1. Welcome 2. Simply Roedean 3. Academic Life 4. School Life 5. Sport for All 6. Performing Arts 7. Day & Boarding 8. Choosing Roedean
Welcome to Roedean
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he moment you walk through the door at Roedean, you immediately realise what a friendly and informal school it is. Roedean prides itself on the quality of relationships throughout the school, on knowing each individual and developing her strengths and interests. Our aim is simple. We want every girl to enjoy her time at school and flourish here. As an academic school, we seek to inspire curiosity and a love of learning in all our girls. We are therefore committed to ensuring that learning involves discussion, debate and the kinds of challenges that fire the imagination and keep girls thinking. We want every girl at Roedean to feel at home, find her voice and feel valued. In our experience happiness must
come first and we make it our priority to ensure all the girls develop strong friendships across the school and feel able to seek support when they need it. We think of education in the broadest possible terms and put a very high value on all the experiences that happen beyond the classroom, in sport, art, drama, music and dance, which make up an essential part of life at Roedean. We hope that you enjoy reading about Roedean, but we believe that nothing can better a visit to get to know the girls, staff and school first-hand. We hope to see you soon.
Oliver Blond, Headmaster
‘Our aim is simple. We want every girl to enjoy her time at school and flourish here.’ Oliver Blond, Headmaster
Simply Roedean
‘We will encourage her to develop originality and creativity both in her character and in her thinking.’ Oliver Blond, Headmaster
Originality Starts Here
Freedom to Grow
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veryone who steps through our door remarks upon the warm and unique atmosphere. Our culture that prioritises a sense of freedom and joy is no accident - it was the intention of our founders, and we nurture it to this day by building the girls’ independence and self-reliance. Highly motivated girls learn most effectively by taking on new challenges which develop their self-confidence and a passionate interest in their subjects. To achieve this, we don’t focus narrowly on the requirements of assessment but ask the girls to go far beyond the limits of examinations. Our girls do best in a discursive, dynamic, collaborative and supportive environment. Self-confidence develops far more quickly when girls can take on positions of responsibility with the support of their peers, and try new things without fear of failure.
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hen a girl joins Roedean we will encourage her to develop originality and creativity both in her character and in her thinking. It is a journey that she will continue throughout her life and this book sets out everything we provide to give her the best possible start. There are two beliefs that lie at the heart of everything we do. To develop as a happy, self-confident person, you must be part of a school environment that is warm, accepting and dedicated to developing people as individuals and fostering their passions. To develop real academic enthusiasm, you must learn to do more than just pass exams or assimilate knowledge: you must learn to think deeply, critically and spontaneously and to challenge expectations of your subjects and of yourself.
Confidence & Happiness
Pastoral Excellence
Each girl is part of a house, and each house is part of the school; our community is made up of girls from diverse backgrounds, who have different interests and talents, as well as varied experiences, and they all belong together at Roedean.
City, Coast, Countryside
Our own tunnel to the beach, a local marina and direct access to the National Park
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n a forty-five acre campus where the South Downs meet the sea, our girls live in one of the most exciting locations of any school. With our own tunnel to the beach, a local marina and direct access to the National Park next door, the girls are surrounded by inspiring views and are never far from the thrill of adventure. With the bustle of Brighton just a few minutes away, our girls are connected to one of the world’s most vibrant communities, allowing them to undertake voluntary work, enjoy exploring the unique range of shops in the Lanes, or take part in our co-educational programmes with local schools and organisations. Be it street dance, rock bands, theatrical productions, sports training or community service with charitable projects, we make sure that every girl is part of the community.
‘I met the Head Teacher from my primary school and the first thing he said was how confident and talkative I had become and I was proud of that.’
Mary, Year 9
Academic Life
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he curriculum at Roedean aims to provide girls with a strong academic foundation across the key disciplines, allowing individuals to develop their own interests and giving them the skills they need to become independent thinkers. The girls can choose from a wide variety of subjects at all levels, allowing them to play to their strengths. They begin with a broad curriculum in the younger years, giving them access to subjects which they may not have previously encountered; as the girls move through the school, with careful support and guidance, they begin to narrow their choices for GCSE and, later, A-levels.
Strong Foundations
Independently-Minded
The best universities don’t just look for good grades, they look for independently-minded students with a thirst for knowledge.
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ur academic programme ensures that every girl finds a passion for a subject or group of subjects that will last her a lifetime. We know that our girls need the very best grades to be competitive, and, most importantly, we know that the best way to achieve this is by encouraging them to learn far beyond the syllabus. Universities want students with the skills to learn independently, the desire to do so, and demonstrable passion for their chosen field, which is exactly what we seek to inspire here at Roedean.
Passion for Learning
Creative Thinking
Neither teaching nor learning are one-way processes – sometimes we need to think creatively, or just differently, to make it work.
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s each girl moves through the school, we want her to develop the skills and qualities she needs to succeed and make a difference in her life. Through a combination of community service, weekly speaker visits, enrichment activities, trips and participation in sports and the arts, it is our promise to provide every girl with the opportunity to try new activities and enrol in courses that feed her unique interests and intellectual curiosity.
Intellectual Curiosity
Tailored Tutorials
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e believe that everyone will strive to be their best and reach their potential through learning in a challenging, motivating and creative way. That’s why we make sure that our lessons stimulate discussion and inspire girls to think for themselves. With small class sizes, dedicated and passionate teaching staff and excellent facilities, every girl at Roedean is not only equipped with the core skills provided by a broad and stimulating curriculum but also encouraged to find their own individual passion and flourish across their chosen subjects.
Experts of Tomorrow
Next Steps
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oedean girls achieve excellent academic results. The results in public examinations, and the school’s A*-A pass-rate at A2 level has been very strong over the last five years. Well over half of the leavers go to Russell Group universities, reading a wide range of courses, and many others take Art Foundation courses or choose to study at universities abroad. Armed with good grades, and probably a well-honed talent in music or sport too, the girls move on to the next stage in their lives with confidence. They leave Roedean as empowered young women who are ready and prepared to make a tangible difference in twenty-first century society.
‘I have really liked the new subjects added to our timetable this year; I am learning Russian and dance this term and next term I will be taking courses in sign language and self-defence!’ Sarah, Year 7
School Life
Every single girl at Roedean will learn new things, try new activities, undertake new challenges; by engaging with this stimulating process, she will discover and develop her unique talents.
A Rounded Education
All in One Place
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hether finding their feet away from home for the first time or reuniting with friends after the summer break, every academic year Roedean becomes a warm and lively home to over 450 girls. Set within the safety of its own extensive grounds, girls can catch up together at Horizons CafĂŠ or explore and grow their interests with on-site facilities, including a breathtaking marble chapel, secluded cloisters, libraries, a 25m indoor swimming pool, a 320seat professional theatre, a multipurpose sports hall and fitness room, dance studios, fifteen tennis and netball courts, squash courts, hockey, football, lacrosse and cricket pitches, a 400m athletics track and a golf practice range.
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he four boarding and day Houses at Roedean, along with a wellstructured programme of House matches and events, enable every girl to feel part of a team and take part at a level at which she feels comfortable. The eagerly anticipated end-of-year Sports Day encourages a healthy air of competition and friendly rivalry as well as providing that sense of camaraderie and community which inspires the girls to learn, grow and achieve together.
House Loyalties Run Deep
A Stunning Location
Supporting the Community
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s much as Roedean is a home to each of our girls, so too is Brighton, which is why we believe that connecting with and supporting the local community should be a part of every girl’s experience here. At the heart of our after-school programme is a community-focussed initiative. Open to girls and boys from the local area, it gives our girls the chance to develop new interests in sports and the arts, together with their peers, supported by professional coaches and trainers.
In the Sixth Form, the girls spend an afternoon each week volunteering for a community project of their choice as part of our Sixth Form Community Action Programme. Be it through fundraising or giving hands-on help to local voluntary groups, nearby schools, nursing homes and local charities, it’s an enriching way for the girls to meet new people and learn valuable skills.
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eyond their academic and cocurricular programmes, the girls can take part in a whole range of activities. Each year, about twelve girls complete their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, many more complete the renowned Leith’s Cookery course, and others choose to go on weekend trips. These stimulating trips are open to all girls, and are designed to complement their academic and co-curricular programmes – there are cultural excursions to London, trips to the theatre locally and to sporting events, and even a weekend away in Paris.
Enrichment & Activities
‘Girls all – unconsciously – smile when asked about life at school. Endorsement doesn’t come much more authentic.’
Good Schools’ Guide 2014
Sport for All
‘At Roedean, sport is for all, whether it’s just to get your heart-rate up or you’re an elite sportswoman – there’s something for everyone.’ Karen Andrew, Director of Sport
The Opportunity to Succeed
A Place to Shine
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port is a vital part of life at Roedean and we believe wholeheartedly that it can be played and enjoyed by everyone, at every level of ability, passion and confidence. Our approach ensures coaching for all girls, and with the vast array of sporting pursuits available there’s something for everyone to try, enjoy and excel in.
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very rising star needs support, coaching and encouragement to succeed. When a girl displays a natural sporting ability, we nurture her talent, providing her with the specialist coaching she needs to shine. With state-of-the-art facilities, competitive weekly fixtures and international-level athletes on the teaching staff, sport at Roedean is a fundamental focus of day-to-day life.
Rising Stars
Sport from Sunrise to Sunset
Alphabet of Choice
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rchery, athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, dance, fitness and conditioning, football, golf, gymnastics, hockey, horse riding, karate, lacrosse, martial arts, netball, sailing, squash, swimming, tennis, trampolining, volleyball, yoga and Zumba, and breathe! – our A-Z offer is constantly evolving and ensures all girls are given the opportunity to find something that they enjoy or feel inspired to try.
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or some girls at Roedean, sport comes easily, and they excel – some are even national champions in table tennis and athletics. For others, getting involved, enjoying the camaraderie of a team, and running around is what they are looking for. For the school, the important thing is fostering a love of sport as a lifelong skill and interest, so that it is part of a normal, healthy lifestyle. Having tried a range of sports, many girls discover a talent in one area. By combining excellent support and coaching with dedication and hard work, Roedean girls challenge themselves to achieve as highly as they possibly can.
Challenging Yourself
‘There is so much sport to participate in at Roedean, and with amazing facilities we are able to really improve our chosen sports and confidently learn new ones.’ Maggie, Year 10
Performing Arts
We believe music, drama or dance will have a profound effect on the girls’ engagement in the world and their lives beyond school.
All the World’s a Stage
Love of the Arts
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eveloping a love of the arts is central to life at Roedean. A good education is an all-round education, and for that reason we encourage all girls to get involved with music, drama or dance, believing it will have a profound effect on their engagement in the world and their lives beyond school. Each year our House Festivals, in music, drama and dance, give girls the chance to take a central role in writing, directing, choreographing, and performing in our professional theatre. We want girls who come to Roedean to experience the buzz of being on stage and the cheer of an audience – experiences which we believe will give them the confidence and self-belief to shape their futures.
Roedean Rocks
Expressing Yourself
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ur aim is to make every girl feel comfortable expressing herself and performing, both inside and outside the curriculum. Girls have lessons in a variety of dance styles, and Brighton is an excellent venue to see diverse dance performances to complement the girls’ learning. Tuition for almost every orchestral instrument and more is available; every girl in Year 7 learns the same musical instrument as part of their music lessons, and a good number discover
a talent for it each year and continue with lessons afterwards. Drama is very popular and is made even more enjoyable because we have such a beautiful theatre on site. We pride ourselves on not only supporting the most accomplished musicians, actors and dancers with individual lessons, dedicated teaching and performance opportunities, but also ensuring that everyone benefits from finding their own individual voice and style on stage.
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any girls at Roedean play music, act, and dance just because they love it, while others challenge themselves to excel in these areas – the single-minded focus and the determination and sheer hard work required to do this are skills which will stand them in good stead later in life.
Developing Character
There are several concerts throughout the school year and everyone gets involved. We sing and play all sorts of music from Mozart to modern classics and original compositions written by the girls.
Day and Boarding
‘Roedean life is no different whether you’re a day girl or a boarder. The day girl buses get into school in time for breakfast in the morning and leave after dinner and afternoon activities, so the day girls don’t miss out on anything. Although I am a day girl, I have plenty of friends who are boarders – there is no distinction really, other than the boarders have a bedroom here!’ Saoirse, Year 12
A School for Everyone
Lifelong Friends
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hilst Roedean is a much-loved home for boarders, it is also a thriving local school for girls from the surrounding area who travel to and from school on our extensive network of minibus routes. Our day girls enjoy studying close to home, whilst meeting new friends from further afield. With a growing number of local day girls joining us, we are delighted now to be a three-form entry school. All day girls are welcome to arrive in time for breakfast, and take a full part in boarding school life. Day girls have the freedom to choose what time to finish each day, depending on their level of participation in wider school life and our programme of afterschool activities. The evening minibus service departs at 6pm daily and is committed to dropping girls off straight to their door.
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oedean is the only school in the world whose boarding houses connect directly to the school, meaning any of our 450 day girls and boarders are only ever seconds away from the comfort of their much-loved common rooms. Each of the four houses at Roedean is accessible to every girl, whether a day girl, full, weekly or flexi boarder, and home to a mix of girls from different years and nationalities.
Making a House a Home
‘I have to pinch myself. No, I am not in an English boutique hotel. These are the boarding houses.’ Sunday Times Style Magazine, 15th February 2015
Sharing the Good Times
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ife as a boarder provides each girl with her own modern bedroom space in one of our four state-of-theart refurbished Houses. With over 375 bedrooms, a mix of common rooms, study spaces and kitchens, girls can choose to socialise, cook, eat, read, play games, study and practise music with friends or alone in their own time. We offer a full schedule of activities and opportunities during the school week and at weekends to keep girls entertained. Girls can choose to board either full time, or on a weekly or flexi basis to find a balance of independence and family time that’s right for them. Girls can be escorted weekly by a member of staff from Brighton station to London Victoria and back again at the end of the weekend.
‘In the afternoon, the whole House meets for a drink and a snack, so we catch up on the day before heading off to our activities. We also hold our charity events in the Houses and do baking in the kitchen. They really do feel like a second home!’ Bella, Year 11
Choosing Roedean
The Right to an Education
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bove all else we believe that everyone has the right to an enriching education and we are dedicated to widening access for gifted pupils and local families through our Bursaries, Scholarships, and our Brighthelm Awards programme. Each year our bursary scheme provides financial support to parents of gifted pupils whose circumstances would otherwise put Roedean beyond their reach. As part of our charitable aims, and as a legacy of our partnership with St Mary’s Hall School, we also are able to offer generous support to daughters
of the clergy and service families. For girls who show particular aptitude in academic studies and/or have exceptional skills in Sport, Music, Art, Dance or Drama, our scholarship scheme provides financial support so they can join a school which nurtures their talent. There are a number of funding options to suit individual circumstances and our Registrar will be delighted to discuss these in more detail with you. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to Roedean.
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oedean aims to bring out the best in every girl, allowing her to find her feet and grow as an individual in a strong, diverse community, with the South Downs, the sea and the bustle of Brighton right on her doorstep. Choosing an education is about finding a place that feels right for both you and your daughter, which is why our admissions process offers you the chance to get to know us, with a host of ways to visit and find out more about life at Roedean. Events include our popular Taster Days, where girls can experience what a real school day is like at Roedean; coffee
mornings, giving you and your daughter the chance to meet the Headmaster; Rock Pool and Discovery Days for Year 5 and 6 girls and our regular Open Days in the Autumn, Spring and Summer terms, where your family can join us for a tour and taste of school life. Aside from our programme of events, we run an open door policy and welcome you and your daughter to visit us any time. If you’d like to arrange a visit, our Registrar will be delighted to discuss this with you.
Visit Roedean
The Right Place for You
‘Choosing an education is about finding a place that feels right for both you and your daughter.’ Oliver Blond, Headmaster
1. Is there a secret tunnel to the sea?
THE TOP TEN QUESTIONS WE WERE ASKED ON OPEN DAY...
2. Is it anything like Hogwarts? 3. Do you have lessons on the beach? 4. What’s in the entrance exam, please? 5. Did the school used to be called St Trinian’s? 6. Is it true that cows once invaded the school? 7. Do the teachers all wear black gowns? 8. Do you have midnight feasts? 9. Is it like Malory Towers? 10. Is it like a massive sleepover every day of the week? For the answer to these and other strange questions, you will have to come and visit the school yourself! We look forward to meeting you.
‘This is a school that’s going places. “Wish my daughter was starting there now,” says mother. “It’s a fabulous place”.’
Good Schools’ Guide 2014
Admissions Contact our Senior Registrar, Diana Banham at: T. 01273 667626 dba@roedean.co.uk School Office T. 01273 667500 schooloffice@roedean.co.uk Tweet us @RoedeanSchool Roedean School Roedean Way Brighton BN2 5RQ Registered Charity 307063
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