31 January 2020 - Issue 4
HEAD’S
WEEKLY REVIEW
Head’s Introduction
Happy Chinese New Year! I am delighted that everyone in the school community is sharing in this celebration – it has been wonderful to hear about the many festive traditions and thank you to Maggie, who organised a talented band of musicians to perform for the School every day this week. Hot on the heels of the outstanding success of two Roedean girls in the World Chinese Writing Competition, I am delighted that Martha and Tinaye were selected to accompany Mrs Wu to meet the Prime Minister last Friday – this was no
doubt an unforgettable experience. We are very proud of the girls’ achievements. With flashes and bangs timed to music, the fireworks on Wednesday were brilliant, and I am pleased that those on the Roedean Academy and some from St Mark’s were able to join us to watch the display. The range of activities and events taking place each week at Roedean never ceases to impress me – on top of all the Chinese activities, Classicists have been to the British Museum, there have been
Dance workshops, indoor Cricket, the Roedean Academy, chamber music masterclasses with the Sacconi Quartet, the Visual and Performing Arts Day in Admissions, and a huge number of girls have represented the School on the Netball courts. Well done to everyone involved, and I thank all my colleagues for their commitment and also for the Year 9 Parents’ Evening. I wish you all a relaxing weekend and wonderful week ahead.
新年快乐! Happy Chinese New Year! 恭喜发财! The Year of the Rat has arrived! After weeks of excited preparations in the Houses, making paper decorations and traditional treats, it is wonderful that the entire Roedean community is sharing in the festivities for Chinese New Year.
10 Downing Street for Roedean Girls
The Year of the Rat has already shown itself to be auspicious at Roedean! On Friday, Tinaye (Yr9) and Martha (Yr10) had the great honour of being two out of 30 students from the whole of the UK who were invited, with their Roedean teacher, Mrs Lin Wu, to 10 Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.
that I have never tasted before. I think being around so many Chinese-speaking people has helped me with my learning, as I got to listen to lots of pronunciation. Going inside number 10 was very exciting and I’m glad I got to see all the portraits of previous Prime Ministers on the walls. We made origami and crafts to celebrate the New Year, and took photos with the Prime Minister which I will keep as a memory. Visiting Downing Street was a special event that I am very lucky and grateful to have been part of, and it was inspiring to see Mr Johnson in person.’
Martha, who has been learning Chinese for 5 years, said, ‘The visit to 10 Downing Street for Chinese New Year was an amazing experience that I will never forget. It was interesting to see the Chinese culture through music and a Chinese lion dance. I also got to try new Chinese foods
Tinaye: ‘It was an amazing experience to go through that big black door to 10 Downing Street. Out of all the students there, Martha and I were the only ones who weren’t Chinese, which makes me really proud. We did lots of Chinese activities, and then we saw Boris Johnson too – I really enjoyed the whole day!’
Fireworks at Roedean
Under crystal clear skies on Wednesday evening, we watched a fantastic firework display set to music. The girls were joined in the Quad by the 50 students from local schools who are part of the Roedean Academy, and by a group of children from our partner school in Whitehawk, St Mark’s Primary. The flashes were bright and the bangs were loud, just as they should be to scare off evil spirits! We have been very lucky to watch incredibly talented musicians performing brilliantly on traditional Chinese instruments in Assemblies and in Chapel, and a number of younger students from China and Hong Kong also explained the significance and importance of Chinese New Year to the school community.
SUSTAINABILITY DAY – Tuesday 4 February Next Tuesday is Sustainability Day at Roedean. Thank you all for the brilliant ideas you discussed in vertical tutorgroups.
Please remember to wear something green on Tuesday – thank you for donating £1, and if you have not done this already, please hand it in to the School Office on Monday if you want to wear nonuniform on Tuesday.
Follow this link to find out more about why we should endeavour to be as sustainable as we can be. Sophia (Yr13 – Sustainability Prefect)
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
31 January 2020 - Issue 4
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.
House 3
Our wonderful Chinese musicians, Yoyo (guqin, piano), Mandy (erhu), Crystal (xiao), Ellen (piano), Leila (flute), Lareina (yangqin), Melanie (guzheng), and Maggie (organising the Chinese band) for broadening our horizons with their traditional music and instruments [RB] Maisie, Jamie, Eloise, Jemima, Anjali, Anna, Maya, Tilly, Hettie, Freya, Tia, Gracie, Olivia, Stella, Poppy, Olivia, Daisy, Millicent, Jasmine, Indigo, Chloe, and Ellen (Yrs7-9) for all working incredibly hard helping at VPA day and doing a brilliant job from start to finish – they were wonderful Roedean ambassadors [JCO]
Jane at the National Theatre Well done to Jane (Yr11), who, for the past few weeks, has taken part in a Stage Management course for 16-21 year olds, at the National Theatre. Her successful application means that she is among the youngest ever to take part in this very competitive course, where she is learning the skills needed to call a show, mark up a rehearsal space, create rehearsal calls, and much more. This is a fantastic opportunity to see how the technical aspects of the three theatres at the National Theatre work, and we can’t wait to see her transfer the skills she learns there to productions at Roedean!
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.
Chinese New Year has brought a week of festivities in House 3, with girls celebrating together, and enjoying house camaraderie and fun. On Sunday evening, we handed out fortune cookies and ‘Year of the Rat’ crispy cakes, which were all well-received and disappeared quickly through the evening. At bedtime, the girls received red envelopes with lucky chocolate gold coins in to celebrate the New Year and wish them good luck. The House staff have enjoyed cooking spring rolls and making pom-poms for the girls to keep. After the wonderful display of fireworks, our teams took part in an origami making competition, with all the girls putting their best efforts into creating ingenious paper sculptures. Team 6 won the challenge, with Emily in Year 7 showcasing her artistic talents, teaching all her peers how to fold paper creatively. EHA
Art Workshop We are currently running an 8-week drawing workshop with a group of GCSE students, tutored by Mark Connolly, a visiting artist. Mark graduated from the Royal Drawing School in 2017 with an MA in Drawing. He has been teaching the students a range of different drawing styles and techniques, which has been a great opportunity for the girls to get inspired by the endless possibilities that drawing offers. APH Mr Halsey, for always being so committed and helpful in Maths clinics on Monday afternoons [India, Holly (Yr11), and Millie (Yr10)]
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Mrs Bennett for helping me do an emergency clean before the masterclass on Monday and for always looking after the Music and Drama department so well [SOB]
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
31 January 2020 - Issue 4
House 4 The House 4 girls loved designing their wildlife pouches which will be sent to Australia to support with the bushfire relief. These bags will help orphaned and injured kangaroos and koalas recover, as they build enough strength to one day return to the wild! We wish all our girls and their families a very happy Chinese New Year! To celebrate the occasion, every House 4 girl received a special delivery – a red envelope containing chocolate coins!
House 1 House 1 started a knitting club during the Winter months; just look at the result of Zoe's (Yr11) effots – a beautiful very, very long scarf to keep her warn in the cold weather! Well done, Zoe, you really persevered! JWL
Sacconi Quartet at Roedean On Monday, we were visited by the internationally renowned Sacconi String Quartet. The students were treated to a day of intensive chamber masterclasses, ending with a truly superb concert given by both the students and the Sacconis. The Sacconis talked about how to convey energy and excitement in the music, and how to work as a team and listen out for the other parts. The students took this on board and conveyed a real sense of musicianship. A particular highlight was the Grieg 1st movement played by Eva (Yr11), Charity (Yr13), Katarina (Yr12), and Ananya (Yr10), who really stepped up and performed with energy and passion. The Rachmaninov Romance played by the Sacconis was truly phenomenal in its musicianship and the entire audience was moved by the performance. The concert concluded with the String Orchestra playing Vivaldi’s L’Estro Armonico, Concerto for Four Violins in B Minor, with the Sacconis joining in. This was a marvellous performance and played
‘It was an absolutely fantastic experience and so inspiring to hear the Sacconi Quartet play. I look forward to reflecting on the changes they made to my attitude to chamber music.’ Ananya (Yr10)
rt ov made my hea ‘The Rachmanin they make as a melt. The sound tiful. I’ve taken au quartet is so be and intend to ce vi on their ad to my chamber incorporate it in avours.’ music ende 1) Katarina (Yr1
with such enthusiasm. The Sacconis mentioned at the end what an extraordinarily high standard the music was, and how receptive the Roedean students had been throughout the day. It was also so lovely to see so many Year 7s at their first chamber music concert, and I hope they and everyone else continue to enjoy these extraordinary masterclasses.
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31 January 2020 - Issue 4
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
British Museum for Sixth Form Classicists Twenty-five sixth form classicists headed up to the British Museum on Wednesday this week in order to see the stunning 'Troy' exhibition there. They weren't disappointed. The museum has carefully curated this exhibition, and the range and scope of the artefacts, art works, and writings was phenomenal, if, at times, slightly overwhelming. They went to find out some answers to the following questions: What was myth and what was reality? Was there ever such a man as Homer? Was there ever an epic war with the Greeks? Was there ever a wooden horse? Did Troy even exist? The exhibition was divided into different sections, including art inspired by mythology, for example, this wonderful moment from the Iliad as imagined by Rubens. There was interesting material from the excavations in Turkey, begun in the 19th century by the German businessman, Heinrich Schliemann. There were stunning artefacts, gathered together from all over Europe. I particularly liked the papyrus with lines from the Iliad written out by a school boy in Egypt during the first century AD, already 700+ years after the poem was written. For the Classical Civilisation students, the ‘World of the Hero’ module is absolutely at the heart of this exhibition. For the Latinists, it was an opportunity to extend their knowledge of one of the most beguiling and far reaching myths of the ancient world – lucky us! The exhibition is on until 8 March – go, see it!
RMI
U13D vs Mayfield
Netball
The U13D team have made huge improvements this term. The defence came together to keep the attack out, with Matilda and Lara working as a team, Cleo kept the GS out of the D. The attack worked the ball through, swinging it through different channels. Stella and Alex practised movement in the D and kept offering for Issy. Alex was named Player of the Match by the opposition for her terrific interceptions.
It’s been yet another busy week for Netball, with 10 teams out in force from our junior year groups against Mayfield. Roedean took 90% of the wins from this fixture, which is great for the girls’ confidence and progress. There have been continually high numbers at Netball Clubs across all age groups, and more girls coming forward wanting to represent Roedean in Netball. Miss Hammond and Miss Bamford will be running a Defensive Masterclass on Friday 7 February. Make sure you email AHD or LBA to register your interest, or just turn up. This Saturday, the Seniors visit Seaford, with other games against Worth and Hurst. Good luck, girls! GCR
U13B vs Mayfield
The U13B displayed some great team work and communication in their match versus Mayfield. Linking play, particularly in the attacking circle from Lilah and Lizzie, was fast and direct, enabling Roedean to pull away from the start. Liv and Tabitha read the ball well, and Katie was quick to pick up any loose balls in the centre court. Claude backing up all the way down the court and Tallulah supporting well on the circle edge. Well done to Tabitha for getting player of the match, and playing in a new position. The final score was 34-6 to Roedean, well done!
U13A
U13E
U13A vs Mayfield
The U13As had a strong performance against Mayfield. After a weak first quarter, the girls found their feet and worked well together. They stayed positive on court throughout and worked hard all the way through the court. They responded well to the wind and made short sharp drives towards the ball. Well done to the following girls: Opposition’s Player was Ruby, Coaches’ Player was Ella, and Players’ Players were Ella and Jamie. Page 4
U13E vs Mayfield
The U13Es travelled to Mayfield for their friendly fixture in the countryside. The girls moved the ball well and, as the game developed, we intercepted bravely and managed to get close to the net, making sure we scored whenever possible. The game was played in very good spirits and the girls thoroughly enjoyed the competition. The game ended 12-2 to Roedean, with the lovely afternoon sun setting on the court.
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
31 January 2020 - Issue 4
Netball (continued) U12A
The U12A have enjoyed 2 wins in their last 2 outings. Last week, the girls made the journey to Lingfield College. It was an excellent game where all the girls stepped up a gear and played some really impressive netball. The goals were going in for both Fen and Liepa, and the girls took the win 16 goals to 10.
U13C
This week, Roedean had a visit from Mayfield. The girls started strongly, but the goals were just not quite dropping through the net. The third quarter saw Polly come on at GS and the goals started popping in, and we went 6-2 up. In the final quarter, the girls held on to extend their league to 8-2. There were stand out performances from Alya, with some impressive interceptions and tips, Joanna and Clara in defence, working really well as a team, and Polly making a great appearance in the GS bib!
U14B vs Ardingly
The U14B team made huge improvements in their match play on Saturday against Ardingly. Their passing and movement through court was good, and the shooters demonstrated great skill. They continue to build on their performance ahead of next week against Mayfield.
U14C vs Ardingly
U13C
U13C vs Mayfield
The U13C team had a great game against Mayfield. In the first half, Roedean demonstrated some fantastic play throughout, and our defence was strong, making some brilliant interceptions. Mayfield piled on the pressure, but Roedean used the space effectively, enabling them to switch channels. In each quarter, Roedean improved, which was fantastic, and shots on goal were executed superbly. A special mention goes to Ellie who received Girl of the Game for her fantastic shooting!
U12C vs Mayfield
The mighty U12Cs were excited for their game against Mayfield – after a fantastic performance last week, they were aiming for a well-deserved win. They are a strong and well-bonded team and they show this in their versatility on the court. Kisu returned to the team, with consistent shooting, and Lydia dominated down the court with accurate feeds. Her fantastic play was rewarded with Player of the Match from the opposition.
The C squad had a great game against Ardingly. The girls are really enjoying their Netball and it’s great to see girls playing who have never played before! They have been training very hard and attending club as well. Well done!
U12B vs Mayfield
The U12Bs travelled to Mayfield, where the girls’ work-rate was excellent and their response to feedback was outstanding. They continue to gel together as a team and it’s an exciting time for this ever improving squad! Girl of the game went to super shooter Ellen, and Coaches’ Player of the game went to Lydia for her kindness to Mayfield and for helping them when they were unsure on the court. Another special mention goes to Tilly for her excellent holds in the circle. Well done! U12B
Demi's Netball camp
Congratulations to Demi who set up a Netball camp in Nigeria. This article appeared in a Lagos magazine.
U12D vs Mayfield
Well done to the U12Ds – they put on a super team performance, by using spacing on court and making good decisions about who to pass to. Angelica was nominated as player of the match by Mayfield, and the final score was 10-0. Page 5
31 January 2020 - Issue 4
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
Hockey
Winter Cricket
U15A friendly vs Brighton College
Winter cricket nets are up and running on Tuesday evenings. Roedean girls train with girls from other local schools under the expert guidance of coaches from the St James Cricket Club. The level of enthusiasm, commitment and skill is high, with girls improving every week. There are still some spaces for anyone who wants to join.
The girls played a friendly off-season match against Brighton College this week. Having not played together before, and working on individual skills and confidence on the ball in practice sessions, rather than structure and tactics, it was always going to be about being tough and physical. Defending let us down as tighter marking was needed in the box, and a lack of application of pressure on the ball together also inhibited success in defence. In the second half, there were improvements but still some defending and attacking, like picking up players after a change in possession and moving the ball through space and not players, needed to be better. The final score was 8-0 in a tough friendly fixture.
U15 vs Lady taverners
Cricket U15 vs Lady Taverners
Dot and Orla – Cricketing Champs This photo is of Dot and Orla (Yr7) holding the Winners’ Cup at the Sussex Cricket Foundation U13 Girls’ Club Tournament for St James Montefiore. Nine clubs took part in Sunday’s tournament, and the deciding match against Worthing was very close – St James Montefiore won by just one run, 203 vs 202! Congratulations!
Cross Country for Sophie Well done to Sophie (Yr10) who took part in the South of England Cross Country Championships at Parliament Hill Fields this weekend. It was the first time she has competed in this race, and she came a highly respectable 77th out of 304. The course starts with a steep hill and was super muddy. She did manage a great sprint finish and overtook about 15 girls in the last 30 metres! This Saturday, she is running for the Sussex Schools’ team in the South-East Schools’ Inter-County Match in Essex. She has a good chance of being selected to run for the Sussex team at the Inter-Counties Match in Loughborough on 7th March.
Year 9 Enterprise Day Last Friday, the whole of Year 9 took part in the Funky Lunch Enterprise Challenge. This was an opportunity for the students to work in groups on a variety of challenges based around designing a new sandwich that would encourage young children to eat new foods. Throughout the day they had to use a range of skills from across the curriculum, such as creative writing, Art & Design and Maths, to help present their business ideas. The day ended with the students pitching their concept to Mark from Funky Lunch and the headmaster. Well done to the winning team (Megan, Olivia, Erin and Alissandra). The day was an enjoyable one with all the students putting in lots of energy to their ideas and coming up with amazing products and packaging. Megan said, ‘We really enjoyed Enterprise Day as it was really interesting and enjoyable to take part in designing and advertising our product. It was overall a really fun experience and it was nice to work with people on a project which wasn’t our normal school work’. Hopefully the day will help some of the students decide whether Business may be a good choice for one of their GCSE options for next year.
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: marketing@roedean.co.uk
The U15 cricket squad entered the national Lady Taverners indoor tournament and put on a promising display, winning two of their three fixtures. The first game was against an impressive Bede’s side, who have a chance of winning the competition outright, but Roedean fought hard and managed to take all 8 Bede’s wickets. The next two games, against Brighton Girls School and Downlands, saw the girls display more of their skills, particularly with the bat. Three girls retired, having reached the maximum number of runs allowed, and there was some accurate bowling and throwing to round off an exciting afternoon of cricket.
JJ What’s Coming up IN THE
WEEK AHEAD?
Mon 3 Feb
Lila Dance Workshop and Performance
Tue 4 Feb
SUSTAINABILITY DAY U13 Lady Taverner’s Indoor Competition (A)
Wed 5 Feb
Netball vs Seaford College YEARS 9-13 CAREERS FAIR
Thur 6 Feb
Year 11 GCSE Theatre Studies trip ‘Blood Brothers’ Year 12 trip to Corpus Christi College
Fri 7 Feb
Admissions English & Classics Experience Day A Level Spanish trip ‘La Casa de Bernarda Alba’
Sat 8 Feb
1st, U18 Social, U16A&B, U15A&B & U14A&B Netball vs Mayfield School (A)
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