The last ten days at School have been very difficult, and I have been proud to see how, within our community, we have shown deep compassion and care for each other.
On Sunday, Amara, Charlotte, Ebun, Evelyn, Mahi, and Perla traveled to South Africa to start their three-week leg of the exchange with Roedean South Africa. I am pleased that they have settled in really quickly and are throwing themselves into the experience, keen to identify where our two schools have common practices and where they differ. I have no doubt that they will have a wonderful time, and we look forward to hearing abut what they are up to – what an adventure!
Congratulations to the U16A Netball team, who won the SISNA tournament this week, making them Sussex Champions! What an amazing achievement. I am also pleased that so many girls have the opportunity to represent the School in Netball fixtures, and that our Volleyball and Badminton Teams are enjoying success too!
The variety of ‘off the beaten track’ opportunities over the last two weeks underlines how much is encompassed in the Roedean experience – we have had remarkable early GCSE results, a hands-on suturing workshop for assisting medics, success for our debaters at the ESU Mace competition, Business students at a conference in Disneyland, RAF cadets flying at Boscombe Down, and individual success for Florence at So You Want To Dance. And all this is going on while a cast of 60 are rehearsing for four performances of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory next week – well done!
I am very proud to read of Year 13s’ successful university applications, with offers flying in from a whole range of institutions – the profiles which are included in these reviews highlight this. Congratulations at this point go to Claire, Claire, Lydia, Maria, and Rosa who have all received offers from Oxford and Cambridge universities, and there may still be more.
I hope you all have a restful weekend, and I wish all those in Charlie all the best for next week!
Sawubona from Joburg –Roedean South Afrcia Exchange
Hands-On Suturing for Future Medics and Vets
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.
Melissa and Zaida (Yr12) – for taking younger pupils to a Catholic service each week and leading on the organisaton of it all.
Ellen (Yr11) – for her beautifully evocative playing of a piece by Korngold, a little-known Austrian Jewish composer, in last week's Holocaust Memorial Chapel services [Dr Barrand]
Remarkable Early GCSE Results
41 students in Year 11, representing nearly 43% of the cohort, took Maths GCSE in November –there was a string of scores over 90%, but particular congratulations go to Abbie, who achieved an astonishing 100% in the GCSE.
Well done also to two students who were awarded top grades in IGCSE French.
Outstanding Success for Florence at So You Want To Dance Competition
Maria (Yr13) and Lennie (Yr12) – for their contributions to last week's Holocaust Memorial Chapel services [Ms Boobis]
Michelle (Yr12) – for being an incredible friend two weeks ago [Miss Smith]
Zaida, Valerie, and Serena (Yr12) – for their contributions to this week's Lunar New Year Chapel [Miss Hart]
This weekend, Florence took to the stage at the So You Want To Dance competition held at Roedean, representing her A2 Arts dance school with incredible success. Competing in five group dances as well as a quartet performance, Florence and her teammates achieved outstanding results, with every routine either winning its section or placing second or third.
But the highlights didn’t stop there. Two of the group dances earned the highest scores of the day on Saturday and Sunday respectively, securing special awards for their exceptional performances.
Topping off an already impressive weekend, Florence was selected to receive a special judges’ award trophy for the entire competition. She was also awarded a scholarship for the Associates Programme at The Brighton Academy – what fantastic recognition of her talent and hard work.
Huge congratulations to Florence for an incredible weekend!
Miss Abaza
Hands-On Suturing for Future Medics and Vets
On Wednesday, a very excited bunch of future medics and vets learnt to perform basic suturing stitches.
The session was led by the Brighton and Sussex Medical School Surgical Society with great enthusiasm and competence.
We also had an amazing time discussing tips for entry to medical school whilst stitching.
I would like to thank Farah for her help in organising this excellent workshop – her leadership of the MeDeVet+ club has been exemplary and innovative. Hustings for next year's committee will be held at the beginning of next half-term.
Look out for more exciting news.
Mrs Andrew
ESU Schools' Mace Success
Congratulations to Farwa, Scarlett, and Jasmine (Yrs11-12) for making it through to the Regional Finals of the Schools' Mace.
The girls participated in an exciting event at Mayfield School last week, debating the motion 'This House believes that modern politics does not represent the interests of young people'. As the proposition, the girls made their position clear from the offset, with three highly persuasive and well-constructed speeches. A big thank you goes to Flo for the support, guidance, research, and questions on the day.
The girls now proceed to the Regional Finals on Thursday 19 March.
Miss Joslyn
Confidence, Courage, and Control: RAF Cadets in the Air
We were delighted to have another outstanding experience for our RAF Cadets, Molly and Imi (Yr11), who recently took to the skies once again in the Tutor T1. This unforgettable flight combined the thrill of aerobatics with breathtaking aerial views of Stonehenge, offering a rare and inspiring perspective on one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks.
During the flight, both cadets and I were given the opportunity to learn how the aircraft is flown and, impressively, to take control themselves under expert supervision. This hands-on experience not only built confidence, but also deepened their understanding of aviation skills and cockpit discipline.
Equally important was the comprehensive ground briefing that accompanied the flight. Molly and Imi received detailed instruction on emergency procedures, including how to exit the aircraft safely and deploy parachutes if required. This emphasis on safety, responsibility, and preparedness is central to the RAF Cadet experience.
We are incredibly proud of Molly and Imi for embracing this challenge with such maturity and enthusiasm. Experiences like this exemplify the confidence, leadership, and ambition that the RAF Cadets nurture so well at Roedean.
Miss Pashley
Roedean Joins the National Big Garden Birdwatch to Support UK Wildlife
A few staff and students took part in the Big Garden Birdwatch 2026, proudly joining thousands of people across the country in supporting one of the UK’s largest wildlife surveys. Over the course of the event, we carefully observed and recorded the birds visiting our school grounds, learning how to identify different species and count them accurately.
By contributing our results to the RSPB, we are helping to build a national snapshot of how garden bird populations are faring during
the winter months. This information is vital for conservationists, as it allows them to track long-term changes in bird numbers and identify species that may be declining and in need of extra protection.
The activity also gave students a valuable opportunity to develop their scientific observation skills and deepen their understanding of biodiversity and environmental responsibility. Our students showed great enthusiasm and teamwork throughout, demonstrating a real commitment
to caring for wildlife and protecting the natural world. Environmental action is not about one heroic act; it’s about enough people doing enough things, consistently enough, to push systems past their tipping points. And if environmentalism is to endure, not only as a movement, but as a way of living, then joy is not a distraction from the work. It is part of the work.
Miss Pashley
Holocaust Memorial Day Chapel 2026
Ms Benton-Stace, Head of History, and Ms Boobis, EDI Lead
As I often tell my students, the problem with History is there is a lot of it. So why are there some historical events that we always come back to? Ones that every year, we, as a society, choose to engage with?
The Holocaust – the systematic destruction of Europe’s Jewish population under the Nazi regime, led by Adolf Hitler – is one of these events. It is the only historical event that is compulsory on the UK’s National curriculum. The Holocaust is also marked each on year by Holocaust Memorial Day, recognising the liberation of probably the most famous concentration and extermination camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau, on the 27 January 1945. So why, now 81 years after this event, is it still important to remember the Holocaust?
It can be argued we should remember the Holocaust for the social and legal precedents it generated as a response to it; the very definition of genocide, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Criminal Court. The term Genocide was first coined by Polish lawyer Raphäel Lemkin in 1944, and is defined as ‘acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group’. It can be difficult to define an act as genocide until after it has happened, due to the need to analyse the intention of the perpetrators and the scale of destruction. But this has also meant that the term can be appropriated, misused, or deployed as a political tool in the modern world. It is important – but
difficult – to make sure that this doesn't detract from the significance of historical events.
As time passes, we face the heartbreaking reality that, within the next decade, we may no longer have the privilege of hearing stories from those who lived through the horrors of the Holocaust. Without these living witnesses, the depth of the suffering and the urgency to confront hatred and intolerance in our own time could begin to fade. That distance brings a risk that the sharp reality of what happened becomes blurred, abstract, or even questioned.
So, is it that we should remember the Holocaust in order to prevent further genocides, to ensure "never again"? Should we remember in order to learn lessons from the past and to prevent the reoccurrence of a similar event? Unfortunately it would seem that 'lessons remain unlearned' and genocide can and has happened again, even in the relatively short period since the end of WW2; genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Kurdistan, and Darfur are also recognised as part of Holocaust Memorial Day.
Many see it as important to mark the Holocaust because of what it tells us about the nature of evil. It is something so horrendous, so inhuman, and so enormous in scale, that it is hard to look at. But this is also precisely why it is so important to look at, for here is where it reveals so much about humanity, in all its forms. Within the Holocaust we see the full range of human responses: the ideological drive of the perpetrators such as Hitler and the SS guards who ran extermination camps and the blind co-operation of facilitators, such
as those planning railway timetables used to transport Jewish populations to such camps. The indifferent neutrality of bystanders, who chose not to question what is happening to their Jewish neighbours, and the courage of those upstanders who looked for opportunities to protect Jewish people within their communities, or hide them at risk to their own safety. It shows us how human nature can lead some people to refuse to see what is in front of them and act selfishly –but understandably – to protect themselves and their loved ones, and how human nature can lead some people to risk their own lives to better those of others. It shows humanity at its best and its worst.
The horrors of the Holocaust, and subsequent genocides recognised by the government, did not just affect those that were murdered or survived; its events are the family history and family trauma that still informs affected groups today, whether they are Jewish, gay, disabled, Roma, Sinti, or a member of another community targeted by the Nazis. The Netflix cartoon, Long Story Short, puts it well in a scene where a secular Jewish character is accused by his sister of having internalised antisemitism: “Those stories about the Holocaust, the Inquisition, Masada. Learning everyone hates you and wants to kill you doesn't exactly make for a welladjusted person.”
It is important that we understand the Holocaust not only so that it is never repeated, but so that we can empathise with those for whom it is part of their story. But we must also be careful to ensure that it is not the only part of their story that we remember. The digital
exhibition '80 Objects/80 Lives' presents eighty individual testimonies of Holocaust survivors and refugees through objects that survived with them. The objects span the religious (like a kiddush cup or seder plate), the sentimental (like a wedding ring or war medal), the decorative (like a figurine of a robin or a pendant), and the everyday (like a spoon or a bowl). Susie Lind’s story (linked to a handkerchief in the exhibition) demonstrates that people who survive a genocide are still people, with pasts, presents, and futures, despite the unspeakable thing that has happened to them:
‘I had a very privileged upbringing and I know I was very fortunate. I was a beastly child, I was always told I should have been a boy […] I had enormous love from my parents. I was only told off, once I can remember, when my father couldn't stop me from talking and he put me on his lap and he took off his watch and he laid the watch on the table and he said to me if you could be quiet for five minutes I'll increase your pocket money […] My father was Jewish, but he was an atheist, and my mother kept the Jewish high holy days for which we went to the neighbouring town to our grandparents, to my mother's parents. […] we also had religion classes from the local rabbi. But that is as far as our religious upbringing went […] And we kept Christmas, we always had a Christmas tree and I used to play on the piano: Stille Nacht. […] My mother brought us up very, very sensibly and lovingly and I only have the happiest memories about her except when she saw me off on the Kindertransport in Prague and I was crying bitterly because I knew I would never see them again. And she wiped my tears away with her
handkerchief which I have got downstairs. I've kept for all these years.’
It is important to remember that the Holocaust was something that happened in modern nations, not too far removed from us now. Germany at the start of the 1930s was a largely liberal, democratic, internationally-respected country. The Holocaust teaches us about the fragility of democracy; political systems that we feel are a stable, or even inherent part of our society, in reality can be undermined and dismantled within minutes. Democracy, and human rights, cannot be taken for granted.
And the Holocaust tells us about how all of this can be done under our noses, step by step, increment by increment, until we can only look back and see with hindsight what has been taken from us.
This is why it is historically important to study the Holocaust; there is often a morbid fascination about 'how could society have let it happen?', but we must recognise that these processes can happen again and are happening in our modern, 21st-century world, in countries that would claim to be democratic, open, and tolerant. We must bear witness to the Holocaust because there are now only a few individuals left who bore witness to it first hand – Dorit Oliver-Wolff, one of this diminishing number of survivors, will be coming to speak to members of our community next month. We must remember because, with distance, it becomes more remote from our generation's experience, and so easier to see as just mass numbers of horrors committed by others long-dead.
We must bear witness because every single one of those numbers is someone who deserves to be remembered. And we must bear witness because of what the Holocaust teaches us about the nature of humanity; it is historically significant precisely because of what it can tell us about the potential – whether positive or negative – of the world we live in today.
This prayer was written by the Chief Rabbi, the Archbishop of Canterbury and a Senior Imam for Holocaust Memorial Day 2020. Please bow your heads:
Loving God, we come to you with heavy hearts, remembering the six million Jewish souls murdered during the Holocaust.
In the horrors of that history, when so many groups were targeted because of their identity, and in genocides which followed, we recognise destructive prejudices that drive people apart.
Forgive us when we give space to fear, negativity and hatred of others, simply because they are different from us.
In the light of God, we see everyone as equally precious manifestations of the Divine, and can know the courage to face the darkness.
Through our prayers and actions, help us to stand together with those who are suffering, so that light may banish all darkness, love will prevail over hate and good will triumph over evil.
Amen
University Destinations
Continuing from last week's celebrations of the wide range of excellent offers being received by our Year 13s, we would like to share a few more:
Clara
Congratulations to Sports Scholar and Channel Swimmer, Clara, who is holding two offers to study Veterinary Medicine from Harper and Keele and Nottingham University. She is studying Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry for A Level. Clara is passionate about animals and animal care, as well as the opportunity vets have to provide support to the people who care for animals. You will be familiar with Clara for being a member of Roedean’s successful cross Channel relay and subsequent successful solo swim three years later. She was also the youngest ever County Chair for Surrey Young Farmers, an organisation she continues to promote.
Chaya
Congratulations to our Head of School and Student Newspaper Editor, Chaya, who has been made a finalist for the prestigious Morehead-Cain Scholarship at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Chaya is studying Philosophy, English Literature, and Politics, and really appreciates how these disciplines are not purely theoretical; they impact real people’s lives every single day. She was able to witness this firsthand as one of the students selected to volunteer on the School’s annual humanitarian trip to Moldova. The Morehead-Cain Scholarship rewards leadership, character, scholarship, and physical vigour. Approximately 2000 students from around the world apply every year, of which, 3% are successful so Chaya has done amazingly well to get to this stage. She is being flown over to Chapel Hill to meet with current scholars and alumni, and participate in a multiday assessment of leadership and character. We wish her all the very best and are so proud of her for getting this far.
Claire
Congratulations to Claire, who has been made an offer to study Psychological and Behavioural Sciences (PBS) at Cambridge University. PBS is the second most competitive course at Cambridge, with an offer rate of just 11%. After having self-taught a carefully curated selection of GCSEs to enable her to access A Levels, Claire is studying Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Psychology. She is interested in the ambiguities inherent in the diagnostic process, and hopes to work towards a more robust collective understanding of mental health that has scientific accuracy at its core.
Boarding Academic Lecture
A huge thank you to Dr Harden for delivering an engaging and thoughful lecture to our boarders this term. Students were taken on a journey back in time to explore the world of Ancient Greece and examine the powerful role of propaganda in war.
Looking ahead, our lecture programme continues with 'The Chemistry of Food' next half term. Our boarders are exceptionally fortunate to have experienced Academic Tutors on site, offering rich opportunities to explore ideas beyond the curriculum and deepen academic interests. Alongside these enriching lectures, tutors provide invaluable support with prep, interview practice, and exam techniques, helping students to thrive academically.
Miss Sinton
Weekend Trip –Sunday Roast
Last Sunday, several boarding students visited The Walrus in Brighton as part of the weekend activity programme, to sample a British staple – the traditional Sunday roast. They thoroughly enjoyed both the experience and the food, though many struggled to finish the giant Yorkshire puddings!
Mr Wilson
Sawubona from Joburg – Roedean South Afrcia Exchange
Last weekend, six Year 9s set off on a three-week adventure to our sister school in Johannesburg, Roedean South Africa.
They arrived on campus, dropped their bags, and went to explore the school campus. Suddenly, six RSA girls were running towards us, squealing with excitement. It was brilliant to see them fall into chatting and laughing as if they had known each other for years. We had a quick tour before lunch, and then the girls went straight into the last lesson of the day. School ends at 2:30, and then there are activities, including sports and choir.
Just a matter of days in, Amara, Charlotte, Ebun, Evelyn, Mahi, and Perla are trying new subjects, new activities, boarding which is new to four of them, and new food, all while adapting to the nearly 30 degree heat of the South African summer. It is wonderful that they already feel so settled.
They will return at the end of our half-term holiday, and then two weeks later, Fay, Hannah, Koketso, Nansi, Sanyu, and Zara will come to Brighton to experience Roedean here for our last three weeks of term.
Dr Barrand
'From the moment I arrived at Roedean South Africa, I was greeted with such a warm, welcoming atmosphere that instantly made me feel at home despite being on a different continent and having never boarded before. Additionally, we have all been having great fun with our exchange partners, immersing ourselves in their culture, which includes trying their amazing snacks and school meals that they have here, as well as learning about the traditions they have. The different school day structures bring a refreshing change, and I have loved the new lessons that I’ve already tried (despite only being here 2 days), such as accounting. I am so grateful for this wonderful experience and have loved every minute!'
Amara
'As soon as we arrived at the school everyone was incredibly welcoming and kind towards us, and it helped us get settled in so quickly. On one of the days, they showed us over a bridge between Roedean SA and another school called St John's. We went over the bridge connecting the two schools and walked through the campus together until we made it to a cafe where we bought pizza and drinks. We sat there and talked to each other and shared our experiences, which helped us get closer and we just had a lovely time overall. Both campuses were filled with flowers and plants, and they both looked incredibly beautiful. Today we are going back to St John's to watch a Maths competition which I can't wait to see, and I can't wait to discover what I do next.'
Evelyn
'When I first came to Roedean South Africa, I was astounded by the beauty of the campus. The atmosphere is so welcoming, and everyone is super lovely. There are so many similarities between the two schools, for example many of the lessons are the same, such as English, Drama, and Art. A few differences, however, could be the lessons are an hour long, we do a few different subjects (Zulu, Afrikaans, life orientation, and a few more), and the school day ends at 2:30. The boarding is amazing and the food is all delicious. My exchange partner is very sweet, fun, and welcoming, as well as everybody else's. Overall, the school is amazing and I'm so grateful for this experience.'
Perla
'My first impression of the campus was that it was gorgeous. The greenery is breathtaking and the boarding rooms are super nice. The girls are all kind and extremely inclusive. The atmosphere in the school day was joyful, which carried on into boarding time; everyone always smiling and laughing. Similar to Roedean, everyone is very uplifting. My exchange partner, Nansi, has been thoughtful and compassionate.'
Mahi
‘My first impression of the school was how green it was. Everywhere you looked was spilling with flora! It was incredible, and so beautifully done. Everyone was so, so lovely and really made me feel at home here. All the girls are wonderful.'
Charlotte
'My first impression has been how bubbly and friendly everyone has been, the school scenery was also so beautiful. The nature is so amazing. There’s also a really strong sense of community there, and it feels like a place where students across year groups genuinely know one another. I’ve enjoyed sitting in lessons and seeing different teaching styles, and it’s been interesting seeing what feels familiar and what feels new. Boarding has a great atmosphere in the houses, and I love being able to experience boarding in both England and South Africa, and the food has been amazing! I love spending time with our exchange partners, they are so fun to be around, and I love speaking about the differences between our schools and cultures with them.'
Ebun
Chapel – Looking Ahead to Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year, which falls on 17 February this year, is observed by many cultures across Asia and around the world. It marks a new beginning, a time to reflect on the past year, and to look forward with hope, gratitude, and kindness.
Thank you to Emily, who performed beautifully on the guzheng, a traditional Chinese instrument.
Zaida: Lunar New Year is one of the most celebrated festivals in the world, marking the start of a new year based on the lunar calendar. Unlike the Western New Year, which follows the solar calendar, Lunar New Year begins with the first new moon, usually between late January and early February. In 2026, it starts on 17 February and marks the beginning of the Year of the Horse, which represents energy and strength.
This celebration is a time for hope and renewal as Winter turns to Spring. Across the world, people come together to honour traditions that celebrate family, gratitude, and good fortune. It’s a moment to reflect on the past, embrace new beginnings, and look ahead to a year filled with health, happiness, and success.
Serena: The Lunar New Year is approaching, the most lively and important festival of the year. Our family will have a New Year's Eve dinner together and write Spring Festival couplets. Everyone is excited about it. Beyond the festivities, Lunar New Year invites reflection. It encourages us to appreciate our achievements, express gratitude, and look ahead with optimism, kindness, and purpose. So, as we mark the start of Year of the Horse, let it remind us that every ending brings a new beginning, and that renewal begins with reflection and hope.
Valerie: We are grateful for the gift of new beginnings and for guiding us into a new year filled with opportunity and growth. As communities around the world celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Horse, may its spirit of strength, perseverance, and courage inspire us in our daily lives. Remind us that each new season brings renewal, hope, and the chance to move forward with purpose. Help us to extend kindness, compassion, and understanding to those around us. May we walk into new beginnings in this new year with open hearts.
Year 7 Show Climate Courage
Year 7’s Wild Fridays group brought real energy and purpose to the school grounds this week, leading a rapid, high-impact litter clean-up, while identifying the most common polluting brands.
The activity supported Surfers Against Sewage by raising awareness of their work for clean water, plastic-free beaches, and a healthier
planet for everyone. The session sparked creativity and conviction as students developed plans to give the ocean a voice, with messages such as “You drink me so keep me clean” and 'I am wasting away so keep your waste away!' Building on this momentum, students will now focus on a specific plastic item, identify who has the power to eliminate it, plan a campaign
action, record the item they have removed from school for good, and ultimately contact their local politician to raise awareness of the Plastic Free Schools campaign and ask for support. I am very proud of the climate courage shown by our students.
Ms Pashley
House Dodgeball Competition
Friday saw the Houses go head-to-head in the highly-anticipated House Dodgeball tournament. The Houses each brought a Year 7-9 team and a Year 10-13 team, whose points would combine to find the overall dodgeball champions.
Scores remained close between the Houses throughout the tournament, and the final match between House 2 and House 3 was the decider for who would clinch the victory. Despite some incredible catches and dodges from House 2, House 3 managed to keep their clean streak going, winning all 6 of their matches played and taking the overall title of Dodgeball Champions.
Everyone (including the supporters!) brought fantastic enthusiasm and gave it their absolute all. This was a very competitive and exciting afternoon – well done House 3!
Miss Webster
Netball vs Brighton College
4th VII
On a cold and blustery Wednesday afternoon last week, the Roedean 4th VII faced a determined Brighton Girls side in a closely contested netball match.
Despite the challenging conditions, Roedean showed excellent resilience and teamwork throughout. In defence, Cara and Eve were outstanding, reading the game well and making several crucial interceptions that disrupted Brighton’s attacking flow. Through the midcourt, Scarlett, Florence, Shalom, and Veera worked tirelessly, showing great energy and support to move the ball smoothly from defence into attack. Their communication and movement were key in maintaining possession under pressure. In the shooting circle, Tabitha and Hannah combined effectively, demonstrating calm finishing and strong decision-making to convert scoring opportunities.
The match remained tight until the final whistle, but Roedean held their nerve to secure a wellearned 7-5 victory. A special mention goes to Shalom, who was deservedly awarded Coach’s Player for her consistent effort, work-rate, and impact across the court. Well done to the whole team.
Miss Hayman
U13F – 5-Point Thriller
The U13F team took to the courts with confidence after two wins this season, and aiming for their third against Brighton Girls. We were going to be tested playing their U12B team, and the conditions were not particularly conducive for netball, but our girls were used to it playing atop these mighty white cliffs.
The first quarter started well – Roedean got the first point and Brighton Girls cancelled the lead out, so the quarter ended 2-1 to Brighton Girls. The next three quarters managed only 2 more points in the entire 30 minutes due to the weather, and both teams were struggling to maintain possession toward the post.
Unfortunately, both those points went to Brighton Girls, and the with the match ending 4-1. The effort levels could not be faulted and lots of lessons were learned as we get ready for Seaford College next week.
U14C
The U14C team delivered a confident, dominant performance, securing an impressive 16-1 win. The team demonstrated strong defensive pressure throughout the game, forcing turnovers and limiting the opposition’s scoring chances, allowing the midcourt to smoothly transition the ball into attack.
The shooters worked well together, showing great movement and accuracy. Bea was named Defender of the Game for her outstanding positioning and determination, while the Attacking Player of the Game was Phoebe, who impressed with strong movement, confident ball handling, and excellent feeding of the circle.
It was a fantastic team effort and the players should be proud of their performance.
Mr Perry
U14B
The U14B Netball team delivered an outstanding performance on Friday afternoon in their match against Brighton Girls, producing a dominant and well-controlled display across the court.
Roedean were superb in defence, and, Captain Hester excelled in goal defence and led with confidence and composure. India worked brilliantly alongside her, making some incredible interceptions that halted Brighton’s attacks and quickly turned possession over.
In the midcourt, Valerie showed great stamina and determination at centre, driving play from defence to attack. Amara was strong at wing defence, applying consistent pressure, and Milana transitioned effectively into wing attack, feeding the ball accurately into the circle. Hen contributed with some fantastic passes through court, helping maintain Roedean’s attacking momentum.
In the shooting circle, Maisa and Dixie combined seamlessly, finishing with confidence and precision. The team secured an emphatic 19-2 victory. Coach’s Player was deservedly awarded to Dixie and Hester. Well played, everyone.
Mr Campleman
U14C
U14B
Miss Hayman
U13F
Netball vs Seaford College
U13F Stride to Victory
The U13F Netball team travelled to Seaford College and were ready to play well and as a team. The match started well with a superb warm-up in chilly conditions. The first quarter was tight, but the girls pulled to a 1 point lead with lots of positives all over the court. After the 2nd quarter, we managed to stretch our lead to 3 points with Lexie, Star, and Isabella defending like Spartans and not letting a single point in.
The third quarter was going to be the decider, with everything on the line and the girls working hard defensively and attacking to increase the lead while not letting us become too exposed at the back to Seaford's attacks. The girls did brilliantly and managed to go into the last quarter up by 2 points, and they extended their lead straight away at the start. Seaford however scored three points consecutively and came within 1 point with 2 minutes left of the clock. Natasha received the ball inside the circle after some excellent interplay between the mid-court players, and netted the ball for us to win by 2 points.
All the players should be very proud of their performance – the Attacker of the Game was Dao and the Defender of the Game was Star.
Mr Campleman
4th VII
The 4th VII enjoyed a brilliant fixture against Seaford College, producing some of their best netball of the season in a well-deserved 6-4 victory.
From the first whistle, the Roedean side showed excellent cohesion, linking up smoothly through the court and moving the ball with confidence and purpose. In defence, Eve and Cara were outstanding, making several crucial intercepts and calmly distributing the ball down court to launch attacking opportunities. Florence worked tirelessly in the midcourt at centre and wing defence, providing constant support to both the defensive and attacking units. Veera and Scarlett impressed with their sharp drives and accurate feeds into the shooting circle, creating strong scoring chances. In the circle, Hannah and Tabitha combined superbly, showing composure and accuracy to convert numerous goals. Shalom had a stormer at wing attack, applying relentless pressure, forcing turnovers, and driving the team forward.
It was a fantastic team performance all round – well done to the Roedean side.
U13C
Roedean U13C hosted Seaford College in a netball fixture last week.
Against a taller and faster opposition, the Roedean girls rose to the challenge with calmness and determination. Although Seaford won 9-1, Roedean showed excellent teamwork and resilience throughout the match. The girls supported one another well and grew in confidence as the game progressed.
Audrey and Alia were deservedly voted Players of the Match by Seaford College.
It was an encouraging performance, showing great character and teamwork.
U13H
The match began evenly, with neither team able to gain a clear advantage. Both sides showed strong defensive work and quick, dynamic attacking play, creating numerous scoring opportunities. Roedean moved the ball well through the court and matched Seaford goal for goal in a fast-paced contest.
The score remained close throughout, with momentum shifting between the two teams, leading to a tense and competitive finish. The match ended in a well-deserved 11-11 draw. Special mention goes to Alice and Summer – Alice was named Defender of the Match, making excellent interceptions and vital defensive efforts that kept Roedean in the game, and Summer was named Attacker of the Match for her tireless work-rate and consistent shooting skills.
Miss Hayman
Miss Hutchings
U13F
U13C
U13H
4th VII
U16A Badminton Team Progress to the County Round
Congratulations to the U16A Badminton team, who have successfully progressed to the county round of the National Schools’ Badminton Competition after an outstanding performance. The team of Koi, Ying, Natalie, Faye, and Almen, won all 15 of their matches, securing a convincing qualification for the next stage of the competition.
The county round will take place on 9 February at Shoreham College. Success in this round would see the team advance to the regional finals, which will be held in Hounslow, London.
A second U16 team also competed in the event and performed admirably, finishing second overall, after winning 10 of their 15 matches. Unfortunately, this was not enough to progress to the next round, but it was a strong and commendable effort.
The Badminton team are back in action this weekend, with their next fixture against Benenden.
Mr Foggoa
U15C Netball vs Christ’s Hospital
Despite a loss against Christ’s Hospital, the team showed fantastic resilience and maintained a positive attitude throughout the match. There were many impressive performances and great teamwork across the court.
Key performances came from the following:
■ Zaina demonstrated excellent shooting skills and worked confidently within the circle;
■ Rotimi showed an outstanding work-rate, working consistently hard throughout the game and making a strong contribution in all areas of the court;
■ Bella was calm and composed on the ball, particularly after turnovers, showing great control and decisionmaking;
■ Dayspring delivered an exceptional defensive performance, winning a huge amount of ball against much taller shooters and competing strongly throughout the game;
■ Chloe was fantastic in defence, applying consistent pressure and creating multiple opportunities for turnovers with her reading of the game;
■ Honor showed determination and made a positive impact on the match, contributing well when given opportunities.
Overall, the team displayed excellent spirit, effort, and commitment throughout the game. There were many positives to take away, and the squad can be proud of their attitude and performances against strong opposition.
Mrs Baker
4th Netball vs Great Walstead
The 4th Netball team put in a determined performance against Great Walstead in a closely-fought match. In the shooting circle, Desire, Tabitha, and Cara worked hard to create scoring opportunities, and showed good movement and teamwork under pressure.
Through the midcourt, Florence, Scarlett, and Veera battled tirelessly, supporting both defence and attack, and helping to transition the ball quickly up the court. Eve and Cara were strong in defence, applying consistent pressure and making key stops to disrupt Great Walstead’s play.
Despite Roedean’s effort and resilience throughout, the team narrowly missed out on the win, with the match finishing 11-9 to Great Walstead. They put in a competitive performance with plenty of positives to take forward.
Miss Hayman
Staff vs Student Football
On Wednesday, our annual staff versus students football match took place. It was great fun for everyone involved, with staff members from across the School and many students taking part in friendly competition.
The match was an exciting one, with the score tied at 2-2 at half-time. In the second half, the staff team just managed to pull away, finishing the match with a 4–2 victory.
A big shout out goes to Fen (Yr13), who scored two fantastic goals for the student team. It was wonderful to see so many people getting involved and other girls coming to support –it's events like this when we really see the girls coming together as a community to support one another. We’re already looking forward to the next Staff vs Students fixture.
Mrs Baker
Netball vs Mayfield
U15C
We saw some great play from the U15C last week. Their tenacity on court against Mayfield on Saturday made for a close, competitive game.
Dayspring led the team well and each player contributed 100%. Sadly, we suffered a close 12-13 loss, but it was 'edge of your seat' play!
Mrs Baker
U14B
Roedean U14B produced an impressive performance to defeat Mayfield 18-4 in an energetic fixture. Captained by Hester, who began at GD, the team set the tone with calm organisation and positive spirit. Mabel started as GK and made some amazing intercepts, repeatedly turning defence into attack.
In centre court, Ruby played C, making amazing leads forward and performing outstanding stage two play to feed the circle accurately. Hen featured at GA and her shooting was great, converting chances with confidence. Dixie held her space well in the circle and her shooting was excellent, giving Roedean a steady flow of goals. Valerie played as WA and stormed the game with speed and vision.
All the girls were versatile and confidently played out of position when needed. The teamwork across the court was excellent and energy never dropped. It was a great game and well-played – Roedean were deserving winners.
U14C
The U14C team delivered an impressive performance, finishing the match with a decisive 15-5 victory. From the outset, it was clear that the team were ready, applying consistent pressure, and maintaining focus across the court.
Defensively, the players worked tirelessly to contest every pass and force errors, limiting the opposition's ability to establish their attack. The midcourt players remained composed under pressure, providing strong drives, and maintaining possession through smart movement and clear communication. This allowed the attacking unit to build momentum, with the shooters displaying confidence and accuracy as the match progressed.
The Defender of the Game, Ebun, played a crucial role, demonstrating determination and game awareness to disrupt the opponent's play and protect the circle. Attacking Player of the Game, Lara, made her presence known with sharp movement, reliable hands, and precise finishing, ensuring the team capitalised on their scoring opportunities.
Mr Perry
3rd Netball Thriller
The 3rd Netball team travelled to Mayfield for the usual tightly-contested match and it didn't disappoint. In the first quarter, both teams were locked in at 4-4 with attackers finishing off some good movements towards the post. In the second quarter however, the game opened up a lot more with Mayfield edging a 2-point lead, but Roedean were hot on their heels to drag back the score.
After the third quarter, Mayfield still managed a two point lead, meaning we needed to have a blinder of a last quarter to struggle our way back into the match and contest for the win. Athena was immense in defence, turning over many balls and being a huge presence to get past. Claudia put in a lot of yards as GA, helping the team get up the court and scoring a fair few points for the team. However, it just wasn't enough and Mayfield edged the victory by 4 points, with it finishing 20-16. The girls showed tremendous determination and put in huge amounts of effort, ensuring it was an exciting game for all who witnessed.
Mr Campleman
Late Fightback Seals 18–16 Nail-Biter for U15B
The U15B team secured a thrilling 18–16 victory over Mayfield in a nail-biting encounter, opening their account for the season on their third attempt.
The match was a true game of quarters, with momentum swinging back and forth throughout. Roedean started strongly, taking control of the first quarter, but Mayfield responded well to win quarters two and three. Heading into the final quarter, Roedean found themselves trailing by four goals.
Showing great determination and composure, the entire squad stepped up in the fourth quarter to overturn the deficit and secure the win. The intensity and teamwork displayed in the closing stages proved decisive as Roedean edged ahead to seal an 18–16 victory at full time.
Standout performances came from Naomi and Chiara, who were deservedly named Players of the Match for their influence and consistency throughout the game. A special mention also goes to goalkeeper, Joy, whose outstanding performance included numerous rebounds, key interceptions, and an ability to set the defensive standard at an exceptionally high level.
A fantastic team effort and a well-earned win.
Mr Foggoa
Miss Hayman
U15C
U15B
Netball vs Lingfield College
U14B
The Roedean U14B team made a confident start against Lingfield College, setting the tone from the first centre pass. Izzy led the attack at GS with Maisa supporting well at GA, and the pair combined cleverly around the circle. Hen played strongly at C, while Milana battled in a very physical midcourt contest. In defence Lara, Hester, and Dixie produced amazing intercepts and rebounds to limit the visitors.
By half-time, Roedean held a deserved 12-4 lead. After the break positions were mixed, with Dixie moving to shooter and scoring repeatedly. Maisa took control in midcourt and fed the circle with accuracy and patience. Lara continued to anchor the defence with calm footwork and smart marking. Roedean’s teamwork and fitness showed as the score stretched steadily.
The final whistle confirmed a superb 32-8 victory and it was a well-played performance from the whole squad. It was a great team effort by everyone.
Miss Hayman
4th VII
The Roedean fourth team faced Lingfield in an exciting fixture that began with a close and competitive opening quarter, featuring end to end action and confident play from both sides.
Cara and Eve formed a determined defensive unit, feeding the ball accurately into the mid-court and producing several amazing interceptions that slowed the Lingfield attack. Scarlett, Veera, and Florence worked tirelessly through the mid-court, linking up play nicely and showing strong stage two defence to support their teammates. After a tense start Roedean edged ahead 2-1 at the first break.
In the second quarter, Hannah and Tabitha found their shooting rhythm, putting up composed shots that helped the team build a 6-1 lead going into the second half. Meadow worked tirelessly throughout, making fantastic intercepts and driving passes down court to maintain momentum. The whole squad showed excellent teamwork and determination. Well done everyone – the final result was 9-4 to Roedean.
U14C
The U14C produced an outstanding display, overwhelming their opponents with a convincing 22-2 win.
From the first centre pass, the team set the tone with high intensity and sharp communication across the court. The defensive unit was relentless, shutting down space, intercepting passes, and giving the opposition very little time or freedom near the circle. Their efforts created numerous opportunities in the midcourt, who moved the ball with speed and precision, linking defence to attack seamlessly, and controlling the tempo of the game. Inside the attacking third, the shooters showed excellent chemistry, working intelligently to create space and finishing with confidence.
A special mention goes to Bea, Defender of the Game, who was exceptional, reading the play superbly and using strong timing and positioning to repeatedly break up attacking moves. The Attacking Player of the Game, Phoebe, also played a key role, impressing with dynamic movement, safe hands, and accurate shooting.
Mr Perry
U13A
An end to end match saw the girls make a steady start and build a small early lead. As the game developed, they showed real improvement by reducing errors, and playing with greater control and confidence. The players were given opportunities in a range of positions, gaining valuable experience. While there is still work to be done, the progress being made is clear and very encouraging.
U14A
A highly competitive and enjoyable match for U14As against Lingfield saw the girls steadily increase their lead in each quarter. It was an excellent whole squad performance, with every player contributing and confidently taking to the court in a variety of positions. The team demonstrated great composure throughout, showing a clear focus on maintaining possession and effectively transferring their training into match play.
U13F Win in Sun
The U13F Netball team played against Lingfield U12C's at home in glorious sunshine. The girls were amped and had a great warm-up, so they started brilliantly, going 5-1 up straight away. Having had really close games this term, the girls were able to then show some versatility and try different positions in a competitive context, which develops new skills and appreciations for how other positions are played.
They did this tremendously well, and showed grit and effort throughout. The match ended 12-5 to Roedean, with Charlotte, Natasha, Dao, and Star managing to register points for the team. Attacker of the Game was Charlotte, and Defender of the Match was Isabella.
Mr Campleman
Miss Hayman
Miss Agnew
Miss Agnew
U13F
U16As Are Sussex Netball Champions
U16A team, with the addition of Sophie O'Flinn and Andrea Plant (Year 10), have just won the U16 SISNA tournament (Sussex Independent Schools National Association).
The girls played incredibly well and did both themselves and the school proud. They went undefeated all day, with three wins and one draw in the group stages, before progressing to the semi finals and then the final, where they beat Hurst 10–6.
This is a phenomenal achievement for the squad!
U18 Volleyball Makes a Promising Start
The U18 Volleyball team competed strongly in their first fixture of the year against Brighton College, with the scoreline not fully reflecting how closely contested the match was.
Brighton College secured a 3–0 victory, but Roedean showed clear progress as the match developed. After a 25-15 scoreline in the opening game, the team grew in confidence and cohesion, narrowing the gap significantly to 25-22 by the third game.
Throughout the fixture, the team worked well and demonstrated resilience, responding positively to the challenge and learning quickly as the match progressed. With continued focus on improving teamwork and communication, the U18s will look to build on this performance in their upcoming matches.
It was a promising start to the year, with plenty of positives to take forward.
Miss Agnew
Mr Foggoa
Fine Form Continues for U18 Badminton
The U18 badminton team continued their fine form with an impressive 12–4 victory, while hosting Benenden School in a competitive yet comprehensive fixture.
Despite strong opposition, the team delivered a confident and disciplined performance across the matches, demonstrating both depth and consistency to secure the win. The scoreline reflected the overall control shown by the U18s throughout the encounter.
Jolie and Athena maintained their unbeaten run this season, continuing an outstanding streak that highlights their quality, composure, and partnership on court. Their undefeated record remains a remarkable achievement and a key factor in the team’s success.
The Badminton programme continues at pace, with the team back in action next week against Lancing College. Meanwhile, the U16 team will contest their next round of the National Schools' competition on Monday 9 February.
It was a strong result and we are looking forward to an exciting run of fixtures ahead.
We welcome contributions from all parts of the Roedean community. If you have something you would like featured in the Head’s Weekly Review, please email: aws@roedean.co.uk
Sport Stars of the Week
Well done to our sporting stars for the last two weeks:
Scarlett (Yr7) – for constantly giving all aspects of PE her all, from single PE lessons to games and fixtures
Isabella (Yr9) – for working so hard to come back from injury even stronger than before
Regina (Yr11) – for making such big improvements in Netball and her great shooting
Rida
– for enthusiasm and effort in the mid-court masterclasses
Veera (Yr7) – for her incredible netball performance in the last week
Olivia
– for her S&C achievements and deadlifting over 100kg
– for her outstanding performance at National Schools
– for not loosing a single Badminton fixture all year
– for being consistently hardworking during fixtures and in training
– for working hard in Netball which has moved her up a team
– for helping to coach the
– for playing excellently in her match last week
– for her
and
– for working so hard at
Non negotiable of the week: Teamwork, embodied by the Badminton 1st team for winning 15/15 matches and making it through to the next round of the tournament
Non negotiable of the week: Commitment – shown by Valerie and Cecile in Year 8, who have been going to CHall every evening to practise their Netball whenever they can.
