2nd December 2016 - Issue 11
HEAD’S
WEEKLY REVIEW
Getting into the spirit with Christmas jumpers
Roedean Christmas Cards for 2016 Thank you to all those who submitted entries for this year’s Christmas Card Competition. It was very difficult to decide the winners, but this year they are Millie H (U3) and Ellis R (6.1). Congratulations!
Keswick’s Nativity scene with our own sheep and shepherds!
Head’s Introduction We are all looking forward to the Roedean Christmas Fair tomorrow. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than the last, and I would like to thank in advance all the girls for getting into the Christmas spirit and the Parents’ Guild for the huge amount of work they have done in the background. I look forward to seeing many of you there and hope to see you enjoying the Christmas cheer. I can hardly believe that the Gala Concert was only one week ago. What a triumph it was! Over 150 girls performed on that evening, with diverse music which included Mozart, Bach, Aladdin, and Andrew Lloyd Webber! Centenary Hall was transformed with a fantastic big screen, allowing the audience to get closer to
the performers. There were very popular refreshments in the form of popcorn and candy floss and even a bar and a chocolate fountain! It was also wonderful that we have rekindled our relationship with Canine Partners, and the four dogs that came to the Gala were excellent ambassadors. Congratulations to absolutely everyone involved, but particularly to the girls and the Music Department. Thank you to our conductors, Sophia Bartlette, Benjamin Rous and Veronica Fewkes – I can hardly wait for next year. In the week since the Gala, there has been a Teatime Recital, doughnuts and candy canes on sale in the Fireplace, the fantastic staff-student hockey match, English workshops for Deepdene School, and girls travelling to the Harry Potter
Studios at the weekend. There seems to be no end to the girls’ (and the staff’s) energy and commitment! Good luck to you all for the last week of term, ‘break a leg’ to Carolyn Rigby and the cast and crew of ‘A Christmas Carol’, and, after the Carol Services and Friday’s Final Chapel at the end of next week, have a wonderful Christmas holiday!
It’s the Christmas Fair tomorrow Saturday 3rd December - 10 till 1 Come along for a great time and the chance to get some stocking-fillers
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW 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.
Gabriella D (U4) for all of the amazing independent learning she does outside of the classroom for Latin [PWY]
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Shopping and Christmas Decorating Twenty-five girls thoroughly enjoyed their Brighton Shopping Trip this Saturday, just as the Christmas decorations were going up and the atmosphere was amazing. We all had a wonderful afternoon, and next week’s shopping trip is to Crawley.
Forty girls enjoyed decorating their very own Christmas cakes in House 1 ODR on Friday evening: first of all they brushed them in apricot jam, next they carefully rolled out the marzipan, then put fluffy white icing on their masterpieces, before adding beautiful home-made decorations and red ribbon around the side, finishing the cakes off perfectly. Each girl took her cake home in a Christmas box – it was a very happy, fun and festive evening, and Fleur R (L4) says it’s the best activity of the year! JWL
Eden W-N (U4) for a stunning project on archaeology in Pompeii [RMI]
Inter-House Recycling Well done to House 1 for winning the inter-house recycling competition. The House 1 girls managed to collect the astonishing number of 128 milk bottle tops, which will now be taken to The Green Centre for recycling. The House 1 colour green certainly matches their green spirits – well done! MDC Albee Q (6.1) for an outstanding essay on the causes of rebellion in 1549 [RCH]
A Little Night Music Gala Concert Do not be misled by the title. This was a concert of big things – including the massive celebrations for the Royal Fireworks and the Russians’ defeat of Napoleon in Tchaikovsky’s famous ‘1812 Overture’. It was also a big concert, involving a huge number of girls from every year, and attracting a pleasingly huge audience. Joe Wailes’ cunning lighting achieved the feat of creating real atmosphere in Centenary Hall, and James Tostevin and his expert technical crew provided imaginative visual effects throughout the concert. There was candy a-plenty at the back of the Hall (the PE department showing alternative careers...), but most delicious of all was the eye-candy of four gorgeous Labrador pups from Canine Partners for Independence – what a training evening for them – a sensory overload! One in particular showed her liking for music, or was she complaining like me that, with only ‘Jesu, Joy’ in the programme, there just wasn’t enough Bach? The mix of music made for a tasty menu, with lovely singing from the Sandman, Amelie S (U4), and several Lloyd Webber cats, and a fantastic saxophone solo from Gabriella K (L5). Congratulations to everyone involved – it was brilliant – and donations for Canine Partners exceeded £400! KRH Page 2
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
Harry Potter Studio Tour On Sunday, 60 excited students and 6 equallyas-excited staff awoke at the crack of dawn, donned their Hogwarts jumpers (or Gryffindor robes in one student’s case), pocketed their wands, and set off for the Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden in order to delve into the magical world of the Harry Potter films. After a short film, the girls rushed to explore J studio and the many authentic sets used to film the series, from the Great Hall with its genuine solid-stone flooring and seasonal Christmas decorations, to the Weasley’s cosy Burrow and their self-chopping carrots. They also examined thousands upon thousands of genuine film props, including many of the characters’ wands, the Mirror of Erised, the Triwizard Cup, and the actual Tom Riddle diary that Daniel Radcliffe stabbed with a ‘basilisk fang’ in the Chamber of Secrets. After a brief pause for lunch where many flagons of (non-alcoholic) butterbeer were consumed, we went out to the backlot, where the girls (and Mr Chamberlain and Miss Rossjohn) had fun pretending to ride Mr Weasley’s bewitched Ford Anglia and Hagrid’s magical motorbike, followed by K studio, to study the various lifelike animatronic creatures and learn a little more about the elaborate set designs and incredible special effects.
2nd December 2016 - Issue 11
mesh, polymer, salt (to replicate the lifelike crunch), or, in the case of on the model, shredded paper – we couldn’t believe it! Our tour culminated in the Studio shop where several wands were purchased and many pockets stuffed with Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans and Peppermint toads, before we boarded what many wished was the Knight Bus and headed back to our own Roedean-shaped version of Hogwarts! JBO ‘The Harry Potter Studio Tour at the weekend was an amazing experience; we got to see the actual movie sets, such as the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and so many more. We also got to ride a broomstick and act as if we were playing Quidditich, which was very fun. One of the highlights of the studio was the café which sold Butterbeer-flavoured ice cream. But the main thing everyone looked forward too, was the Harry Potter shop. Overall it was an amazing weekend leading to the end of term, which I am sure everyone enjoyed.’ – Peach S (U4)
The final section of the tour led the girls through the impressive Diagon Alley set, which comprised Fortescue’s Ice Cream Palour, Gringotts Wizarding Bank, and many more famous wizarding stores, to the spectacularly intricate 1:24-scale Hogwarts model used to film the exterior of the school throughout the octalogy. It was especially magical to see the immense model covered in snow for the Christmas season. Here, many of us were fascinated to learn the many tricks of the trade used to create the realistic snow throughout the films: shredded plastic on
‘I loved the trip to Harry Potter studio. There were so many things to do and see. I especially enjoyed looking at Tom Riddle’s diary and finding out some of the tricks that they used in the films. It was such an amazing experience and I will never forget it.’ – Gabrielle P (U3)
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2nd December 2016 - Issue 11
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
Teatime Recital No.4 Monday’s Open Teatime Recital, our fourth this term, was a resounding musical success, most noticeably because of the enthusiasm that emanated from all the girls involved. They had independently organised chamber groups and researched pieces to play. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for the friends, parents, teachers, and other performers who were in the appreciative audience. Special mention must go to Katarina H (U4) who was involved in a number of items and performed with such musicality, both as a soloist and in chamber groups. This recital also featured the debut performance of our new Glee Club, with soloist Eden W-N (U4) and backing vocals from the rest of the group in a lovely arrangement of In the Bleak Midwinter. We also were treated to another debut performance from the trumpet quartet, featuring our original U3 Instrumental Project trumpeters, now in U5. Well done to you all – we look forward with anticipation to the next recital! SOB
Library Summer Reading Challenge Congratulations to Scarlett B (L4) who read and reviewed 17 books over the summer as part of the Library Summer Reading Challenge. Among Scarlett’s book choices were ‘The Lie Tree’ by Frances Hardinge which she read in the challenge category of ‘Read a book that is set in Victorian times’. Awarding 8 out of 10 points to the book, she said that she had enjoyed reading how the main character had developed into a much braver person during the story. For the category, ‘Read a book that takes place on an island’, she chose ‘Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children’ by Ransom Riggs, giving the book 10 out of 10. On reviewing the book, Scarlett noted that the author wrote the story in a very conversational style, so that is was almost as if you were listening rather than reading. Well done, Scarlett! SBL
Congratulations to Yian – 2nd in the UK! Yian Z (6.1) has come second in the country in the UK Chinese Culture Competition, which is designed for British-born Chinese students and took place in November. Yian will be part of a team of five students who will travel to China from 23rd to 31st December this year, with all expenses paid by the Chinese Overseas’ Affairs Department, to take part in a huge competition against other countries – this is an amazing achievement. Another success story is that Joyce W (U4) has won 3rd prize in the 11th UK Chinese Writing Competition – congratulations!! LWU
Medical School interview practice event On Thursday evening, we were visited by some students from Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS). The 6.1 students gained some useful tips on what to do next to earn a place in a medical school, whilst the 6.2 students applying for medicine this year underwent some thorough interview practice; this was followed by detailed feedback. Below are some comments from our students: ‘It was really interesting to hear the BSMS students’ experiences and advice on what you can do to achieve your ambition. If you don’t get in the first time, you can always try again if you know medicine is really what you want to do in the future.’ Kele (6.1)
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‘It was really helpful to talk to the fourth year medical students and the 6.2s to hear their first hand advice; if you are very passionate and determined to study medicine at university, there will always be a way to succeed. They definitely gave us very useful tips and information.’ May Tia (6.1) ‘I thought it was very useful as I was able to practise my interview skills. I received some useful feedback which I will definitely use in my interview coming up. It was also great to talk to current medical school students and learn about their experiences.’ Jasmine (6.2) JBE
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
2nd December 2016 - Issue 11
Staff v Seniors Hockey Match Some described this game on Tuesday as bigger than Speech Day. The Roedean 1st XI Hockey team picked their best squad to play against a very talented staff team. With the likes of Miss Walker’s low centre of gravity and Dr Barrand’s extraordinarily long reach, the staff were very confident in winning this game. Both teams played like they were competing in the hunger games, not wanting to give up, with a lot of pride at stake. The match had lots of entertainment and could have gone either way. However, the game resulted in a 0-0 thriller, with a lot of golden opportunities missed by the staff towards the end… (no names will be mentioned)! Thank you to everyone who played and to those who supported on what was a very cold night under the lights!
Hockey 1st XI – With this being the 1st team girls’ last fixture of the season, they were very motivated to finish the season on a high. Mayfield started very strong, particularly their forwards, who applied a lot of pressure on our defence. Nonetheless, Roedean made a fantastic defensive effort, with Daisy O-J (6.1) making some great saves. After absorbing a lot of pressure, Roedean created a chance and coverted a well-drilled short corner. However Mayfield bounced back, scoring two very good goals to win the game. The final score was 2-1 to Mayfield, but this was a great game to show how far Roedean has come in the past two years. With the team’s age averaging 15.5, this Roedean hockey team has an exciting future with plenty of years to work together. Well done girls! The U16 girls also took on Mayfield on Saturday. They played diligently against a tough Mayfield side, keeping their formation and tackling well in defence. Despite losing, it was a great effort for the last game of the season. The U14s played against Mayfield in an exciting game. Our defence was busy from the start and the back line held tight to deny their forwards from scoring. Rachel W in goal was also a force and the sheet was kept clean for most of the first half. A lack of concentration led to us conceding the first goal, but we didn’t drop our heads and had several chances from Sophia C and Gracie B. It was Serena C who scored our first goal, after running over half of the pitch and taking on several defenders to score! The game ended 4-1, but this didn’t truly reflect the game. Well done to the U14s, and the U13s who stepped up.
opponent’s goal keeper has been awarded player of the match, which is also a reflection of our great performances and positive attacking play. Brighton made some good and quick breaks, but for the majority of the game our defence kept them out. After a bully, Brighton caught us offguard and scored – this was a real shame for us as it did not reflect the run of play. Overall, this was another positive game and a promising setup for next season’s full-size hockey. Well done to all the girls involved – Roedean’s players of the match were Lara S and Sophia C. The U13B team had a hard fixture against Brighton Collage on Wednesday. The game was split into 4 ten-minute quarters. Some lovely play from midfield created some fantastic scoring opportunities; in the third quarter Brighton Collage put extensive pressure on our defence, and the ball unfortunately came through the middle of the pitch straight to a Brighton Collage attacking player who made no mistake in scoring the game’s first goal. However Roedean fought valiantly in the final quarter and Ruby A hammered home the equaliser in the final minutes of the game. It was a well-fought match, and a draw was a fair result.
The U13A hockey took to a very even match against Brighton College. We had some outstanding runs from the forwards into the D and the defence made some excellent drives and crosses, but unfortunately the goal keeper kept us at bay. This is the third match in a row where the
U13A Hockey Brighton College
U14 Hockey v Mayfield
1st XI Hockey v Mayfield
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2nd December 2016 - Issue 11
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW SPORT
35-11 win for the 1st VII Netball
Wonderful victories against Brighton College for the U12s The U12A team defeated Brighton College 5-0 in exciting fixture. It was a beautiful day and the supporters witnessed a great match from both teams. We opened up the scoring through Olivia B (U3) on the back post, who also scored another two during the game with some super striking skills. Ella KM (U3) scored the other two and was unlucky not to get more as she was outstanding when driving into the D. Marianna L (U3) was the player of the match for her continued effort and spreading the ball wide, which definitely opened up their defence and allowed us more space. The whole team is beginning to gel and we look forward our final game of the term against Burgess Hill. The Roedean U12B hockey team also beat Brighton College 4-0 in a very well-spirited game from both sides. After last week’s loss to Windlesham House, the team learnt from their mistakes and began to be more composed in front of goal. The midfield and defence played particularly impressively, transferring the ball across the pitch well, which shows how far the team have progressed this season. It was a fantastic finish to a very successful season!
English workshops for Deepdene On two occasions over the last week, Roedean has hosted the pupils from Deepdene School in Hove. The pupils, aged from 5 to 10, had great fun visiting the farm and ‘herding’ the sheep, produced some fantastic descriptive writing in the Chapel, made models of the school, investigated the life-cycle of a chicken,
and came up with some (quite avant-garde) ideas for films based on given narrative prompts, as well as producing promotional posters for these films. The pupils had a great time, and many of them left with a burning ambition, one day, to study here at Roedean – or ‘Hogwarts-on-sea’, as many termed it!
From the Royal British Legion: thank you Roedean for your contribution to the Remembrance Day Poppy Appeal 2016 – you raised £757.09. Congratulations and thank you! 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 Page 6
On Tuesday, our 1st Netball squad finished off the first half of the season in style with a fantastic 35-11 win against Panthers. We took a full squad to ensure we had lots of depth over the court – this certainly won us the game with lots of fresh legs, as well as lots of enthusiasm following the staff vs students hockey immediately before the game! Credit to our shooters Gabriella R (6.1), Zarbanu M (U5) and Amelia B (6.2) who rarely missed a shot all evening, and more outstanding play from Loretta S (6.1) in the mid-court. Congratulations to the entire squad for their commitment to the BMW league which takes place every Tuesday evening, and the girls do not get back home until gone 8pm each week – we are really pushing to win the league this year and gain promotion into the league above. A huge thank you to our very own Miss Hyams who has done an outstanding job umpiring our matches every week – we really appreciate your excellent standard of umpiring. GCR JJ WHAT’S
AHEAD?
COMING UP IN THE WEEK
Mon 5 Dec
Christmas Carol Drama Performance
Tues 6 Dec
Christmas Carol Drama Performance
Wed 7 Dec
Christmas Carol Drama Performance U13A&B Netball vs Bede’s (A) U13A & U12C Hockey vs Lancing Prep (A) U12A&B Hockey vs Burgess Hill (A)
Thur 8 Dec
Carol Services
Fri 9 Dec
Final Chapel and Handshaking – End of Term! Follow us @RoedeanSchool