The Roedeanian
Spring 2019
Developments at Roedean 2019 Congratulations to Alice M (Yr7) who won Sylvia Snail in the Martlets raffle
School trip to Iceland
Spring Term House Dance Competition
The girls dress up as their favourite book characters for World Book Day 2019
Alumnae Events
Louise Cotton and Robyn Crabbe at the ORA AGM reception
OR Key Lau and her husband Gilbert Chiu visit Roedean
OR attendees at Cabaret
Toyin Fani-Kayode and Harriet Scott at the ORA AGM reception
Introduction We have welcomed everyone back for the Summer Term at Roedean. The School is looking beautiful, with wonderfully manicured lawns and beds planted with spring flowers. We’re also pleased to welcome two more lambs born on the school Farm, taking our tally to five. They are all now out in the fields enjoying the fine weather. Before the holidays, the School had a Regulatory Compliance Inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, and I am delighted to report that we were found to be fully compliant in all aspects. The Inspection made me feel extremely proud, from the enthusiasm and support of the girls, to the professionalism and commitment of staff, the School was eager to showcase everything that is brilliant about Roedean. Read more about the Inspection on page 4. The Summer Term at Roedean, as many of you will remember, is always focused on the approaching exams. However, there will be time for lots of fun events too, including Roedean Musician of the Year Finals on 18 June, and Peter Pan, which will be performed in the Theatre on the evenings of 12, 13, and 14 June. This term is also when we are pleased to welcome back ORs and former staff for Roedean Day on Saturday 22 June. I do hope many of you will be able to attend, and enjoy the grounds and the great programme of events and tours arranged. We are also delighted to invite you to our first annual OR Afternoon Tea on Friday 17 May. This year we are holding the tea in the Indigo Room at the Soho Hotel. If you would like to join us for Roedean Day, or any of the other events mentioned above, please contact Grace via glc@roedean.co.uk or 01273 667 398. I hope you all had a lovely break over Easter and look forward to seeing many of you here at Roedean this term.
With best wishes Mr Oliver Blond Headmaster
Contents School Highlights
4-5
OR News
6-7
The Arrow Trophy 2018 Sailing Report and Dates for your diary
8
Obituaries 9 Governor News
10 - 11
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School Highlights International Women’s Day 2019 School Inspection At the end of the Spring Term, The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) carried out a Regulatory Compliance Inspection of the School. The inspection checked the schools’ regulatory compliance according to Department for Education requirements, and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools. As part of the inspection the inspectors observed lessons, conducted formal interviews with pupils and examined samples of pupils’ work. They also held discussions with members of staff, the Chair and Vice Chair of the Council, as well as visiting the boarding houses and attending registration and Chapel. In each part, the inspection reports simply on whether the required standard is MET or NOT MET, and we are delighted to say that the inspection found that the School meets all the required standards. The inspectors also carried out a survey of approximately 400 parents, 600 pupils and 200 staff. Although the results of the surveys are fully confidential, the inspectors were able to share the general findings, which showed an astonishing 94% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the positive survey statements. The full report is available to download from the school website or please email alumnae@roedean.co.uk
Careers’ Fair On Tuesday 19 March Roedean hosted a wonderful Careers’ Fair for the girls in Years 9-13. There were 62 contributors, representing 51 different industries. Sectors as diverse as law, medicine, finance, publishing, film production, garden design, and fashion were represented. Among the 62 contributors, there were 19 current parents, 17 ORs, 2 members of staff, and 1 former parent. We are incredibly grateful to the wider Roedean community for sharing their expertise with the girls, who enjoyed finding out ‘from the horses’ mouths’ about what certain careers really entail.
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To mark International Women’s Day fifteen successful women from a variety of fields came to Roedean to share their experiences with the girls and staff. The normal school timetable was collapsed for the day, and the girls enjoyed hearing from diverse speakers, including Helen RichardsonWalsh (the School’s Sports Ambassador) who won Gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Dame Carol Black, Principal of Newnham College, Cambridge, Rashidat Hassan who is Assistant Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, and the Queen’s Chaplain, Rose Hudson-Wilkin, who was at the forefront of the struggle to ordain women. There were also a number of personal connections between the speakers and Roedean: Tanya Barron is CEO of PlanUK, the charity through which the School sponsors 10 girls around the world; there were also four ORs, Elspeth Beard (No.1, 1969-76), who was the first British woman to motorcycle around the world, Caitlin Boyland (No.1, 200611), an elite rower, the author Adèle Geras (Weston, No.3, 195562), and the Human Rights’ campaigner, Zerbanoo Gifford (Irani, No.1, 196267); as well as two local artists, the animation director Claire Underwood, who created Boj, and Kellie Miller. Both the speakers and the girls enjoyed the day hugely. The Headmaster feels strongly that empowering messages need to be reinforced with the girls at every opportunity: ‘We wanted to mark International Women’s Day by showing our pupils exactly what is achievable in the world today. I like to think that the Lawrence sisters, who founded the school, would be delighted to see today’s young girls hearing about all the amazing achievements of the speakers. The purpose of the day was also to challenge and inspire the pupils to find their academic and wider passions, and voice their own opinions and aspirations.’
Roedean’s partnership with St Mark’s Primary School goes from strength to strength
Roedean has been working closely with and supporting St Mark’s in a variety of ways in recent years. Earlier this term the school launched its ‘Language Buddies’ scheme. As ‘Language Buddies’, the girls travel to St Mark’s every week to work with students who speak the same native language as they do. The aim of the initiative is to assist the St Mark’s students with their English skills and confidence. Another hugely successful joint project between the schools is the ‘Reading Buddies’, where each week 30 Year 9 girls go to St Mark’s to listen to the children read. However, there was no dedicated space for reading and books, which became the catalyst for the idea of building a Library at St Mark’s. In September, the Headmaster set Roedean a target of raising £25,000 to build the St Mark’s Library from scratch, and we are delighted to report that the children at St Mark’s Primary have just started a new chapter in their reading lives. The culmination of weeks of planning, building, and landscaping, and months of fund-raising and book-donating, is the fantastic ‘Secret Garden Library’ which officially opened its doors on the day before World Book Day, Wednesday 6 March. Brighton children’s author, Helen Peters, spoke to the children in a special assembly about writing and stories, and she presented a set of her books to them. She and the Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Dee Simson, cut the ribbon, officially opening the Library, and it was wonderful to see the children’s faces as they rushed into it. St Mark’s Headteacher Mrs Fendley, said: ‘This warm, comfortable library stacked with lovely books is an amazing chance for us to show the children the pleasures of reading a good book. They are so excited to get in and explore it and it’s wonderful to watch them. Who knows what this will ignite in them and lead them towards? It will certainly give them more access to literature and encourage a love of reading that I hope will stay with them all their lives.’
Seasonal Concert Transformed by atmospheric lighting, the Chapel was the venue for the Seasonal Spectacular Gala, where a packed audience, drawn from across the Roedean community, gathered to enjoy a concert that certainly lived up to its name. The selection of pieces was pupil-led, and, while some were obvious choices, others were more subtle in their connection to the seasonal theme, resulting in a programme that demonstrated the wide range of musical genres that Roedean musicians perform. The quality, range, inclusiveness, joy, and ambition were breath-taking. It was a marvelous farewell for our Year 13 musicians, and a showcase for the depth of talent in girls who will take their place in seasons to come.
Update from the School Farm Spring has officially arrived and we are delighted to report that lambs have been born for the first time on the School Farm. The first twins, born to mother Baby J, were welcomed on Friday 15 March, and have been named Gruffalo and Sox. Their birth was followed by the arrival of another lamb the following weekend, and another set of twins during the Easter Holiday. Farm Prefect Millie H, (Yr 9) whose mother Bronwyn Eastwood is the farm vet, witnessed one of the births. She said: “I was intrigued to see them being born - it was fascinating. It was over so quickly - they were both born in 50 minutes.” She added: “I feel really lucky to have been there and have learnt so much.” The School opened its farm three years ago and has 17 sheep, five goats and 15 chickens; farm prefects are appointed to help look after the farm animals. We are delighted to welcome the 4 new boy lambs and 1 girl to the Roedean farm family.
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OR News ORA 2018 Leavers’ Reception On Friday 5 April, the ORA hosted a drinks reception to welcome the 2018 Leavers’ into the Old Roedeanians’ Association. The event was held in the gorgeous Sitting Room in the Sloane Club and we were well looked after with tasty canapés and prosecco. A handful of older ORs, the ORA Committee and Grace Cather (Head of Alumnae Relations) joined together in welcoming the new members into the OR community, and Ginny Stephen, President of the ORA, made a short speech letting the girls know that the ORA and the Roedeanian Office at the School are here to support them in the future. A great time was had by all, and we look forward to seeing the newest members of the Old Roedeanians’ Association at many more events in the future.
Jasleen Kandhari (No. 4, 1990-92) on the Antiques Roadshow Congratulations to Jasleen Kandhari who featured in the latest series of the iconic BBC programme, The Antiques Roadshow. Jasleen is the first Asian or BAME female antiques expert on the show. The episode was filmed at the Piece Hall in Halifax, Yorkshire, and had 6 million live UK viewers. You can catch up on the episode on the BBC iPlayer: https:// www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m00031l6/. Jasleen was chosen to feature as a specialist in Indian and World textiles, dress and fashion, the subject about which she teaches courses at the University of Oxford. She has been researching, lecturing and working with Asian antiques and textiles for over 20 years, so is eminently qualified for this opportunity. Jasleen says: ‘I was honoured to join the Antiques Roadshow in Halifax as the first Asian female Antiques Expert. It is fascinating for people to discover what treasures they may have at home that have been handed down through the generations whose value or cultural importance they may not be aware of yet, especially in Asian families. I would be interested to hear from those with Asian textiles or Asian antiques at home that have an unusual story.’ If you would like to get in touch with Jasleen to talk about any hidden treasures, you can do so via Grace on glc@roedean.co.uk.
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OR News Louise Van Wingerden
Amber Anning
(Gillett, No.1, 1978-81)
(No.2, 2012-17) takes relay silver for GB at the European Indoor Championships
Congratulations to Louise on the publication of her novel ‘Into Thin Air’. A gripping, twisting work of psychological fiction that will keep the reader guessing until the very last page. Robyn Walters, a cynical journalist on a reputable London newspaper, is not impressed when her editor sends her to stay for a week at a psychic college and then write an amusing feature about her experiences. She wants to report proper news, not this nonsense. Then when she returns from the assignment Robyn’s life takes an unexpected turn, as she’s approached by a private detective who’s desperate for her help. As she gets drawn into the case Robyn’s state of mind quickly descends into chaos, until finally she finds herself questioning all the beliefs she once held so firmly - and the nature of reality itself.
Holly Watt (No.3, 1995-2000) Congratulations to Holly on the publication of her first novel ‘To The Lions’. A journalist must follow the clues, no matter how far that takes her. Casey Benedict, star reporter at the Post, has infiltrated the lives and exposed the lies of countless politicians and power players. Using her network of contacts, Casey is always on the search for the next big story, no matter how much danger this might place her in, no matter what cost emotionally. Tipped off by an overheard conversation at an exclusive London nightclub, she begins to investigate the apparent suicide of a wealthy young British man, whose death has left his fiancée and family devastated. Casey’s determined hunt for the truth will take her from the glitz of St-Tropez to the deserts of Libya and on to the very darkest corners of the human mind.
Congratulations to Amber who helped Great Britain to silver in the 4x400m relay at the European Indoor championships in Glasgow, on Saturday March 2. Amber, 18, was the youngest athlete selected to represent Great Britain at the European Indoor Athletics Championship. It was a thrilling weekend for Amber as, even though she just missed out in her individual event, the women’s 400m, the day before, her performance drew praise from American four-time Olympic gold medallist and BBC commentator Michael Johnson. Impressed that Amber had the confidence to run from the front in her heat, he said: “That is the way you should run it. A young athlete not afraid to go out and run from the front indoors is exactly what you want. It shows a tremendous amount of confidence and potential.” Amber says “It was very unexpected, so to have this opportunity to represent my country at senior level is awesome. It was such an honour and something I have always wanted to achieve - so to do it at 18 is really special for me.” For the past couple of years, Amber has fundraised for SportsAid, a sporting charity which helps talented young athletes, and ORs have been most supportive, for which she is incredibly grateful.
You can read more about OR businesses and books on the Roedean Community Network Business Directory (https://community.roedean.co.uk/news/business-directory) and Virtual Bookshop (https://community.roedean.co.uk/ news/virtual-bookshop). To add your own entry, please contact Harriet on hdb@roedean.co.uk.
Get in touch If you would like to arrange a visit to Roedean, or would like help to arrange a reunion, please get in touch with Grace on glc@roedean.co.uk or by calling 01273 667398. 7
Dates for your Diary Friday 17 May 2 - 5 pm
OR Afternoon Tea The Indigo Room, The Soho Hotel, 4 Richmond Mews, London. Join fellow ORs for a sparkling afternoon tea. Tickets are just £25, please book at www.roedeantheatre.co.uk.
Wednesday 12 - Friday 14 June 2019 7 pm
Peter Pan Roedean Theatre. A huge cast of girls in Years 7 – 10 present this musical adventure based on JM Barrie’s classic play, which tells the enduring tale of the little boy who never grew up! Please book tickets at www.roedeantheatre.co.uk
Saturday 22 June 2019 10 am - 4 pm
Roedean Day Our annual reunion day. Booking open soon.
Thursday 5 September 2019 12 - 3 pm
OR London Lunch 2019 The Royal Thames Yacht Club, 60 Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7LF. We are delighted to invite Old Roedeanians to join us for the annual London lunch.
For more information and booking, please contact Grace: glc@roedean.co.uk. You can also call us on 01273 667398
The Arrow Trophy 2018 Sailing Report by Caroline Bowen (No.1, 1991-98)
The Arrow Trophy is an annual yachting event for alumni of boys schools, or in our case girls! It is sailed over a weekend in October in identical Sunsail F40 yachts, and racing runs from Cowes on the Isle of Wight. This is the 4th time we’ve entered a team, and hopes were high after an excellent performance in 2017! Once again, we were the only girls’ school to enter, and our main objectives were to have a fun weekend, with no injuries, and not to come last place! We were keen to make a good start, and that was exactly what we managed with some excellent manoeuvring, this perfect start, combined with an excellent first beat, and a solid performance for the rest of the race, meant we were very happy with 9th place to begin the weekend’s racing with.
Unfortunately that proved to be a high point of the weekend… Our second race went less well. Unfortunately a rigging mishap rounding our final mark, meant we were unable to tack for the finish line, and could only watch with despair as boats slipped past us. Thanks to the quick work of the bow team, we managed to salvage a couple of places, ultimately finishing in 21st, a position we still felt was salvageable. Sunday began early, with all of us keen to improve on the day before. The weather was atrocious, with unabatingly heavy rain, but luckily the wind was suitable for sailing. Unfortunately our racing ended abruptly with a nasty crunch. We had been hit by a Malborough team, who were in the wrong according to the racing rules. After a quick assessment it was clear that we could not continue, due to the damage. In a seamanlike manner, we lowered our sails, sadly retired from the race and began to motor in. It was a disappointing end to the weekend, but our final position of 22nd out of 27, and with smiles all round, meant we had succeeded in the weekend’s objectives. We would like to thank the ORA for their generous donation supporting our entry of this event, and the School for supplying the hats. If you are interested in participating next year, please contact us on: Roedean.alumni.sailing@gmail.com.
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For Caroline’s full report of the weekend please log onto the Roedean Community Network.
Obituaries Philip Clancy
Roedean Theatre Technician 1992-2018 Philip came to work for Mrs Meek, Head of Drama at Roedean, in 1992. The first set he built in the new theatre was ‘Kiss Me Kate’ a wonderfully large and complex set designed by Mr C Richardson, the architect of the theatre. Over the years he would build, and later design and build, many sets for the Senior and Junior Plays, as well as teaching and overseeing girls who chose to undertake lights, sound or backstage roles. He also helped the girls to design and paint their sets and props for House Plays, and he fashioned the popular ‘Golden Paintbrush’, the prize for Best Technical Work. Philip would remember fondly Senior School Plays such as ‘Twelfth Night’, ’The School for Scandal’, ‘The House of Bernarda Alba’, ‘The Cherry Orchard’, ‘Oh What a Lovely
Gay Mew
(Burton, No.3, 1959-64) Gay was a rebel at school, as those of you who knew her will remember! When she left school she returned to Newcastle-underLyme, her home town, and then lived in Manchester, London and Southampton before finally returning to Manchester where she made her home for the rest of her life. She defied the medical prognosis of terminal
Martha Steedman OBE (Hamilton, No.3, 1942-48)
Born in 1929, Martha was the daughter of Reverend JE Hamilton, a staunchly socialist Presbyterian minister from Northern Ireland, and Lilias Maclay, a doctor from Glasgow. Martha’s spirit was irrepressible. After being Head Girl at Roedean and gaining a first in medieval history from the University of St Andrews, Martha was awarded a diploma of education from Hughes Hall, Cambridge. To fulfil her commitment to her grandfather, she contacted the Church of Scotland, offering to teach in one of its mission schools. In 1956 she began her posting in the Indian hill station of Kalimpong. Martha fell in love with the mountains and people of North Bengal, Darjeeling, and the neighbouring kingdom of Sikkim, perched between Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet in the Himalayas. When the post of Headmistress at the Paljor Namgyal Girls’ School in Sikkim’s capital fell vacant, six of her happiest years followed. Life in Sikkim was not always simple (telephone lines were few) but her cando attitude transformed the school. Following her mother’s
War’, ‘The Rivals’, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, ‘The Man Who Came to Dinner’, ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and many, many more. Philip retired from Roedean on 28 February 2018, and he had lots of plans for all the golf he would play, the photos he would take, the painting he would take up again, and all the travelling we would do together. Unfortunately, these plans were not to be and he died at home on 17 December 2018. Philip Clancy 1952-2018. Mrs Sue Clancy (Roedean Art Teacher 1986-2007) cancer for over 10 years. All the time she was supported by her two wonderful daughters, her caring sons-in-law and the greatest joys of her life, eight lively and loving grandchildren. Gay was the most loyal, supportive friend I could have asked for and all the times together that we shared were very special. She died on 24 August 2018. Gay Mew 23 September 1947 – 24 August 2018. Rosalind Copeland (Goldstone, No.3, 1958-63)
death, she resigned as a missionary and returned home in 1966. Four years later she was appointed Headmistress of St Leonards School in Fife, and slowly but surely, she won over both staff and pupils. Thus began a long process of modernisation, which continued for 18 years. Martha was greatly admired and respected within the community and possessed an infectious enthusiasm for education and a keen interest in the lives of everyone she met. With her marriage to the architect Robert Steedman in 1976, she entered a new phase of her life, becoming integral to the lives of his children from an earlier marriage. Upon retirement she was appointed OBE for services to education. Martha Steedman 12 May 1929 – 3 March 2015 9
Spring by Joyce Barton (Wale, No.2, 1913-18)
roedean.co.uk Roedean School, Roedean Way, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 5RQ Tel: +44(0)1273 667500 Registered Charity 307063