February 2026 –
HEAD’S REVIEW
Head’s Introduction
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has been outstanding this week, and the four shows have all been great successes, with over 1000 in the audiences! It is so impressive to have had 63 students involved in the show, and not just on stage but as Deputy Stage Manager, in the band, and on the follow-spots. The performers’ characterisation was excellent, and the audiences loved the pairings of the Golden Ticket winners and their parents. Well done in particular to Sylvia in Year 7, who played Charlie, and to Rosa in Year 13, who was Willy Wonka, but every single person involved in the show deserves our congratulations!
Yesterday we held our annual Founders’ Day Commemoration Service, in which we give thanks to the Lawrence sisters, and it was such a pleasure to welcome thirty-two guests to the School for this special event in our calendar. After the service, our visitors had the opportunity to chat with others and reminisce about Roedean, and some also stayed for the evening performance of Charlie
We were also joined at Discovery Day yesterday by 46 prospective students, and they got stuck into their chocolate-themed day! History, French, and Ethics lessons in the morning led up to the matinée performance of Charlie. The Admissions team organised a wonderful day, and 28 girls also stayed last night for a boarding taster – I am pleased that they all had such a lovely time throughout.
This week has also seen academic successes and a number of trips, including Sixth Form Chemists in a competition in Cambridge, 13 Golds in the Intermediate Maths Challenge, Prefects attending a Pastoral Leaders’ Conference, and a university visit to two Cambridge colleges – well done to everyone involved in these.
Following our players’ recent success winning the U16 SISNA tournament, I am pleased that the U14s won the SISNA Plate, and the U15s were runners-up in their Plate competition. I continue to be impressed by the number of girls who are representing Roedean in a range of sports – well done!
It has been wonderful to see so many girls and staff marking our Culture Day 2026 today, and we have seen an array of truly wonderful outfits. I hope that the Geography trip to Iceland and the Art exchange to Denmark go well over half-term, and I wish you all a wonderful break.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Culture Day 2026
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 Nathania (Yr12) – for leading PSHExtra on a couple of occasions this term – the younger students have loved getting know these two Peer Listeners! [Mrs Chamberlain]
Ingrid and Janice (Yr10) – for running a Lunar New Year and Cantonese activity for the St Mark's Year 5 children – they loved it [Dr Barrand]
Zaida and Melissa (Yr12) – for a brilliant Academic Lecture on Lunar New Year – thank you so much! [Ms Ibanez-Barcelo]
Fantastic Bronze at the Cambridge Chemistry Race
On Saturday 7 February, a team of five highly capable and enthusiastic Year 12 Chemistry students took part in the Cambridge Chemistry Race.
Michelle, Nathania, Athena, Constance, and Natalie proudly represented Roedean in this prestigious and challenging competition, under the team name 'Roedeanium'. They demonstrated impressive scientific knowledge, teamwork, and determination as they tackled a range of demanding chemistry problems.
The team competed alongside almost 60 teams from other schools and colleges, many of which were comprised of Year 13 students. The hard work and commitment of team was rewarded with a well-deserved bronze award. This is a fantastic achievement, especially as it is the first time a team from our school has entered.
Beyond the success itself, the experience proved to be both inspiring and rewarding for the students. They had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of chemistry, collaborate under pressure, and engage with a wider academic community. The girls returned motivated and energised, already expressing
great enthusiasm about participating again next year and building on this year’s success. We are so very proud of them all!
Mrs Barker
Young Pastoral Leaders’ Conference
'The Seaford Pastoral Conference gave us the opportunity to collaborate and network with other year groups and schools. It was a fantastic chance to connect with others, while developing important skills such as teamwork, leadership, and public speaking. Working together during the conference through teambuilding challenges, ‘Seaford’s Den’, and school presentations, helped build confidence, strengthen communication, and made the experience both engaging and memorable.
We were incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to share all the pastoral leadership opportunities Roedean offers to 16 other schools through a short presentation. We shared
how proud we are about a variety of projects currently running at the School, including Peer Listeners, the Big Sister programme, and the Study Buddies. Not only did this presentation give us the chance to share what we offer as a school pastorally, but it also allowed us to hear what other schools offer and take inspiration.
We were all split into groups of different years and schools, and then thrown into our first activity. Each was given paper, scissors, and tape, and the task was to see who could built the tallest tower, in ten minutes, after just having met each other. After the warm-up activity, we engaged in Seaford’s version of Dragon’s Den. Many unique and special ideas
were presented during the session, and definitely some that we would like to implement!
It was a pleasure to work with people from different age-groups and backgrounds in order to come up with collaborative ideas. Overall, we had a lovely time networking and communicating with different people with a common goal in mind. We all really enjoyed the conference and are super-grateful to have been invited; a special thank you goes to Ms Sturgeon for taking us!'
Angelica, Sooyeon, Rida, and Lucy (Yr13)
Golds in the Intermediate Maths Challenge
Congratulations to all those took part in the Intermediate Maths Challenge – Roedean students achieved some fantastic results, in 13 Gold awards, 12 Silvers, and a further 26 gained a Bronze award.
12 of the students who achieved a Gold award have also qualified for a follow-on round, which is either the Grey Kangaroo (Year 9) or the Pink Kangaroo (Years 10 and 11).
Special congratulations go to Natalie in Year 11 who achieved the Gold and Best In School awards, and Yuki in Year 9 and Janice in Year 10 who both achieved Gold and Best In Year Awards.
We look ofrward to seeing how those in the follow-on rounds fare on 19 March.
Gold Awards:
■ Yuki (Yr9)
■ Janice (Yr10)
■ Abbie, Ady, Ariana, Athena, Claudia, Emily, Genevieve, Koi, Liz, Natalie, Regina (Yr11)
Mrs Hopper
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
This week, we have gone chocolate mad! Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, written by Scott Wittman, Marc Shaiman, and David Greig, was performed by a brilliant cast of students, encompassing students from Year 7 all the way through to Year 13.
An adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic, the story follows the humble Charlie Bucket, as he wins a tour of Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory. Combining beloved film classics with vibrant new numbers, the show depicts the downfall of four spoiled children, leaving the honest Charlie to claim the ultimate prize.
Behind the scenes, the production was supported by a dedicated crew of students managing props, lighting, and sound. A huge well done goes to Molly (Yr11), our incredible Deputy Stage Manager. The hard work of our backstage team is the engine of this production, and the show simply could not happen without their dedication. The musical landscape of the show was equally impressive, featuring a band that included several of our own talented students. Performing alongside seasoned musicians is no small feat, and our students rose to the occasion brilliantly, delivering a polished and powerful score that brought the world of Willy Wonka to life.
The show opens with the beloved classic, 'The Candy Man', where we meet our wonderfully animated ensemble and the illustrious Willy Wonka himself, played superbly by Rosa (Yr13).
The Bucket family serves as the beating heart of the show. Our bed-bound grandparents, played by Tilly, Andrea, and Lily (Yr10), perfectly balance sincerity with humour. Lola (Yr11) plays the weary Mrs Bucket, with beautiful earnestness as she struggles to keep a roof over the family's head.
Meanwhile, Livvy (Yr10) brings ebullient energy to Grandpa Joe, a man of endless stories, some true, some purely the fruit of a wild imagination. It is no surprise that Charlie Bucket, played beautifully by Sylvia (Yr7), is a true inventor filled with pure imagination.
'I’ve got a golden ticket!', exclaims the Bavarian duo, Augustus Gloop and Mrs Gloop, played with true aplomb by Alex (Yr10) and Dixie (Yr9). Greta’s Veruca Salt (Yr10) gracefully dances her way to centre stage, demanding more and more from her yesman father, Mr Salt, played boldly by Rhea (Yr12). Rotimi (Yr10) gives a powerhouse performance as the gum-chewing diva, Violet Beauregarde, accompanied by her dazzling Divas, while Sorcha (Yr10) hilariously portrays a Mr Beauregarde, who puts Kris Jenner to shame with his stage dad energy. Joy (Yr11) brings a rebellious spark to the role of the media-obsessed Mike Teavee. Alongside them, Jemima (Yr10) shines as Mrs Teavee, portraying the quintessential jittery housewife.
From start to finish, the production was a high-octane, all-singing, all-dancing triumph. The show was rounded out by the fiendishly funny Oompa Loompas, our smoothtalking Jerry Jubilee (Sara in Yr10), and the endearing Cherry Sundae (Harrie in Yr8), Dita (Yr10) as the wonderful Mrs Green, and the threateningly elegant squirrel ballerinas who put the nut in Nutcracker ballet. This talented supporting cast brought a wonderful depth to the world of Charlie, making the entire performance feel truly immersive.
The characters of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are iconic and well-loved, and every single student did a magnificent job bringing them to life. Congratulations, and well done to all involved!
Ms Rodriguez Trujillo
Disney Business Convention
Thirty-three girls attended the annual Business Convention last week. They had the opportunity to join 30 other schools from around the UK to learn the secrets behind Disney’s success, with topics ranging from how Disney chooses partners, to explaining the use of technology within a multi-media entertainment company.
The girls were able to see how this integrated throughout Disney’s offering, staying in a themed hotel and exploring the parks. This was then followed up in class, by exploring effective segmentation and how external political, economic, social, and technological factors influence Disney’s decision-making.
'I loved the themed Toy Story hotel, and the meals there. It really showed how Disney used attention to detail and the branding to add value to the experience.'
Yo-Yo
'Disneyland
was really fun! I really enjoyed going on a lot of rides! The business seminar about Disney partnerships taught me a lot!'
Ashika
'All of Disneyland was amazing – the rides, the seminars and the food. I learnt a lot about business as experiencing Disneyland's magic first hand.'
Dhiya
Mr Rowlands
Junior Roedean Academy Crumple Zones!
The Year 5s from St Margaret's Primary had a lovely time learning about Physics in their Junior Roedean Academy lesson this week.
After looking at the science behind crumple zones on cars, and checking their pupils' understanding, Constance, Emilia, and Natalie (Yr12) gave them a practical challenge. Using cardboard, masking tape, and paper, they had to design and construct a crumple zone for their 'car', to help keep its driver (an egg) safe in the event of a crash.
They tested their prototypes at the end of the session, and the crumple zone was effective in four of the five cars! The egg in one car was cracked, but its designers admitted that they had spent more time decorating their car than considering the crumple zone, so it was still a valuable learning experience!
Well done to everyone involved!
Dr Barrand
CULTURE DAY 2026
CULTURE DAY 2026
Year 12 Trip to Cambridge University: The Legacy of the Blue Stockings
On Wednesday, thirteen Year 12 students travelled to visit Cambridge University.
The first part of the day was hosted at Churchill College, where students heard about the Oxbridge admissions process, had a college tour, and were able to ask questions of a panel of current students. After a delicious lunch in Churchill's dining room, we continued to Newnham College, where we reunited with Amelia, OR and former Head of School, along with some of her friends, who generously shared their experiences and insights with the Year 12s. Finally, the sun came out and we were able to take a walk along the backs before returning to Roedean.
Here's what the students had to say:
'It was very informative and helpful to speak to current students on the courses we're interested in.'
Andrea
'It's really beneficial to speak to an OR. We are in a position to give advice to younger years in School, but it's great that we've had that opportunity ourselves. It's been one of the most helpful university trips.'
Xena
'For me, it was really helpful to speak with a current medical student and confirm that the Oxbridge Medicine route doesn't suit what I'm looking for. I am looking for courses with more of a focus on Problem Based Learning.'
Chloe
'I like the university of Cambridge more now, especially the supervision system and college system.'
Michelle
'It's made things feel more realistic, rather than just an idea I have heard second hand. I'm not just focused on Cambridge based on reputation, but I know now what learning there would mean and can make an informed choice.'
Charlize
'The trip provided great insight into the admissions process and my aspirations are more rounded now.'
Farwa
Upcoming Futures events
include:
Oxbridge Conference (Yr10-12 students and parents)
4 March (18:30-20:00)
Futures Fair (Yr9-13 students)
6 March (14:00-16:00)
Ms Boobis
PSHE Sessions with The Naked Truth Project
As part of the School’s PSHE and RSHE programme, Year 8 and Year 9 students took part in age-appropriate sessions delivered by The Naked Truth Project, led by Mandy Marshall-Taylor, former Chaplain of Roedean. The sessions were designed to support pupils in developing confidence, good judgement, and respect in their relationships and online interactions, and to align with current RSE statutory guidance.
The Year 9 session, titled #nofilter, encouraged students to think more critically about the messages they encounter through social media, advertising, and online content. Our students explored how images and narratives presented in the media can sometimes promote unrealistic or unhelpful expectations, and they considered the impact this can have on selfimage and relationships if accepted uncritically.
Through discussion and reflection, our students were supported in recognising what healthy, respectful relationships look like in both online and offline contexts, and in identifying ways to manage pressure from peers or wider influences. The session also gave pupils the opportunity to reflect on their own values and aspirations for positive relationships, reinforcing the importance of respect, equality, and thoughtful decision-making.
The Year 8 session, Selfies and Sexting – So What? focused on helping our students understand how their online choices can affect themselves and others. Students were encouraged to consider the similarities and differences between online and face-to-face behaviour, and to reflect on how the same standards of kindness and respect should apply in all settings. The session explored the potential
risks of sharing personal information or images online, highlighting how easily content can be passed on and how difficult it can be to remove once shared. Pupils were also supported in understanding where to seek help and advice if they are worried about something they encounter online, and were encouraged to act responsibly and confidently in digital spaces.
Together, these sessions aimed to equip students with practical strategies to navigate friendships, relationships, and online environments safely and respectfully. By promoting critical thinking, self-awareness and empathy, The Naked Truth Project supported pupils in developing the skills they need to make positive choices and to contribute to a respectful and supportive school community.
Weekend Trip – VR Immotion
On Sunday, our boarders had the opportunity to explore the latest in virtual reality. This included playing group games, such as racing, as well as entering pods to experience true 4D experiences, such as riding a train or captaining a spaceship.
Mr Rowlands
Mrs Chamberlain
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:
Rosa
Congratulations to Art, Drama, and Academic Scholar Rosa, who is the first student to receive 5 offers from her chosen universities, including Durham, Exeter, and Cambridge University for Natural Sciences (Biology). Rosa is studying Biology, Chemistry, Latin and Mathematics for A Level, as well as an EPQ on pseudoarchaeology. Her academic journey has been driven by an urge to answer the question ‘why?, adopting an unwaveringly interdisciplinary approach that has informed her A Level and co-curricular choices, led her to found and run a junior Archaeology Club, and, now, to reading Natural Sciences at university. You will, of course, recognise Rosa from her memorable leading role as Willy Wonka in this week’s excellent production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Kelly
Congratulations to former one-year GCSE student, Kelly, who received an offer from London School of Economics this week to study Language, Culture, and Society. This comes alongside a range of global offers Kelly is holding, including Literature, Science, and Arts at the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne. She is currently studying Chinese, Economics, Mathematics, Psychology, and Religious Studies at A Level, as well as an EPQ on the influence of Buddhism on Chinese Confucianism. She has also taught herself Japanese, and enjoyed the how doing so provided unique insight and understanding into another culture, and, ultimately, another way of seeing the world.
Claudia
Congratulations to Claudia, who has so far received three offers to study Media and Communications, including at Exeter and Loughborough. Claudia is studying English Literature, French, and Politics for A Level, and is deeply interested not just in how stories are told, but how they are ethically framed. She is bilingual and recognises the advantage this would give her on the world stage; she is considering diplomacy or journalism as potential career paths.
U18 Badminton Secure Home Victory Against Lancing College
The U18s Badminton team hosted Lancing College in another entertaining fixture, producing a controlled and confident performance to secure an 11–5 victory.
The team dominated throughout the match, with three of the four pairs winning three of their fixtures, while the second pairing claimed two wins from their four games. Looking ahead, the team has two more fixtures remaining this term, with home matches against Eastbourne College and Christ’s Hospital.
Meanwhile, our U16 players continue their progress in the National Schools Championships and are competing in the county round today – fingers crossed!
Mr Foggoa
1st VII Host Elstree School from Reading in Touring Match at Roedean
We welcomed Elstree School from Reading to our beautiful site on Saturday for a friendly touring match. The weather played its part, with gusty winds and sideways rain, but both teams, staff, and supporters absolutely loved the experience, and an exciting match was had.
Elstree pushed for an early goal, but some resolute defending was on show from Lacie, Ze, and Lexi in goal. Roedean had some fantastic passages of play down the right side, and just struggled to find the final pass in the circle. Elstree then settled, and managed to go a goal up with some high pressure on our players with a quicker counter toward the goal. The game then opened up with both teams having chances and Elstree just managing to finish their passing moves off a little better.
Thank you to Elstree for coming through and playing us on their tour. It was fantastic to have so much support from the side with all the girls having a great time. Ze won the Opposition's Player of the Match and she was also awarded a teddy.
U18 Volleyball Host Entertaining Triangular Fixture
Roedean faced Oxford A first in a close and exciting encounter, edging a tight
game 25–22 after a strong and competitive performance. In the second match against Oxford B, the students struggled to maintain control and were unable to swing the momentum back in their favour, eventually losing 25–18.
Despite the result, the triangular was played in a fantastic atmosphere, with plenty of learning opportunities, and the students showed great enjoyment throughout the event.
Mr Campleman
The U18s Volleyball team hosted Oxford International A and B in a highly entertaining and enjoyable triangular fixture.
first
Mr Foggoa
Netball against Lingfield
U13G
The U13Gs lost a very close game at Lingfield and had a dramatic ‘buzzer beater’ opportunity to draw level.
Roedean began well, and led 4-2 at the end of the first quarter, and, while the middle two quarters were close, Lingfield edged both, to leave the score at 5-5 going into the final quarter. Lingfield again edged it 3-2 to lead 7-6 and, with just 3 seconds left, Cecile put up one final shot which fell agonisingly short.
Mr Smethurst
U13C
On Wednesday 4 February, the Roedean U13C team travelled to Lingfield for a Netball fixture. The girls welcomed two new players to the team this week, Shalom and Desire, both of whom made a huge contribution to the overall performance.
Although the final score finished 17–7 in Lingfield’s favour, this did not reflect how well the Roedean girls played. The team worked hard throughout the match, showing strong teamwork, determination, and confidence as the game progressed. Players of the Match, as chosen by Lingfield, were Alia and Audrey.
Ms Hutchings
U13E Continue their Fine Form!
U13E continued their impressive run, with another well-earned victory against Lingfield, delivering a performance full of control and attacking flair.
From the outset, the team dictated the tempo and moved the ball with confidence, producing what was arguably their best display of the season so far. Every player contributed strongly, showcasing excellent teamwork and commitment throughout. Player of the Match was shared between Anya and Phoebe, for their outstanding performances, while Marvel and Mattie also deserve special mention for a superb defensive display that kept Lingfield at bay. A thoroughly deserved win and a performance to be proud of.
U18A Netball vs Mayfield
On Saturday 31 January, the Roedean U18A team took on Mayfield in a challenging away fixture. Despite a determined and hardworking performance from Roedean, Mayfield proved strong throughout the match, with the final score finishing in Mayfield’s favour.
The Roedean team demonstrated great resilience, commitment and perseverance throughout the match, continuing to compete with energy and teamwork against a well-organised opposition. Alicia was named player of the match for Roedean by the opposition.
Mr Foggoa
Ms Hutchings
U13E
Netball against Hurstpierpoint College
U13H
In blustery conditions, the U13H team took on Hurstpierpoint College in a closely fought contest. The opening stages were tightlycontested, with both teams battling hard to break the deadlock. Strong defending was on display at both ends, while swift transitions and purposeful attacking play created chances for each side.
Roedean distributed the ball confidently and competed well for possession, ensuring the game remained evenly balanced. The scoreline reflected the intensity of the match, with neither team able to pull away as momentum swung back and forth. In the closing minutes, Hurst managed to edge ahead with two late goals, securing a 6–4 victory. Special recognition goes to Matilda, who earned Defender of the Match for her sharp reading of the game and crucial interceptions under pressure. Devi was awarded Attacker of the Match for her relentless energy and precise distribution, which consistently drove the team forward.
Mr Perry
U13F Secure Win with Final Quarter Magic
The U13F were determined to put in a good performance against Hurstpierpoint. They knew it would be a test, and the toughest challenge yet.
The match started intensely with Hurst taking a 2-1 lead after the first quarter, the wind blowing blustery as usual. In the 2nd quarter, the girls came into the game more and managed to make it 3-3, Lexi, Christina, and Amanda had incredible games in defence, not letting the shooters get near the post. In the third quarter, and we managed to keep our defence up not letting Hurst get near the circle even.
Charlotte and Natasha moved to also pull a few points ahead, and we led 7-3 going into the final quarter of the match. It didn't start well with Hurst scoring two points early on, but the girls settled into their rhythm, stepped up their defence and attack, and pulled clear to win the match 10-5. Every single one of the girls can be incredibly proud of her performance on the court.
■ Defender of the Match – Amanda
■ Attacker of the Match – Natasha
Mr Campleman
U18 – SISNA
On Thursday 4 February, the Roedean U18 Netball team took part in the annual SISNA tournament, hosted by Hurstpierpoint College.
The team faced strong opposition throughout the day, competing against schools including Seaford College, Hurstpierpoint College 2nds, Bede's, Brighton College, and Christ’s Hospital.
Although the team did not secure a medal on this occasion, they demonstrated outstanding resilience and determination across all matches. There were moments of excellent play from every member of the squad, reflecting both teamwork and commitment in a highly competitive environment.
Several U16 players stepped up to complete the team, and their confident performances made this transition seamless. They represented the School with great maturity and composure, contributing positively to the overall standard of play.
The team should be extremely proud of their efforts and the way they represented Roedean in this annual competition.with some time outsdie this weekend
Ms Hutchings
Roedean Hosts the County Badminton Championships
Congratulations to our Under 16 Badminton players, who are Sussex Champions. Almen, Koi, Faye, Natalie, and Ying won every game against Hazlewick and Chichester High School, winning 105-53 and 105-18 respectively.
As County Champions, they are through to the next round on 2 March in Hounslow, where they will play Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, and Oxfordshire.
Congratulations!
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
