Heads weekly review (13) 06 01 17

6th January 2017 - Issue 1

HEAD’S

WEEKLY REVIEW

Roedean supermoon by C Bonny

Head’s Introduction I hope that you have all enjoyed a wonderful holiday period - the girls look refreshed and ready for the new term. We heard some of the girls’ wishes and hopes for 2017 in Chapel on the first day of term, and it was great to hear that they had obviously reflected over the holiday and their positivity for the new year was clear.

However, the school’s positive atmosphere is tinged with sorrow because of the terrible news that Mr Ken Thomson tragically passed away before Christmas, after battling with a serious illness last year. Many of the girls, particularly those in the Sixth Form, were very fond of him, because he was not only a gifted teacher, but also very generous with the time and support he offered. He will be sorely missed after 25 years at Roedean.

Music Distinction at Roedean Congratulations to all those who took ABRSM music examinations last term – two thirds of the girls were awarded either Distinction or Merit, underlining the high calibre of Roedean musicians.

Particular congratulations go to the four girls who achieved Distinctions, scoring over 130 out of 150: Eva F and Jane S (Grade 1 Trumpet), Bonnie W (Grade 5 Singing), and Freya S (Grade 8 Flute).

Eva, Jane, and Jemma N-GS are the first girls in Year 8 to take Grade 1, having started the trumpet in the Year 7 class instrumental project. Well done to all, and keep practising!

I am delighted that the transformation of Keswick Hall has been such a success, and I know that the girls will take full advantage of this fantastic space which can be used in so many ways. This refurbishment marks another stage of the development of the Keswick Sixth Form Centre, which is creating a hub for the two year groups in the Sixth Form. I have no doubt that you will all be very impressed when you have a chance to see it.

We are only four days into term, and nearly half of the school has already enjoyed a wonderful trip to see the ballet in London. The girls in Years 7 to 9 were mesmerised by the magic of the performance, and I am sure that it was a memorable start to the term for them.

Welcome to those joining Roedean this term, and I hope that all the girls and staff have a great term - good luck!

REMINDER Holiday Photo Competition – Light Thank you to all of you who have entered so far.

If you still have a photo you would like to submit, please send it to Dr Barrand at marketing@roedean.co.uk by Friday 13 January.

The winning entries will be displayed along Main Corridor for all to see. Good luck!”

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.

Maria P (6.1) for helping a girl who has just had surgery to take her suitcases to her room when she got back to school [MDC]

Gina D (U3) for producing wonderful Art work [GRE]

Amber A (U5) for spontaneously offering to take some U3s to their new HHH activity this week, as they didn’t know the way [JBE]

Consuella Z (6.2) for exceptional extended reading on Philosophy over the holidays, including the Stoics and Diogenes [KHB]

Poppy A (U4) for showing impressive academic improvement in English [DWO]

Obituary – Ken Thomson JJ (26 DECEMBER 1962 – 15 DECEMBER 2016)

It is with great sadness that we report that Ken Thomson, Head of Economics and Government & Politics, passed away over the Christmas period, after courageously battling an illness over the last year. It is very difficult to comprehend losing a key member of the Roedean community, who was with us teaching his classes until very recently, and all our sympathies are with his wife, Angela, and their two children, Alec and Ariana, at this most difficult time.

Ken was a great teacher and colleague, and a wonderful inspiration to the many students he taught and guided over the 25 years he was at Roedean. He led two departments for the last 11 years, and was hugely generous with his time when supporting his students, as well as others who sought his advice when completing their university application forms; he made a difference to countless individuals over many years. They learnt a great deal from him, not only in his subjects, but also through his humane and patient approach, and Ken made a real difference in ways he perhaps could never know.

The family has asked for privacy, but contributions can be made to the National Autistic Society (www.autism.org.uk) or Martlets, Hove (www.themartlets.org.uk). There will be a book of condolences opened at Roedean, and a memorial service will be held in the School Chapel later this term. Any messages or cards can be sent the Headmaster’s PA or to headmaster@roedean. co.uk, and they will be collated to be shared with Angela at a later date.

Welcome to Roedean This term, we are welcoming three new members of academic staff, two members of staff in the School Office, and six new girls in Years 9 and 10 to the Roedean community – we hope that they all settle in quickly!

JJ MRS

LOUISA ROBINSON – TEACHER OF MATHS

Mrs Robinson grew up in a small village on the south coast, before spending 7 fantastic years as a boarder at Downe House School in Newbury. She worked in both Advertising and Equity Analysis in London before embarking on her vocation, teaching. She has worked in schools across Sussex teaching Mathematics for just over 3 years. She is a qualified PADI rescue diver, so her holidays are spent in tropical places trying to find exciting marine life!

JJ MR

JONATHAN SILVEY – TEACHER OF CHEMISTRY

Mr Silvey attended Tring School in Hertfordshire and, after a gap year spent working and travelling, studied at Exeter University. He was at Exeter for 4 years where he gained a Masters Chemistry Degree. Since then he moved to Brighton and Hove, where he did a PGCE at Sussex University. Teaching since 2002, Mr Silvey has worked at Patcham High School and Blatchington Mill School, before starting at Roedean. A few years ago, he enjoyed climbing mountains, sailing, singing, and playing piano and guitar, however since the births of his two children, Olive (7 months) and Arthur (3), he can mostly be found changing nappies, cleaning up sick, and playing with Lego in his spare time.

JJ MS

Alexia T (6.2) for outstanding work in Art over the holiday [SAL]

6th January 2017 - Issue 1

DEBORAH STEPHENS – TEACHER OF DRAMA

Ms Stephens, who studied English and Drama at Exeter University, joins Roedean’s Drama department this term. She is hugely experienced, having taught Drama and Theatre Studies for over 15 years and she built up a successful department from nothing at her previous school. Most recently, she has been an Assistant Head at a school in Epsom. This is her first experience of teaching in an all-girls’ school, so she is excited to see how it differs from teaching at co-ed schools. She has just returned from 5 weeks driving around Australia, so she will certainly have some stories to tell.

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HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW

6th January 2017 - Issue 1

Keswick Hall – what a wonderful transformation for the Sixth Form!

On Tuesday afternoon, the Sixth Form were brought into Keswick Hall to see the fantastic next stage of the creation of the Roedean Sixth Form Centre. This launch was a long-awaited, and the girls were very pleased with what they saw!

They have created something unique, and it will be a wonderful venue for such things as lectures and chamber music, and the Sixth Form students are already planning social events for later on this term with excitement.

The aim of the redevelopment at Keswick House has been to transform it from a boarding house with study facilities for Year 13 students, into a Sixth Form Centre which brings together academic and social activities for girls in both year groups of the Sixth Form. Keswick Hall is a clever and sophisticated mixture of the old and the new, mirroring the refurbishment in Houses 1 to 4 which combines heritage features with contemporary design: many of the original features of the old hall have remained, and they have been complemented by the addition of a large mezzanine with a laptop bar, large staircases, a state-of-the-art sound and presentation system, comfortable armchairs and sofas, and small alcoves for study. The team that collaborated to make this year long project the success that it is includes award-winning architects AOC, Eastbourne building contractor Ellis, Stace, the construction and property consultants, along with numerous members of the Roedean Community.

The brief was to create an inviting dual-level Sixth Form Centre in which the girls can learn, work and relax, and this has been brought to life.

The new Keswick Hall is an addition to the other spaces that the Sixth Form students have been enjoying since they opened in September, including a large, silent study room, a conference room, and a newlydesigned sea-facing common room with a kitchen area. Over time, more of the members of staff and services that support the Sixth Form will become available in the Keswick Sixth Form Centre.

Whilst the Sixth Form continues to play an important role in leading their school community, the Keswick Sixth Form Centre offers them more sophisticated, calm and inspiring spaces for their independent study and for meeting with others in the Sixth Form.

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6th January 2017 - Issue 1

HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW

Roedean girls went crackers for the ballet Over 220 girls in Years 7-9 went to London on Wednesday to see the matinée performance of Tchaikovsky’s wonderful ballet, the Nutcracker. They watched the English National Ballet at the Coliseum, and they were blown away by what they saw. The Wayne Eagling choreography is a traditional interpretation of this famous ballet, and it beautifully complemented the flowing and lyrical music which tells its own story. It was so lovely to see so many child performers on stage, and it was inspirational for our girls to see that dancers of all ages can perform on a major stage.

The costumes, the set, and the theatre itself were all sumptuous and wonderful – it really was an amazing opportunity for the girls to see ballet at the highest level.

‘The dancers made it look so seamless, it was beautiful.’

en lovely.

‘The experience has be it was d an I really enjoyed it glad that really fun. I’m really e The se to I got a chance umes Nutcracker! The cost !’ me r fo ht were a highlig

Lillie M-P (U3)

ant ‘It makes you w ap le d to get up an !’ om ro e around th

Millie H (U3)

g. I ‘The ballet was amazin g and in nc da e thought that th ise. As well costumes were so prec hts made as this, the London lig ally hope I re a spectacular view – ’ ain ag is we do th Mia C (U3)

3)

Jemima G (U

‘It was a wonderful experience and very inspirational’ Amelie (L4)

‘All the dancers were so talented; they must have trained for ages!’

Jane S (L4)

‘56 girls from Year 7 sat in the audience as the beautiful elegance of the ballet flowed and leaped. I turned around to see 55 smiling, joyous faces captivated and amazed by each and every awe-inspiring dance.’

eful and ‘The dancers were grac way to ely elegant. It was a lov start the year.’ )

Esme B (L4)

‘I was really impressed with the dancers, but I could not stop feeling sorry for the girls on pointe. It must really hurt!’

Sylva C (U3)

Jemma N-G S (L4

‘My favourite part was the snowflakes: they were so elegant!’

Gina D (U3)

‘I thought that it very clever that was th danced in instea ey d of using words! Wor th seeing!’

Is there a more wonderful location to play sport?

JJ WHAT’S

COMING UP IN THE WEEK

Mon 9 Jan

House 1 Social Event – Bill’s Cafe

Tues 10 Jan

BMW Netball League vs Parklife (A)

Wed 11 Jan

Netball Masterclasses with Pamela Cookey (H) Netball U12A & B and U13A, B & C vs Hurst (H) Netball U12C & D and U13D vs Lingfield Notre Dame (H)

Thur 12 Jan

U14A vs Brighton College (H)

Fri 13 Jan

Southern Schools’ Book Awards Presentation Evening

Sat 14 Jan

Netball U14A & B, U15A & B, U16 and U19 vs Bede’s (H)

Sun 15 Jan

Netball U14A Tournament at Hurstpierpoint (A)

AHEAD?

Charlotte A (U

3)

‘The costumes were incredible, which made the performance magical’ Maddie Q (L4)

‘Today’s ballet trip was absolutely breathtakingly amazing! The theatre was so beautiful and the dancing and music were hypnotic and mesmerising. I felt as though I was having a dream and it was quite a shock to wake up to the real world at the end!’

Jemima V (U3)

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 4

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