Mr Morley, and Mr Hall, who generously passed on their knowledge when it came to sound, lighting, costume, props, art and design, marketing, front of house, and hair and make-up.
The show follows Alice, a teenage girl stuck in an air-raid shelter during World War II, as she tries to survive the harsh realities of war. Tegan's heartfelt performance as Alice was completely captivating. Her poignant portrayal of Alice was playful and moving in equal measure, as she steered the show, never leaving the stage for the entire 90 minutes of the performance. Accompanying Alice on her journey is her close friend, Alfred, played thoughtfully by Anna, who engaged the audience with compelling and heart-breaking authenticity. When Alfred becomes unwell, Alice retreats into her imagination, where she finds herself in the
fantastical world of Wonderland. Here, the story of Alice in Wonderland serves as a parallel to Alice's personal journey through fear, loss, and the passage from childhood to adulthood. Whilst Alice navigates the surreal world of Wonderland, she meets the iconic characters from the original story. Key to our tale were the Cheshire Cat (a transcendent Bernice), the Caterpillar (pensively played by a mysterious pairing of Trinity and Lucy), the Duchess (a flamboyant Fleur), The Queen and King of Hearts (a commanding Kaitlin and long-suffering Nivana), The Queen of Diamonds and Knave of Spades (enchantingly played by Rida and Kate), and the Mad Hatter and the Dormouse (the brilliantly eccentric Xena and Molly). These characters represent various aspects of Alice's inner turmoil and coping mechanisms, as she struggles to make sense of her circumstances.
To say we are proud of everyone involved for their outstanding contributions to this project is an enormous understatement. Their creativity, dedication, and teamwork brought this magical story to life, showcasing the remarkable potential of our student body. Well done!
Mrs Sellers
Sumdog Challenge at Roedean!
Grace's Tapathon!
Grace took part in the Tapathon on Sunday. This was a Nationwide event, where thousands of tap dancers danced to “Spice up your Life” at the same time, to raise money for Children in Need.
Grace joined the Brighton Marina Studios adult tap dance class for the day, as she also aimed to beat the Guinness World Record for the largest number of tappers to tap at the same time, currently standing at 7,612 – we are still waiting for the results!
Well done, Grace!
Miss Bamford
Thirty students in Years 7-9 took up the Sumdog challenge during Maths Week England, answering Maths questions online between 8-14 November.
Everyone who took part earned themselves Merits, but those who answered the most questions correctly win a prize:
Year 9
■ Bella answered 79 questions correctly – Best in Year
■ Lili and Alice were joint 2nd, with 44 correct answers
Year 8
■ Cindy answered 167 questions correctly, and is the Best in School
■ Isabelle came 2nd, with 58 questions correct
Year 7
■ Harrie was Best in Year, with 13 correct answers
■ Kosi came 2nd, with 9 correct answers
Well done to all who took part!
Candis Wins First Prize in an International Music Competition
We know that Candis (Yr12) is an outstanding musician, an exceptional Viola player and Singer. However, she has recently excelled in two international singing competitions.
Performing Liebst du um Schönheit by Clara Schumann, and Deh vieni, non tardar from the Mozart's Marriage of Figaro, she impressed the judges and was awarded First Prize in the International Music Competition 2024 "Oxford" Grand Prize Virtuoso.
Candis also sang the same Mozart aria from the Marriage of Figaro in the Hong Kong preliminary round of the Taiwan International Music Competition 2024, and she was named Champion. This accolade qualified her to sing in the Grand Final in Taiwan, but she is unfortunately unable to take part. However, nothing can take away from winning the Hong Kong round in this international competition.
Congratulations, Candis – what brilliant achievements!
Dr Barrand
Roedean Fringe Concerto Competition
Congratulations to all the talented students who participated in this year’s Brighton Fringe Festival Concerto auditions! Your hard work, dedication, and passion for music was clearly demonstrated throughout the auditions. Preparing for a concerto competition requires hours of practice and perseverance, and this was evident in the very high standard achieved. Well done to you all.
This year's winners, who will perform with the Roedean Orchestra on Friday 2 May 2025 as part of the Brighton Fringe, are:
■ Julia (Yr13) – Piano Concerto in A Minor – Greig
■ Ellen (Yr10) – Violin Concerto No 2 in D minor – Wieniawski
■ Sarah (Yr11) – Elegie for Cello – Faure
■ Galina (Yr13) – Clarinet Concerto No 1 – Spohr
■ Elspeth (Yr12) – Recorder Concerto in F Major – Sammartini
New Scholars’ Event
The New Scholars' Event this week was a heart-warming celebration of excellence, bringing together students, parents, and the school community to honour the incredible achievements of our Scholars.
The evening was filled with dazzling performances in Music, Dance, and Musical Theatre, showcasing the creativity and dedication of our talented students.
The event also featured a stunning display of students’ artwork, highlighting their creative expression and artistic achievements. Adding a personal touch, several scholars made presentations, sharing reflections on their accomplishments and what being a scholar means to them.
This special occasion was a true celebration of talent, determination, and community spirit. Congratulations to all the Scholars and heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make the evening unforgettable!
Ms Bartlette
Ms Ibanez-Barcelo
Opening of the Chandler Room
We were thrilled to welcome back to Roedean Jane Chandler, who dedicated an extraordinary 34 years to the School. It was so lovely to see Jane, still bristling with energy, back at Roedean, where she inspired generations of students with her unwavering passion and commitment.
Naming our new PE classroom between the astro and Netball courts in Jane's honour is a fitting acknowledgement to everything she did as a PE teacher and Head of Year over her long career at Roedean. Jane opened the Chandler Room with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, after which, true to form, she did not hesitate to join in with Year 7 and 8 Games, delighting everyone with her warmth and dynamic energy.
It was almost impossible to get Jane from the Visitors' Room just to the newly-refurbished Library, since almost every student and member of staff wanted to say hello and have a brief catch-up! It was brilliant to have Jane back at Roedean, and so wonderful that the classroom which bears her name will provide a lasting legacy to her remarkable dedication to the School.
Dr Barrand
Sport Scholars' Workshop
On Thursday, our Sport Scholars enjoyed a visit from sports and public health nutritionists, Performance Canteen. They shared valuable insights on sports nutrition, including a hands-on demonstration where students learned how to create energy balls, a perfect snack to meet the high energy demands of these young athletes.
At Roedean, we take a holistic approach to sport, emphasising that success on the sports field goes beyond physical training. Our students are encouraged to understand the critical role of nutrition, diet, health, and overall well-being in their performance.
We are thrilled to have been joined by Performance Canteen to equip our students with the knowledge and tools they need to fuel their bodies effectively and excel in competition.
Chapel – Sisterhood
This week's Chapel services were led by Miss Hart, on the theme of sisterhood.
Miss Hart: Last week was Anti-Bullying Week. This is a nationwide campaign, giving everyone the opportunity to think more deeply about bullying and its effects. This year’s theme was ‘Respect’ and, at Roedean, many of you wore odd socks to express your individuality, and our Pastoral Prefects ran reflective activities in the Fireplace each day, which was great to see. Thank you to all those who participated.
Today, we come together to reflect on the theme of respect and the impact sisterhood, especially in a place like Roedean, can have.
In the Bible, in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches us one of the most well-known commandments: 'Do to others what you would have them do to you' (Matthew 7:12). This is known as the Golden Rule.
This verse is a powerful reminder that respect is not just about how we want to be treated, but how we treat others. It is perhaps easy to respect people who are like us, but true respect challenges us to see everyone as worthy of kindness and dignity, just as we would want for ourselves. Growing up, ‘treat people how you want to be treated’ was an encouraging statement my own mother would say to me, and it is something I strive to do every day.
One of my favourite musicals and books growing up was Wicked, the prequel to the Wizard of Oz. Those of you who are longtime fans of the show and songs, like me, will be extremely excited that this has now been made into a film and is being released in the UK this weekend.
In this story, we witness the complex relationship between two very different women, Elphaba and Glinda, who learn what it means to see each other with respect, to support one another despite their differences, and to love each other in the most unlikely of circumstances. Their journey is one of transformation—one that invites us to consider how we treat the people in our own lives.
Megs: In Wicked, Elphaba and Glinda start off as complete opposites. Elphaba is misunderstood, while Glinda is popular and seemingly perfect. They don’t like each other at first, but, as their journey unfolds, they learn that there’s more to each other than meets the eye. Their relationship shows us that we don’t always know what someone else is going through, and when we choose to respect and understand them, we can form deeper connections. It's a reminder that sisterhood, whether in friendship or in community, is built on respect, and that can only happen when we truly see each other for who we are, not just for who we appear to be.
Emma-Lynn: In our world, it’s easy to think of respect as something we give only to those we agree with or those who are like us. But Wicked teaches us that real sisterhood and respect happen when we reach out to those who are different from us. Throughout Wicked, Elphaba and Glinda grow by learning from each other, by sharing their vulnerabilities and strengths. In the same way, we can honour each other’s differences and find strength in our diversity. Sisterhood means embracing all parts of each other’s stories, even the parts that seem difficult or unfamiliar.
Tilly: One of the most powerful moments in Wicked comes during the song 'For Good'. Elphaba and Glinda share how they’ve changed each other’s lives for the better. Even though they’ve faced challenges and misunderstandings, they are grateful for the ways they’ve helped each other grow. The song reminds us that, even in difficult relationships, we can leave a lasting impact by showing kindness, respect, and understanding. We are called to uplift those around us, not tear them down, and that’s a big part of sisterhood: sharing the responsibility to make each other better people.
Miss Hart: Our lives are intertwined in ways we don’t always expect. The impact we have on each other, whether positive or negative, can last a lifetime. Just as Elphaba and Glinda realised, we are changed by the people around us, and, in turn, we have the power to shape each other too. It’s a gift we must carry with us and use to build up those in our community. Let us remember the message of Wicked: respect, kindness, and sisterhood are not just about shared similarities. They are about embracing each other’s differences, lifting each other up, and leaving the world better than we found it.
I'm limited
Just look at me
I'm limited, and just look at you
You can do all I couldn't do, Glinda
So now it's up to you
For both of us
Now it's up to you
I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But
Because I knew you
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good
And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the things I've done you blame me for
But then, I guess we know there's blame to share
And none of it seems to matter anymore
Like a comet pulled from orbit (like a ship blown from its mooring)
As it passes a sun (by a wind off the sea)
Like a stream that meets a boulder (like a seed dropped by a bird)
Halfway through the wood (in the wood)
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
I do believe I have been changed for the better
And because I knew you
Because I knew you, because I knew you
I have been changed
For good
This week in Boarding…
House 1 has been getting into the festive spirit and, not that it's a race, have already put up their Christmas tree! The boarders started to decorate their ODR with life-size cut-outs of a snowman and Santa's sleigh! The girls loved a classic game of bingo over the weekend, fuelled by the possibility of getting sweets as a prize!
House 2 indulged in an array of sweet treats, including giant s'mores, rocky road, cake-pops, and chocolate pine cones (which didn't quite look like the inspiration picture)! The festive creativeness has begun, as girls made gingerbread houses out of left-over cardboard. The boarders enjoyed making homemade lemon curd, and will hopefully be able to enjoy it soon, once it has set. Everything was apple-flavoured earlier this week, as girls brewed a mulled apple drink, spiced with oranges and cinnamon, which paired perfectly with fresh apple strudels!
House 3 had a mid-week pancake party, with fluffy pancakes, complete with lots of toppings to choose from, including chocolate, flavoured sauces, fresh fruit, and ice cream! During quiz night, the girls had a go at guessing students and staff members from baby pictures, and there were even cameos from the Heads of Year!
House 4 enjoyed rainbow cookies with a kind twist for World Kindness Day! The boarders had fun making Purin, a simple sweet treat from Japan, made with eggs, sugar, and milk, accompanied with warm caramel sauce! The girls also immersed themselves in Thai culture, by making krathongs (floats) to mark Loy Krathong, a Thai festival that honours the goddess of water. Krathongs are traditionally made with banana leaves and released into the water, but House 4 girls improvised with beautifully decorated biodegradable materials to release into the sea! World Origami Day fell in the same week, so the girls got creative and made an origami krathong!
Keswick held a belated bonfire evening, with a warm campfire and tasty s'mores – what a brilliant treat to have after their assessments!
Lawrence created a 'good deeds' jar, for girls to pick and complete good deeds on World Kindness Day – what a great way to spread kindness! The girls enjoyed a Children in Need-themed afternoon tea, complete with Pudsey Bear!
Our Junior Boarders were getting into the festive spirit over the weekend with a spot of Christmas Karaoke – what's your favourite
Volleyball vs Oxford International
In their first fixture of the season, Roedean's Volleyball team played a highly-contested and exciting fixture against local school, Oxford International in Ovingdean.
The team had some pre-match nerves due to the time since their last volleyball game, and this showed in set one, which we lost comprehensively with a score of 21-11. However after a reset, set two started very well, with the serving skills of Rene and Eris on show, giving us a big early lead, however the opposition fought back to close the gap. We held our nerve and won the second set 21-18, to tie the game at the halfway point.
Sets three and four were very close, with Oxford edging the third as a result of too many unforced errors, however, yet again, the team fought back in the fourth to tie the game 2-2 in sets.
Well done to Yuki, Eris, Almee, Lilia, Rene, Elisa, Chloe, and Athena – it was a great game, especially for the first fixture of the year, and there are more fixtures coming up soon.
Mr Foggoa
U14A 7-a-side UKSA Hockey Tournament
Last week, the U14A team proudly represented the School at the UKSA 7-a-side Hockey tournament held at the Triangle. Competing in a challenging pool, our students displayed impressive skill, teamwork, and resilience throughout the day.
Their opening match against St Theresa’s was a nail-biter, with both sides battling hard. A well-timed goal secured us a 1-0 victory, setting a strong tone for the team. Building on this momentum, we put on a dazzling display against Burgess Hill, dominating the game with an emphatic 8-0 win.
The third match against a formidable Caterham side tested the team’s grit. Despite outstanding performances from the midfield and forwards, a late short corner in the final minute resulted in a narrow 1-0 defeat. They then faced a fast and physical Bede's team, ultimately succumbing to a 2-0 loss in another hard-fought contest.
Despite the tough pool, the U14As advanced to the semi-finals of the plate competition, facing St Theresa’s once more. Fatigue played a role as the players battled valiantly, but narrowly lost 1-0.
Finishing 2nd in the plate was a fantastic achievement, reflecting their determination and growth as a team. The experience provided valuable lessons, and the students were commended for their sportsmanship and dedication. This performance is a stepping stone for future success, and the School is immensely proud of their efforts.
Miss Hayman
U14A Tier 2 Area Hockey Final
'Last Wednesday, the U14A girls went to the area finals.
First Match vs Hurst
In our first match, we switched on quickly after a good warm-up. Unfortunately, we conceded an early goal, but we had the motivation to move on quickly. Then we scored a superb goal from a hard pass from Sophie to Katherine, who ran onto it. Then there was a pass to Bella, who drove up the line and passed it to Kayla, who scored. This match was incredible, and the final scoreline showcased that, with the score being 3-1!
Second Match vs Sutton Valence
After a long 2-hour break between matches, we knew we had to get focused. The game started, and there were many opportunities. The forwards, Erin, Alex, Bella, and Maddie, were pressing hard on the skilled opposition and making some vital interceptions. We worked
tirelessly in the midfield, where Mabel, Eva, Ruby, and Kayla, marked tightly. Kayla specifically held the middle, and pushed the players out wide to make a good tackle and get on a speedy counter-attack. Alejandra and Sophie were ready at the back to pick up loose balls. Ale marked tightly and sent the ball out with precision and accuracy. Sophie was great at the back, holding her ground and running towards the ball to make a solid tackle, and passing with good ball speed out wide to Katherine, who was ready to use her incredible speed. This tough game was kept at 0-0, but we had many close opportunities.
Semi-Final Match vs Tormead
With a short break from our previous match, we moved on to our semi-final match against Tormead, which we knew was going to be difficult. We started the match slowly and couldn’t quite find our rhythm, which quickly led us to be stuck in the corner with Tormead's good press. We kept working, but Tormead managed
to work through our layers of defence and sneak two goals into the back of the net. We tried to get it into the D to get a shot away, but the shots just weren’t working. Nevertheless, we worked hard to keep it at that score. At the end of the game, it was a disappointing 2-0 loss to Tormead.
Although it was a sad loss at the end, we had an amazing time at this tournament, really showcasing this incredible season for the U14As. A special shout-out goes to the amazing Cindy, who was outstanding in goal as usual, saving lots of tough shots. Our main scorer in this tournament was Kayla, who showed off her skill and hunger for the ball, not only in open play but also in short corners. Our game-play was fluid, showing our teamwork and trust in each other, especially with five Year 8s playing up a year –well done to Mabel, Ruby, Maddie, Isabelle, and Cindy.'
We welcome contributions from all parts of the Roedean community. If you have something you would like featured in the Head’s Weekly Review, please email: aws@roedean.co.uk
Isabelle (Yr8)