Night
Head’s Introduction
I hope that you all had a restful half-term, and were able to spend valuable time with family and friends. Very early on Monday morning, our six trail-blazing Year 9s landed back in the UK after three weeks at Roedean South Africa. They returned with their exchange partners and a member of staff, who have all been warmly welcomed into our community. It is difficult to believe that this is only the end of their first week, because they are already so wonderfully settled, and they are getting involved in all aspects of school life. We all look forward to making their experience here in Brighton an exciting one over the next two weeks.
I am delighted and proud that the report of our ISI Inspection in January has now been published. The Inspectors saw very clearly what a wonderful school Roedean is, and the feedback is very positive indeed. Some of the many highlights are included in this review, and the full review can be found on the School’s website. I would like to thank everyone in the Roedean community for the part you played in this success – congratulations!
Over half-term, there were two residential trips, and I am pleased that both were great successes. The Art Department led a trip to London where they immersed themselves in the cultural and creative sides of our capital, and the Geography Department took forty students to Morocco, where they had a wonderful experience. I am very grateful to all my colleagues who gave up part of their holiday to give the students these wonderful opportunities – thank you.
This week has seen Open Mic Night, which was great fun, with sixteen acts performing in the Theatre, and also the finale of this year’s Roedean Academy. The 90 students who took part, from Roedean and six other state schools in the area, really enjoyed working together and learning for the joy of it. I am very grateful to all those colleagues who taught Academy sessions over the last five weeks to inspire these students – you may have uncovered a lifelong passion in one of them!
I am looking forward to our Festival Celebrating Inspiring Women, which takes place next Friday to mark International Women’s Day – we have 20 speakers taking part, and this should provide a wonderful opportunity for our students to hear from successful women in a range of fields. On the subject of inspiring women, OR Amber Anning, who came to Roedean in September, became British Indoor 400-metre Champion last weekend – congratulations!
Monday was the third anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine, and, as a community, we have been supporting the Ukrainian students at Roedean, hoping for a timely resolution. I would also like to wish 'Ramadan Mubarak' to those in our community marking Ramadan this month. I hope that those in Years 11 and 13 have had a positive week of assessments so far, and I wish them good luck for those which remain early next week. I hope you all have a positive weekend!
Roedean Hosts Exchange Students from Our Sister School
Geography Morocco Trip 2025 Cross Country Championships
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.
Sooyeun and Claire (Yr12) – for their amazing contribution to LGBTQ+ History Month by delivering two brilliant Academic Lectures this week, on 'LGBTQ+ History in Korea' and 'Sappho's Legacy in the Modern Music Industry' – really well done! [Ms Ibanez-Barcelo]
Suraya (Yr13) and Sohana (Yr11) – for playing the piano in this week's Chapel services [Miss Hart]
Angelica and Sihu (Yr12) – for sharing personal experiences of changes they have made with such candour in Chapel [Dr Barrand]
Roedean Hosts Exchange Students from Our Sister School
After three weeks in South Africa at our sister school in Johannesburg, our six Year 9s, Sorcha, Saffron, Bella, Greta, Georgia, and Andrea landed back in the UK very early on Monday morning, along with their exchange partners from Roedean South Africa. They had a wonderful time in South Africa, and we hope that Bibi, Olivia, Imogen, Sophie, Hannah, and Maia will do the same here in Brighton.
They arrived at the School in Monday morning's pouring rain, but they have enjoyed lovely
weather, and even lovelier sunsets, since they arrived in Brighton. The Roedean SA exchange partners are completely settled, and, after just four days, it is difficult to appreciate that they have only been here for such a short space of time – they are throwing themselves into everything at their sister school in Brighton.
We look forward to celebrating everything they achieve over the course of the next two weeks!
Dr Barrand
Unsung Staff hero in the spotlight
Ms Shillito – for a very inspiring and empowering Academic Lecture on 'Women in Art' before half term [Ms Ibanez-Barcelo]
Mrs Lovatt – for bringing our 6 exchange students back from South Africa, along with their partners from our sister school –shepherding 12 students through airports is no mean feat [Dr Barrand]
Inspection Report 2025 – Highlights
Following the School's ISI Inspection in January, the report has been published this week – the standards in all five categories are met by Roedean.
Congratulations go to the entire community, and we are very pleased that what we know takes place every day at Roedean was clearly in evidence when the Inspectors were in School.
Although the nature of Inspection reports now means that the comments can appear to be rather formulaic, there are some lovely observations which deserve to be highlighted:
Pupils thrive in the school's busy, encouraging, and nurturing environment.
Pupils are broad-minded, embrace diversity, and have a clear sense of social awareness and responsibility.
They contribute to society both locally and internationally through long-established community programmes.
Pupils thrive in a positive and inclusive environment that supports their academic, creative, and sporting achievements.
Teachers develop positive relationships with pupils so that they feel confident to participate and ask for help.
Pupils develop academic resilience, good study habits, and are proud of their achievements.
A multitude of lifeskill opportunities are offered to both day and boarding pupils.
Pupils thrive in a positive and inclusive environment that supports their academic, creative, and sporting achievements.
The design of the four main houses, with their outlook to the sea, further promotes pupils' self-esteem and their sense of belonging.
Pupils engage in a wide range of academic, cultural, and physical experiences through the many residential and day trips, alongside long-standing community initiatives.
Pupils are well-prepared for future academic and personal challenges, equipped with a strong foundation of emotional, intellectual, and creative skills.
Activities promote teamwork, resilience, and social interaction. Pupils build their self-esteem and broaden their horizons.
Pupils develop a spiritual and moral understanding of life through the well-balanced and well-thought-through Chapel programme that draws from spiritual, secular, and social messages.
Well-trained prefects and peer listeners contribute to an embedded culture of support for pupils' wellbeing, where resilience, emotional awareness, and self-refection are encouraged.
Sporting facilities and the broad co-curricular offer from staff enhances pupils' interest and eagerness for physical pursuits.
The school's ethos and aims reflect a strong commitment to cultivating pupils' social and cultural understanding.
From the Souks of Marrakech to the Sands of the Sahara – Geography Morocco Trip 2025
During the half-term break, 40 students across Years 10-12 spent six days in the vibrant and fascinating North African country of Morocco.
With a sleepy-eyed early start of 2:45am, the girls, accompanied by Mr Carter, Miss Smith, Mrs Finn, and Mr Halsey, made their way to Gatwick Airport for our departure to Marrakech.
We arrived at the city hotel soon after landing, meeting our wonderful guide, Larbi, who supported us throughout the trip, answering our many questions, and teaching us about Moroccan culture. After depositing bags and grabbing some lunch in the hotel, it was finally time to explore buzzing Marrakech. We walked through the famous Jemaa El Fna square, with its snake-charmers, water sellers, and excitedly energetic salesmen everywhere, where our haggling skills were firmly put to the test in the maze-like souks. Tiffany in Year 11 excelled in
this field, adeptly only agreeing a final value well below the ‘best price’ every time! This very long first day ended with a truly entertaining apothecary visit, where Mr Halsey was the victim of the storekeeper’s wicked humour (much to our amusement). Wild Marrakech was the perfect way to begin our adventure.
The next day, the journey continued as the group made its way deeper into the country, over the High Atlas Mountains, with stops on the way to have a look at the incredible views and geographical features. On the high plains between the High Atlas and Anti-Atlas Mountains, we visited Kasbar Ait Ben Haddou, a stunning location used for filming movies including Gladiators 1 & 2, Ali Baba, Jesus De Nazareth, and Prince of Persia. This brought the group closer together, taking plenty of photographs, or ‘gems’ during our trip.
As the attached photos show, Morocco is a wonderfully picturesque country, with colours that are just not experienced in the UK. An evening swim after dinner in our comfortable hotel in Ouarzazate and an early night was very necessary before our descent eastwards into the fringes of the Sahara Desert.
The next morning, we stopped at a typical local subsistence farm, where some of our nongeographers learnt all about channel irrigation, understanding how water was pumped electrically up a well to hydrate all the crops that were being planted by the farmers. After a beautiful roof terrace lunch stop and a visit to an argan oil factory, we drove out to the Sahara near Zagora, where we embarked on a ‘calm’ camel ride out to our remote the campsite.
Except, of course, the ride was far from tranquil! Now viral videos clearly show some of the group struggling to hang on for dear life. One student even fell off her camel (without any bumps or bruises). The journey was one of the more hilarious moments on the expedition as all 45 of us rode our own temperamental beasts out into the desert sand – it was truly a scene replicated from Lawrence of Arabia.
Once at our camp (more like a glamp!), we climbed the high dunes to watch the majestic desert sunset. Later we were treated to traditional Bedouin drumming and dancing around our bonfire, before spending a beautiful night under the stars. A few students even rose early to witness the sunrise, and others decided to try sandboarding down the dunes (go Fen!). We rode the camels back to the coach and returned westwards, stopping again in Ouarzazate, and finally Marrakech to use our new-found haggling skills for some wild retail therapy.
A final day was spent as guests in the village of Douar Ouled Elguern, where we joined this rural community to make earth bricks, tagines, couscous, and bread. We were made to feel welcome as the villagers allowed us to experience their way of life.
Sadly, our wonderful journey had to unfortunately come to an end. The trip was a truly eye-opening experience, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in a different culture and explore different landscapes most had never encountered before. We arrived back fresh, happy, and with a new appetite for tagine!
Angelica and Zaha
Open Mic Night
This week's Open Mic Night saw wonderful performances from sixteen acts – it was lovely to see younger performers rubbing shoulders with those with more experience, and the repertoire included Ariana Grande, Adele, and Taylor Swift, alongside ABBA, Celine Dion, and The Cranberries. The performers' poise and courage were impressive, and Tegan and Zaha compered the evening with humour and warmth.
The standard was very high, but I am always in awe of those who can sing and play at the same time, so I particularly enjoyed the rendition of 'You're on your own, kid' by Annabelle (Yr9), who played guitar and sang, and also Year 10's Imi, who sang Adele's 'When we were young' while accompanying herself on the piano.
My other personal favourites were 'There are worse things I could do' by Charlie in Year 11, 'Devil Swim' by Alfie in Year 12, and 'Car's Outside' by Amyra in Year 9. Thank you also to the Mr Woodhouse, Mrs Andrew, Mr McGregor, and Ms Nightingale, who rounded off the evening with a performance of Erasure's 'A Little Respect'.
It was a lovely evening – well done to everyone involved, especially the Music Department and the Theatre team.
Dr Barrand
HHH Textiles: Stunning Creations all round!
Years 7, 8, and 9 have embraced technical textiles, mastering construction skills, building confidence with sewing machines, and crafting some truly incredible pieces!
Year 7 have been taking on the challenge of creating their very own Roedean deer – handcrafted from upcycled fabric and stuffed with wool from our very own sheep! These unique deer, dressed in bold and colourful outfits, showcase their creativity and sustainable thinking.
Year 8 honed their precision skills through intricate fabric manipulation, created to embellish their stylish mini bags. They successfully inserted zips and transformed unwanted fabrics into vibrant, practical pouches.
Year 9 embarked on a whirlwind five-week journey into garment making, constructing eyecatching cropped jackets. They elevated their designs with the technique of Shibori dyeing, adding stunning patterns to their garments. Some students even found time to pose in fabulous photoshoots, proudly showcasing their handmade fashion!
It has been a fantastic, fun-filled year in HHH Textiles so far, and I look forward to welcoming new HHH groups throughout the remainder of the year.
It helped me see what studying is like at a higher level.
Yasmin (PCS)
I enjoyed learning about the universe, and it has inspired me.
Peggy (Dorothy Stringer)
It has challenged me in a great way!
Bonnie (King’s Hove)
I liked that we could choose what we are interested in.
Katelyn (PCS)
I would recommend the opportunity to learn about obscure subjects, and the brownies.
Matilda (King’s Hove)
It was superfun and interesting.
Xin Yao (PCS)
This experience has helped boost my love for learning.
Maja (Blatch)
It helped me to understand what studying could be like at a higher level.
Kem (PCS)
I liked the more independent style of learning.
Josh (Longhill)
The study of the isiXhosa language was challenging but great fun.
Lillian (Roedean)
It has inspired me to pursue my interest in classical history.
Darcey (King’s Hove)
The highlight for me was dissecting a frog.
Karina (PCS)
differentHearingperspectives is interesting.
Alvina (Roedean)
It’s very engaging to try new, wonderful things.
Leona (Longhill)
I enjoyed discussing the ethical-based dilemmas in a group with different schools.
Matilda (Roedean) It helped me to think more creatively.
Marko (Dorothy Stringer)
I enjoyed the frog dissection a lot!
Georgia (PCS)
Roedean Academy
This year's Roedean Academy programme of acadmeic enrichment for Year 10 students from Roedean and six local state schools concluded this week. The students enjoying working together and exploring their academic interests beyond what is required at GCSE level. 90 students were involved, and they have been tasked with preparing an academic paper on a subject of their choice to present to their peers in early June. Here is some of their feedback.
Dr Barrand
I enjoyed the ethical questions in the first session because it got everyone as a group.
Travis (Longhill)
The Academy was a highlight of my life!
Leona (Longhill)
I had not yet completely decided whether or not I would take Classics at A Level, but now I know.
Eden (Longhill)
I liked getting myself out of my comfort zone and speaking to strangers.
Siona (Longhill)
I have enjoyed having to challenge myself to think about topics extended beyond my GCSEs.
Coco (Roedean)
It was fun to learn more challenging things than at school.
Florence (Blatch)
It was a great experience to listen to others’ opinions on important global issues.
Gabriella (Roedean)
Scarlett (Roedean) I enjoyed being presented with new ideas that help broaden my mindset.
Emma (Longhill)
It has introduced me to subject matter which I never would’ve looked into.
Matilda (King’s Hove)
I have loved the freedom of not being stuck behind a desk and really getting involved.
Bonnie (King’s Hove)
I like being intellectually stimulated to broaden my mindset.
Alannah (Longhill)
I found the Shostakovich lecture to be a great challenge. –
Zsofia (Roedean)
It was a deep-dive into subjects I am passionate about – it was amazing!
Gabriella (Roedean)
I liked being able to express my opinions as well as getting the intellectual stimulation I love.
I enjoyed getting to meet different people because it helps me understand different views and opinions.
Erin (PCS)
I admire the incredible learning atmosphere.
Maja (Blatch)
It was great to socialise and debate with like- minded people.
Isadora (Blatch)
It broadened the horizons of my learning.
Rainah (Roedean)
Chapel – Adapt and Change
Mrs Bond: British Science Week runs from Friday 7 March to Friday 14 March, and this year’s theme is “Adapt and Change”. I’m guessing that one of the first names you will think of would be Charles Darwin.
Darwin very famously proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection. Evolution is ‘change over time’, life on earth is thought to have begun 3.5 billion years ago and during this time living things have changed both rapidly and more gradually to adapt to their changing surroundings. The modern giraffe is the result of multiple stages of neck lengthening as a result of needing to reach leaves on trees that others can’t.
Astronomers and cosmologists have gathered evidence over many years which has lead them to now understand that almost 15 billion years ago the universe emerged from a hot, dense sea of matter and energy. As the cosmos expanded and cooled, it spawned galaxies, stars, planets and life. The Universe has evolved, and changed over time.
Diamonds are created deep inside the earth where immense heat and pressure cause carbon atoms to bond together. But what if we think about change on a slightly smaller scale, and focus on personal change?
Some changes, are those we seek out for ourselves. For example, at the start of a calendar or academic year. How many of us have decided in December or January that this year we are going to cut down on the amount of processed food we eat? or take up a new hobby? or spend more time with the people we love or who make us happy? Or vowing in September that this year we will be more organised, get that prep done and try to consolidate your lesson materials between lessons? These sorts of changes require requires determination, effort, and perseverance.
But not all change takes place over periods of months, or years, or even millions of years. Sometimes we do not have as long as the giraffe to adapt to changes in our lives and this can sometimes feel really overwhelming.
Over the years, reality television shows such as Queer Eye, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Changing Rooms, and Ground Force have shown us the sudden and total transformation of a person, a house, or a space. At the end of the programme, 'before' and 'after' shots are
shown. Sometimes the contestant or owner loves it! At other times, it is a shock, and – even though they might try to remain polite on camera – they find the sudden change difficult to handle!
Getting used to change isn't always easy – it pushes us to find strengths we may not realise we have and often needs us to lean on resilience we might not always feel is there.
So not all change feels positive. These are often the changes we don’t choose for ourselves, those which we have imposed upon us; a change of school, a change in routine or the people we work with.
I love music. And whilst I have never been fortunate enough to attend Glastonbury myself, I love watching it on TV every summer without fail. Glastonbury 2024 saw one of my favourite bands from my youth take to the stage performing a song called “Everybody’s changing” – you may be familiar with the Lily Allen version which was the soundtrack to a beloved John Lewis Christmas advert a few years ago. The song contains the line “Cause everybody's changing, and I don't feel right”
The lyrics of this song are about someone struggling to adapt to the changes around them: people moving away and friendship groups adapting. These sorts of changes can be difficult.
Sihu: Five years ago, I came to Roedean and started Year 7. Leaving my home and friends behind was scary, and adapting to a new country, language, and culture felt overwhelming. Because my English skills were poor, it was harder to talk to friends and follow lessons in class. I struggled at first, but I was lucky to find supportive friends and teachers who helped me feel at home. Over time, I realised that change isn’t something to fear, but it’s an opportunity to learn and grow. And no matter how tough it seems, there are always good people willing to help.
Mrs Bond: Change can be difficult – it often comes with the fear of things being different, the fear of the unknown, or even feelings of loss. John Henry Newman, a 19th-century Roman Catholic Cardinal, captured this well when he said: "To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often." All life involves change, and when embraced, it has the power to shape
us for the better, helping us grow into stronger, wiser individuals. However, real change takes time – unlike the instant transformations we often see on reality TV.
Angelica: Speech Day is one of my now favourite days of the year in the Roedean calendar. My first was in 2021, the end of Year 9, as Years 7 and 8 were cancelled due to Covid. I found Year 9 difficult in quite a few ways, and so when the time came for Speech Day, I had no desire, at all, in going. I think deep down I was embarrassed and honestly knew I wouldn’t be winning any awards. And so, sitting listening to all the prizes and achievements of my peers, I made it my goal so that the next year I would be a part of such an incredible tradition.
The following year arrived, and my mum sent me a screenshot of an email she’d been sent. I had been commended for my efforts in History and was additionally due to be giving a speech. The year after, I received an award for exceptional progress. For me, this was the start of not only making my parents and teachers proud, but myself. Because I managed to change my habits and mindset completely within the space of a few months. To others this may seem insignificant, but for me it was huge. Change and progress are inevitable, but sometimes you need to be the one to make it happen for yourself, and often that’s only possible once that’s been recognised.’
Mrs Bond: Mahatma Gandhi once said, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” What does this truly mean? What I take from this is that change in the world begins with us. If we want to see positive transformation, we must first take action and change ourselves. Change is an inevitable part of life. While it can present challenges, it also offers opportunities to learn, grow, and develop. It is not something to fear or shy away from.
Think about the carbon – when placed under immense pressure and extreme conditions, it transforms into a diamond. In the same way, the challenges we face through unexpected or unwelcome change can shape us into something stronger and more brilliant, if we are prepared to adapt.
By shifting our attitudes and taking even the smallest positive actions, we can change not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us—and, ultimately, the world.
This Week in Boarding...
House 1 went up against House 2 in a silly games evening, including competing in boules, bean bag throwing, and the hoop toss! Who do you think won?
House 2 decorated for Valentine's Day, with scandi bunting, and they made cards for loved ones, fuelled by some delicious yoghurt muffins! A favourite midweek snack amongst boarders was fruit kebabs... smothered in melted chocolate! House 2 also hosted an evening of Just Dance and sweet treats, which got girls from all Houses dancing together to their favourite songs. The girls enjoyed a relaxing evening doing a painting swap with friends to create Springthemed masterpieces!
House 3 were all about sharing the love with Valentine's Day-themed arts and crafts! The girls marked National Fettucine Alfredo Day with a pasta bar for all to enjoy together. The boarders came together to celebrate a friend's birthday, complete with delicious cake to share!
House 4 celebrated Valentine's day with fresh fruit and a chocolate fountain! The boarders enjoyed making fluffy American pancakes with an array of toppings to try, including Biscoff spread and marshmallow fluff! House 4 hosted a night of karaoke, with everyone singing their favourite songs, accompanied by yummy toasties and luxury hot chocolate!
Keswick hosted a bingo evening, which saw girls getting competitive and winning lots of prizes!
Lawrence celebrated the month of love, and a belated Valentine's Day, with a Valentine's-themed afternoon tea - the perfect excuse to tuck into chocolate treats! The boarders invited Ms Diplos to join them at Senior Baking Club for a wonderful masterclass on making choux pastry, a skill which may come in handy for future baking in Lawrence House!
Miss Barnett
Remarkable Chinese Success for Roedean Students
Congratulations to the Biology Olympiad Winners
Just before half-term, a few of our Year 12s completed the Biology Olympiad. This consists of 2 very taxing online quizzes, requiring knowledge, and high-level reasoning and logic.
We are very proud of this year's cohort, who achieved excellent results: 8 students were Commended or Highly Commended, 3 won a Bronze Award (Hayley, Agatha, and Sophia), and 3 won a Silver Award (Rida, Ella, and Rosa).
Well done to you all!
Mrs Andrew
Congratulations to seven Roedean students who have won impressive accolades in international Chinese writing competitions. Well done to Nathania and Melissa, who have won First Prize, to Hunny, Sarah, and Jade, who have won Second Prize, and to Daisy and Coco, who have been awarded Third Prize. Well done – this is a remarkable achievement!
Mrs Wu
U15A Netball vs Brighton Girls
On Tuesday, the U15 Netball team played against the U16 Brighton Girls' team. 10 girls were selected for the match, which meant lots of rotations. The squad pulled together well and adapted to the changes with maturity and focus. This was excellent practice for if a player comes off due to injury, or if the rotation is not working. After the first half of the game,
they were up by quite a few goals. This meant that we could made changes to where people play. The team played incredibly well amid the mayhem of the changes, reacting quickly and playing out of position. The final score was 37-15.
Miss Walsh
Cross Country Championships
Four U12 and four U13 runners set their sights on glory around a very muddy track at Christ's Hospital in the Sussex Schools' Cross Country Championships 2025 on Tuesday this week. With torrential rain on the days before, it was a perfect storm for falls at the start and losing shoes around the track, which many did... The weather on the day however was glorious sunshine and beautiful blue skies!
The U12 runners set off first, with about 300 girls funneled onto the track and around the first corner without any slips, trips, or falls. Florence set her pace well and maintained it all the way around the fields. Harrie and Josie came up behind her and also ran good races, experiencing this event for the first time.
The U13s started really well with Maddie, Maisa, Ruby, and Mabel all close to each other and making their way through the pack as they went on. Maisa ran a determined race, extended her lead, and kept pushing all the way to the end, finishing just outside of the first 50 runners. Ruby followed close behind and finished strongly at the finish, with Maddie and Mabel coming home after them.
For both teams, this was their first experience of this type of course, with so many runners – they performed well.
Mr Campleman
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
Sports Stars of the Week
Well done to this week's sporting stars!
Year 7
Lara, for fantastic effort and progress in Hockey and Netball
Year 8
Maisa, forher excellent performance at the Cross Country Championships this week
Year 9
Janelle, for her incredible effort in PE lessons this term and a great start to Roedean
Year 10
Poppy, for a fantastic performance in Netball this week
Year 11
Romey Kavanagh, for excellent effort and performances in Netball Year 12
Vanessa, for consistent effort in Netball this term
Year 13
Phoebe, for consistent effort in Netball