This has been a busy week at Roedean, with prospective families for 11+ and 13+ entry visiting the School, a Chamber Music Masterclass and Recital, an Art Exhibition of Year 12’s wonderful work, a ceilidh on Friday evening for Year 12, victorious Volleyballers, over 100 students out on DofE expeditions, Parents’ Evening for Year 11s, and House Netball and Music! Well done to everyone who has been involved in these activities.
‘Cycle
Yesterday marked the start of Roedean’s week-long ‘Cycle to Harare!’ Challenge, to raise funds to buy bikes for Natasha, Esther, and Josephine, the three girls our community sponsors in Zimbabwe and Zambia, meaning that they can get to school safely. Dr Barrand has set the girls and staff the challenge of collectively cycling the 8350 kilometres between Brighton and Harare – it is quite a challenge but I am confident that our community is up to it, so I look forward to seeing students and staff chipping away at that distance on the spin bikes in Reception this week – we can do it!
to Harare’ Challenge – 8,350 Kilometres
We are also proud to celebrate some wonderful examples of recognition this week: congratulations to Chaya, one of our Head Girls this year, who has won a Morehead Cain Scholarship to university in America, against stiff competition from around the world; well done to Miss Corkran, one of our Pastoral Managers, who has been nominated for a PaCC award for Excellence in the Education Sector; and we have been informed that Roedean is in the renowned Spear’s Top 100 Private Schools globally, celebrating schools which successfully combine outstanding academic achievement with an exceptional wider educational experience. Well done!
Eid Mubarak to those in our community who are observing Ramadan. Good luck to all those doing Duke of Edinburgh practice expeditions this weekend – I hope that both the Silver and Bronze cohorts do well, and are prepared for the warm weather which is forecast! I wish you all a lovely weekend.
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.
Elspeth (Yr12) – for delivering a fascinating Academic Lecture on the work of Helen Chadwick. Really well done! [Ms Ibanez]
Jemima (Yr10) – for playing the Piano in this week's Chapel services – it was very beautiful! [Dr Barrand]
Unsung Staff hero in the spotlight
Mrs Finn – for running a pre-practice Bronze DofE expedition sleep out with a small group of students to build their confidence ahead of this weekend! [Dr Barrand]
Pi Day at Roedean
Pi Day this year fell on Saturday 14 March (3.14 if you're from across the pond!). At Roedean, we celebrated it on Monday 16 March. Students from across the School created a Pi Day paper chain, by each writing one digit of Pi on a strip of paper and adding it to the chain in the correct order. We managed to write Pi out to a huge 164 digits, and the result is currently decorating the Maths corridor.
We also held an Irrational Film Awards competition, where students were asked to rename an existing movie, but replace one of the words with "pi". Alex in Year 11 was the winner with their entry "James and the Giant Pi". Other submissions included "Pi Another Day" and "No time to Pi". Many thanks to Ruth in Catering for the beautiful and delicious Pi Day cookies.
Mrs Hopper
Roedean in the Top 100 Private Schools Worldwide
We are delighted and proud that Roedean has been named among the top 100 leading private schools worldwide in the prestigious Spear’s Schools Index 2026.
The Index celebrates institutions that combine academic excellence with a strong emphasis on enrichment and pastoral care.
This recognition highlights the exceptional work taking place across all areas of the Roedean community, and the School's commitment to providing a truly holistic education for our students.
Congratulations to the whole community!
Easter Cake Design Competition for Rockinghorse
Congratulations to Arianna (Yr7) for winning the annual Easter Cake Design Competition for Rockinghorse.
Arianna’s design will now be brought to life as a real cake, which will be delivered to the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital in Brighton. Alongside the cake, our collection of Easter eggs is sure to delight the hospital staff with some welldeserved treats.
Our expert pastry chef, Ruth Sambrook, chose the winning design for its bright, colourful appeal, and perfect fit with this year’s theme, 'Fun at the Circus'. Ruth is now excited to start creating the giant cake.
Year 9 Geography
Presentation
Three of our Roedean South Africa visitors, Nansi, Koketso, and Hannah, planned and gave a presentation on facts and misconceptions about South Africa in a Year 9 Geography lesson this week.
They spoke well, with confidence and warmth, and raved about their Springbok Rugby Team! Thank you and well done! We really appreciate you telling us more about your beautiful country.
Ms Hine
‘Cycle to Harare’ Challenge – 8,350 Kilometres
Since September, Roedean has been supporting three girls in Zimbabwe and Zambia, through the Catalyst Foundation. Esther, Natasha, and Josephine send us fortnightly video messages, telling us about their day, and their hopes for the future, and our girls send replies. The money we donate each month supports their education, by providing classroom materials, as well as lunch in school, which encourages them to attend.
A representative from the charity came to Roedean at the very start of January, to speak to the girls in Years 7-9, to make the connection more tangible, and to thank us for the part we are playing to make a difference in these girls' lives.
Two of the girls walk 4.5 kilometres each way to and from school every day, and, unfortunately, girls are often attacked on the way, so one of the aims for our school community is to raise funds to purchase bikes for them. This will allow them to get to school more quickly, and, more importantly, more safely.
Roedean Mission
Roedean is proud to support local and national charities through the Roedean Mission, a student-led initiative that helps children under 16. Each term, Sixth Form students work closely with staff to allocate valuable funds to organisations making a real difference in young people’s lives.
At the most recent meeting, the committee gathered to review a range of applications from organisations supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable young people across the UK. After thoughtful discussion and careful consideration, the following donations were awarded:
Social Square – funds are awarded to support the purchase of bedlinen for disadvantaged children.
Blooming Blossoms – funds are awarded to fund the purchase of 150 sets of underwear for children experiencing poverty.
Youth Space – funds are awarded to help fund skills-building therapeutic workshops for young people who have experienced trauma, social exclusion, and other esteem-crushing challenges.
Open Door Society – funds are awarded to purchase shoes for povertystricken children.
Caudwell Children – funds are awarded to help purchase specialist equipment for neurodivergent children to improve their quality of life.
Grove Adventure Playground – funds are awarded to provide one week of food for SEND children who attend the playground.
Yesterday, we started our week-long challenge to cycle, both staff and students, from Brighton to Harare – it is 8350 kilometres, but this is achievable if we all chip away at the total. There are bikes in the Fireplace all week, and every kilometre covered will add to the total. If you would like to make a donation to this endeavour, please do so here
https://w3u.uk/roedean-she-catalyst
Insight CCSS – funds are awarded to support children affected by domestic violence and domestic abuse.
The students involved were extremely proud to take part in the decisionmaking process, and were inspired by the work carried out by the charities they supported. Being part of the Roedean Mission allows students to see first-hand how thoughtful giving can make a tangible difference, in the lives of young people facing significant challenges.
Well done to all involved for their care, commitment and generosity in continuing the important work of the Roedean Mission.
Dr Barrand
Mr Wilson
Eid Mubarak!
Eid al-Fitr is one of the most joyful and meaningful celebrations in the Islamic calendar, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. After a month of fasting from dawn to sunset, Muslims around the world come together to celebrate not only the conclusion of this period of reflection and self-discipline, but also the values it nurtures: gratitude, generosity and compassion.
Ramadan is a time during which Muslims focus on spiritual growth, prayer and charity, as well as developing empathy for those less fortunate. The arrival of Eid al-Fitr, or “Eid,” is marked by the first sighting of the New Moon, which is why Muslims cannot be certain when Eid will fall until the days immediately before. Eid is both a celebration and a moment of thanksgiving. It begins with a communal prayer, held early in the morning in mosques or large open spaces, where communities gather dressed in their finest clothes. This shared act of worship sets a joyful and reflective tone for the day.
A key aspect of Eid al-Fitr is giving. Before the day begins, Muslims give a charitable donation known as Zakat al-Fitr, ensuring that those in need can take part in the celebrations. This reinforces the sense that Eid is not only about personal joy, but about community and inclusion. The rest of the day is typically spent visiting family and friends, sharing meals and exchanging gifts, particularly with children.
At Roedean, our Muslim community comes from all over the world. Eid celebrations have some local variations, a small representative selection of which are shared below.
In the UK, many families attend large congregational prayers in local mosques or community venues. Homes are filled with the sounds of visitors arriving throughout the day, and tables are laid with a variety of dishes from fragrant biryani to grilled meats like kebabs, to baklava, reflecting the rich diversity of Muslim communities in Britain.
'For me, Eid is a time of happiness, togetherness and gratitude. It feels really special and rewarding to celebrate after a month of patience and reflection during Ramadan, and it reminds me to appreciate everything I have. My favourite part of Eid is spending time with my family, enjoying delicious food and seeing everyone dressed in beautiful clothes. Overall, Eid is not just a celebration, but a reminder of faith, generosity, and the importance of appreciating the people and blessings in my life.'
Rida (British student)
In Oman, Eid al-Fitr is marked by strong traditions of hospitality and togetherness. After prayers, families gather in large groups to enjoy festive meals, often featuring dishes such as shuwa, a slow-cooked marinated lamb. This dish is unique to Oman, with the process of preparation marking the three days of Eid: the slaughter and cleaning on the first day; the marinating and wrapping in leaves to cook in the ground on the second day; and the eating on the third. Children eagerly receive “Eidiya,” small gifts of money from elders.
'Eid holds deep religious and cultural significance for me. It is a moment to strengthen relationships with family, friends, and the wider community.
My favourite part of Eid is the sense of togetherness it brings. Beginning the day with the communal Eid prayer creates a strong feeling of unity, which continues throughout the day.'
Fahmida and Farhana (students from Bangladesh)
In Nigeria, where Eid is often known as “Small Sallah,” the festival is celebrated with vibrant community spirit and the celebrations can last for three days. After prayers, families and neighbours come together to share food, wear traditional clothing and take part in lively social gatherings. Acts of charity remain central, ensuring that the joy of Eid is shared as widely as possible.
'Eid isn't just a religious celebration to me, but it is also deeply cultural. The sense of community and nationhood in Oman is brought out by Eid and joy is shared with everyone, Muslim or not. My favourite part of Eid is that I get to see all the members of my extended family. All my cousins, aunts, and uncles come together to celebrate Eid and my family all later gather for lunch at my grandmother's. Part of Eid for us is to also wear new clothes as a symbol for renewal, often elegant dresses that blend traditional Omani heritage with modern fashion.'
Zaha (student from Oman)
'For me personally, Eid is a very special time because it feels like the reward at the end of Ramadan. It’s a day that brings a lot of happiness and gratitude.
My favourite part of Eid is the sense of togetherness. I really enjoy visiting friends and family on the day, catching up with people after a month of self-focus, as it feels very unifying to be surrounded by so many people all celebrating the same occasion.
Eid also stands out to me because of how positive and uplifting the atmosphere is. There’s a real sense of joy in the community, and it’s nice to take a break from the usual routine to celebrate something meaningful with the people around you.'
Farah (British student)
In Bangladesh, Eid al-Fitr is one of the most significant festivals of the year. In the days leading up to it, markets are full as people prepare new clothes and special foods. The night the new moon is sighted is celebrated as Chand Raat, where children gather in fields to see the new moon for themselves and communities gather to celebrate in marketplaces. On the day itself, there are Eid processions and the largest gatherings in the world for the Eidgah or Eid prayer. This is followed by celebratory meals including biryani, korma and sweet dishes such as shemai (a sweet vermicelli). Girls decorate their hands with Mehendi.
'Eid to me means a time to celebrate, come together as a family and have feasts and put on henna. My favorite part of eid is wearing the traditional clothes cause it's handmade by tailors and always comes out looking amazing and fun to wear.'
Khadija (student form Nigeria)
Across all these contexts, while customs and cuisines may differ, the essence of Eid al-Fitr remains the same: a celebration of faith, generosity and community.
Roedean wishes all those in our community who are celebrating Eid this weekend a sincere Eid Mubarak.
Year 7 Sheep Printmaking Projects
This year, Year 7 have been exploring a range of printmaking methods based on the artist, Henry Moore, and their own observations of sheep at the Roedean Farm. Each week, they have explored new printmaking processes, including collograph printing, wire sculpture and photography,
embossing, mono printing, and relief printing. The results are endearing and full of character, and the project has showcased the fantastic diversity of fine art printmaking!
Miss Good
Chamber Music Masterclass with Ensemble Reza
On Tuesday, we were treated to a wonderful day of music making – thirty Roedean musicians from Year 8 to Year 13 were coached by guest musicians from Ensemble Reza. This was a day of chamber music, small instrumental and vocal ensembles, where the emphasis is on communication and collaboration between the students to perform together. Ensemble Reza guided the students to lead their own ensembles with practical and inspirational musical advice. It was great to hear the transformation in each group during their session.
At the end of the day, we put on a concert with a selection of these groups, including the String Orchestra playing a Vivaldi concerto, a group of Year 10s and 12s performing a group composition developed together earlier in the day, the Baroque ensemble playing musical mash-up of Vivaldi and Abba, a Saint-Saens duet with Violin and Harp, a trio of flutes and cello, and more. Ensemble Reza performed two movements from Vaughan Williams' Phantasy Quintet, and were joined by our Tango Band to perform Piazolla's El Viaje together, which was absolutely stunning.
The concert came to a close with a lovely performance by Ensemble Reza of Never on Sunday by Manos Hadjidakis, with Jemima Williams as soloist, and with all the audience joining in to sing along.
Thank you to Ms Hanson-Laurent, who organised the day and congratulations to all the students involved in this inspirational day!
Mr Rous
Roedean Archive Update
Since the beginning of January, we have been working hard to manage and set up a new archive space that we will hope will be able to be enjoyed by the Roedean entire community.
We are very grateful for the donations the archive has been given and continues to receive, and the stories that these items unravel enable us to travel back in time with them. A big thank you goes to Mary and Jane, the ORs who have dutifully been helping us inventory the archive and conduct research to help form activities for the Archive Club. Their help has expedited these processes, saving us a lot of time, and their time and hard work in the archive are much appreciated. The girls in the Archive Club have also been helping us on our journey: they also have been contributing to the inventory and making sure that the items are being protected and packaged away as best as possible, ensuring they remain in good condition and protected until we can get all the correct equipment. They have also been learning the best practices of how to handle objects, when it is appropriate to wear gloves, and how to research using the objects in the archive. The girls have been very excited in the reimagining of the archive, and we hope their shared enthusiasm will continue as the archive grows and develops.
We are also excited with what’s to come, new shelving is arriving to help us properly store the amazing archive materials, and, with thanks to a very generous donation from the ORA Association, we are able to purchase appropriate archive materials and really get the archive off the ground… literally! In celebration of the donation, we would like to share some interesting items that we have found in our early stages:
Autograph book – our favourite find so far is this “confessions, opinions, and autographs of my friends” student autograph book; this was completed circa. 1918 and gives us a real insight into the lives of these women at this time. With prewritten questions, every answer shows us a variety of different values, opinions, and ideas these women had.
Uniform accessories – these beautiful accessories provide a physical form of what we have only seen in photographs.
Legal wigs – these are 100% horsehair legal wigs. They belonged to Sir Paul Lawrence, brother to the founders; they are in great condition and are a spectacular example of the goodies we have in the archive.
Victorian boots – these remain a slight mystery finds.
Ms Cornell and Ms Richardson (Archivists)
Kitty and Alicia Volunteering in South Africa
'During half term, Kitty and I travelled to South Africa, where we used the proceeds from our bake sale last half-term to buy essential items for the Winnie Mabaso Foundation. We also volunteered for several days at the Foundation's preschool, where we read books, sang nursery rhymes, played games, and taught the children how to brush their teeth! It was an incredibly fulfilling experience, and we are incredibly grateful to have learnt more about the Foundation’s amazing work.'
Alicia (Year 12)
University Destinations
Ellie
Congratulations to Ellie, who is planning to study Civil Engineering at Imperial College or UCL. Ellie is currently studying A Levels in Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and Physics. Her interest in Civil Engineering follows in her father’s footsteps, and, through work experience and her studies, she has come to recognise that engineering is not simply invention, but a process of iterative testing and the relentless pursuit of improvement to arrive at authentic innovation. She is excited by the opportunity to develop her skills and position herself as such an innovator through study at university.
Anna
Congratulations to Anna, who has narrowed down their offers to a decision between KCL and UCL, to study English Literature, or HKU for Bachelor of Arts. Anna is currently studying A Levels in English Literature, Music, and History, as well as completing an EPQ on film narrative and reliance on film music. Anna enjoys exploring intertextuality, and applying critical perspectives, particularly those that combine literature with historical contexts, for example, using post-modernism to consider how Eliot’s Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock blends classic texts and post-Romantic bourgeois disillusionment.
Irina
Congratulations to HMC Projects Scholar, Irina, who has offers from UCL and Warwick universities to study Economics and Economics related-degrees. She joined the school from Moldova for the Sixth Form, and is studying A Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Economics, and Mathematics. She is also intending to take the Advanced Extension Award (AEA) in Mathematics. Originally thinking she would apply for Medicine, Irina’s desire to address real-world issues shifted her focus to Economics when she realised that funding is the key to providing adequate resourcing and opportunities for communities. She is also exploring higher education opportunities at a range of European universities.
‘Highly Commended’ in Prestigious Inventors Challenge
We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of three outstanding Year 12 students, Charlize, Natalie, and Constance, who recently participated in the 2026 Davidson Inventors Challenge (DIC).
Competing against talented students from across the UK, the team was ‘Highly Commended’, in recognition of their innovative and impactful project work.
Although they did not progress to the final shortlist, this commendation reflects the exceptional quality of their ideas and their commitment to addressing real-world challenges through STEM. Mentors involved in the programme praised the team’s creativity, technical ability, and thoughtful approach to sustainability.
The Davidson Inventors Challenge is a highly regarded initiative delivered through
a collaboration between the University of Cambridge Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, the Association of Science, Technology, and Innovation (ASTI) in Malaysia, and is strongly supported by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). The competition centres on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encouraging students to apply their scientific knowledge to develop innovative, sustainable solutions to global issues.
Charlize, Natalie, and Constance focused on Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Their project involved designing and building a device to collect, store, and treat rainwater in rural regions of India during the monsoon season, ensuring safe water availability during drier periods. Their system incorporated a series of activated charcoal filters, natural seed layers, conductivity testing, and an electromagnetic clapper mechanism
to prevent water stagnation, demonstrating both ingenuity and strong engineering understanding.
Throughout the project, the students collaborated with professionals in water supply and academic experts, including professors in Chemical Engineering at Cambridge. They were also supported closely at School by members of staff and the Science technicians here at Roedean.
This accomplishment is a testament to the students’ dedication, teamwork, and passion for using science to make a meaningful difference in the world. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and look forward to seeing what they achieve next.
Ms Reesink-Wells
Chapel – Not All Heroes Wear Capes!
Reverend Roe: As we approach the Christian festival of Easter, I want to start with a question. If superheroes were real, what would they actually look like?
In stories and films, superheroes usually have superpowers and costumes. They can fly, stop time, or save the world in dramatic ways. But in real life, the people who make a difference rarely wear capes. They are often ordinary people who choose courage, kindness, or hope, even when it would be easier not to.
Sometimes the most powerful acts are quiet but brave. Simply standing up for someone who is left out, refusing to join in with unkindness, speaking honestly, or holding on to hope when things feel uncertain.
For Christians, the festival of Easter tells a story about that kind of courage and hope. At the centre of Easter is Jesus Christ. Christians believe that God did not stay distant from the struggles people face in life. Instead, in Jesus, God stepped right into the human story. Jesus welcomed people who were often left out. He cared for those who were lonely, sick, or ignored.
When Jesus died on the cross, it looked as though everything had ended. But Christians believe that his death was an act of love that
carried the brokenness of the world, offering forgiveness, healing, and a new beginning. Easter celebrates the belief that hope, life, and love are stronger than despair. Even when things seem lost or impossible, there is a power greater than ourselves that can bring new life, new beginnings, and fresh possibilities. Christians believe he chose to face suffering out of love. Love is not just a feeling. Real love often means courageously choosing what is good and right, even when it comes with a cost.
One person who showed that kind of courage is Malala Yousafzai. She spoke out for girls’ right to education in a place where some people said girls’ voices did not matter. She was only fifteen when she was attacked for speaking up. For a time, as she lay in a coma, it might have seemed that her voice, her dreams, and her courage had been silenced. But she recovered, and, in that recovery, her hopes and dreams were renewed. She continued to speak out and went on to inspire millions of people around the world. In 2014, she became the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, and her dreams continued as she went on to graduate from the University of Oxford in 2021. She continues to speak courageously so that girls can have the chance to learn and build their future.
One thing I really appreciate about Malala is that she doesn’t pretend to be perfect, after receiving the Nobel peace prize she even joked, 'I am pretty certain that I am also the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize who still fights with her younger brothers. I want there to be peace everywhere, but my brothers and I are still working on that.' Her story shows that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. Courage does not mean being fearless; it is about choosing to stand up for what matters, even when it is difficult. Her story of courage, like the hope Easter celebrates, reminds us that even when everything looks hopeless that hope can rise again, dreams can be renewed, and new beginnings are possible.
So whether it is Malala speaking out, or Jesus choosing to give up his life, or someone showing kindness in everyday life, the message is the same. Courage matters. Hope matters. And ordinary people can bring light and new possibilities into the lives of others. Even small actions, being a kind friend, including someone who feels left out, or standing up for what is right, can make a real difference. And sometimes what feels lost or impossible can be renewed. What feels ended can find new life, and dreams can rise again. The world always needs everyday superheroes, and the hope they bring can ripple far beyond what we can see.
We are delighted to share that Miss Corkran (Pastoral Manager) was nominated for a PaCC Award in the Education Sector by the Parent Carers’ Council in Brighton and Hove. These awards recognise professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their work with children with additional needs and their families. It’s so wonderful that Miss Corkran's outstanding work with our students has been recognised in this way.
Miss Hart
Receiving a Morehead Cain Scholarship –Chaya’s Insights
The Morehead Cain foundation funds approximately 75 students a year for a fully funded 4 years at UNC Chapel Hill. It is renowned for being one of the most generous scholarships available, and, as such, there are many applications from all over the world, with candidates having roughly a 3% chance of being awarded a place.
In addition to tuition, accommodation, and subsistence, the foundation provides a summer enrichment programme for each of the 4 years: outdoor leadership in the first year (white water rafting, back packing, and canoeing), civic collaboration (such as enhancing healthcare services in Kentucky) in the 2nd year, followed by a global perspective summer (researching anything in a country or countries of your choice), and finally a global work placement (for example in the American Chamber of Commerce in Jakarta). In addition, they offer funding towards a gap year, and the Lovelace Discovery Fund, to which students can apply to enable them to fulfil an additional line of study, research, travel, or worthwhile experience. The Morehead Cain alumni are a tight-knit community who support scholars with advice and work placements during and after their time at UNC.
Ms Boobis
Chaya: 'The whole process was about 7 months from application to decision. The first stage included a long application, centred around the 4 pillars of the Morehead-Cain (physical vigour, leadership, character, scholarship) along with a “video essay”, which involved a prompt coming up on screen and having 2 minutes to answer.
At this point in the application, I thought it was a long shot and that my chances were extremely slim, however my mum encouraged me to give it my all. When I received the email about being a semi-finalist 2-3 months later, I was really surprised. For this round, I was invited to attend a mixing event in London with the other semifinalists, to find out more about the programme, and I later had to complete another automated video interview over the Christmas holidays, which was nerve-wracking! I walked away from that interview thinking I’d tried my best and. whatever happened, happened, but a month later as I was about to leave for spin class, I got the email about the finals, and they were flying me to North Carolina! I immediately called my parents in shock and read them all the details of my flights and where I would be staying.
In the run up to the final selection experience in North Carolina, I was beyond nervous – I felt unprepared and was worried about how I would fare in a new place with completely new people. My mum walked with me as far as she
could into the airport and thankfully, I found another Morehead-Cain finalist who was just as nervous as me flying from the UK. My new friend Darcey and I made our way through security. One by one, we recognised the other finalists around the airport and spent the 2 free hours we had discussing our experiences of the process.
There were 6 British Morehead-Cain finalists. After an 8-hour flight, we arrived and were greeted by a very enthusiastic sign, and a current scholar who took us to dinner that night. We were encouraged to try all the southern delicacies that North Carolina has to offer, things like “lizard chips” and grit cakes. The whole weekend was completely overwhelming and I had no idea that socialising could be so exhausting, but the jet lag didn’t help! There were information and Q&A panels almost every day, along with tours and orientation meetings.
In terms of the actual assessments, the weekend included panel interviews, group tasks, and written tasks. Looking back, I was far too nervous for all the assessments as all the Morehead staff bent over backwards to make sure all of us felt comfortable and reassured. My birthday fell on the last day of the selection experience, and we were all gathered at a “food truck rodeo”, with a live band when there was an announcement about my birthday. I was sad to be away from all my friends and family as I turned 18, but all 190 finalists and all the alumni and staff sang happy birthday to me, and I really saw how kind the Morehead community is.
Flying back from North Carolina, I had mixed feelings. I was so glad I had the opportunity to see the amazing campus that is literally out of a movie, and to try all the American food I had seen online, but leaving felt bittersweet as I knew only half of us would be returning. After returning to School for a few days, I was headed back to London to celebrate my birthday with my family. I knew I would be getting the results at 10pm on Friday. As we were out for dinner, I was nervously checking the phone every 2 minutes, and, at 21:30, I received a message from another finalist saying that the results were out on the portal. I rushed to log into the portal and saw the notification. The next 10 minutes were a whirlwind of tears and hugs and phone calls. I couldn’t believe the news and, to be honest, I still can’t.'
U18C Netball vs Lingfield U13F Netball vs Burgess Hill
The final match of the season for the U18C team was excellent, and it was an honour to umpire and coach them through it. The girls stayed positive throughout, despite a loss, and there were fantastic performances all through the court, with energy levels remaining high. Lingfield had a phenomenal shooter, who ever missed a goal, which meant they simply scored more goals than we did, but we held our own on the court.
Mrs Baker
The U13F team took on an incredibly strong U13B team from Burgess Hill last week. They fought hard and showed resilience throughout, maintaining possession and beating BH during two of the quarters.
Despite lots of rotation in the team and no substitutes, they never gave up, and the scoreline was not at all reflective of their excellent performance. Particular congratulations go to the Opposition’s Players of the match, Lexi and Natasha.
Miss Webster
Netball vs Seaford
Big Win for U14Ds!
The U14Ds played an incredible match against Seaford, with a huge 27-14 win. The girls were dominant from the start, despite Seaford leading with 2 goals to none, they quickly turned it around, winning the first quarter 9-2, with some excellent defending and turnovers preventing Seaford from scoring again that quarter.
They kept this energy up, with quick passes getting the ball down the court and getting plenty of shots up to stay well in the lead of Seaford. The girls absolutely dominated from start to end, and persevered through all the challenges they faced in the match. It was a well-deserved win!
Miss Webster
Grit and Determination from U16Bs
The U16B took on Seaford on a beautiful day last week. After a chaotic start to the match, the girls found themselves 4 down in the first quarter; play was dominated by Seaford, although Roedean managed to get to grips with the game in the latter minutes of the quarter.
After some quick reorganisation and a re-focus, the team stepped it up and dominated defensively, causing errors and getting the ball to our trusty shooters, Amber and Miranda. The second quarter saw us claw back a point and the girls did the same in the third quarter, meaning we went into the final quarter only 2 down. It was frenetic, with both teams trading goal for goal until our effort dropped slightly at the end of a very intense game, and Seaford pulled away towards the end.
Overall it was a very competitive match and there was a great atmosphere, with both teams thoroughly enjoying themselves on court and playing some brilliant netball.
Mr Campleman
U15C
This was a great game and opportunity to play alongside the Roedean D team as well Seaford. Therre were some strong performances on the court, and I was really impressed to see how the girls took on all the feedback from coaches and tried to apply them to their game. The gasmes were close and Seaford stole it from us, scoring two extra goals.
Congratulations on a great Netball season, and it was good to see the girls grow in confidence.
Mrs Baker
U14D
Netball vs Hurst
U13E Team Continue their Winning Form
The U13E team secured another impressive victory, overcoming Hurst College with a final score of 11–7. It was a slow start for the team, who found themselves 2–0 down at the end of the first quarter after a muchimproved opening from their opponents. However, the response from the U13E side was outstanding. The team regrouped, raised their intensity, and took control of the game across the remaining three quarters.
From that point on, the U13Es dominated, outscoring Hurst College 11–5 over the final three quarters to seal a well-deserved win. Their energy, teamwork, and determination were clear as they turned the match around in style. Player of the Match awards went to Marvel and Cecile, for their excellent performances, while the Coach’s Player was awarded to Elva, for her contribution and effort throughout the game.
Well done to everyone involved on another strong performance. With one game remaining, the team’s record now stands at an impressive 6 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss.
Mr Foggoa
Late Win for U13C
The U13C Netball team hosted Hurstpierpoint on Wednesday, and the spectators were treated to a wonderful game and the weather also played its part. Both teams' defenders started well, preventing the ball from getting into the circles in the first few minutes. Roedean settled quicker and soon took a 3-0 lead, with some excellent shooting between Sara and Bethany. The quarter ended 3-1 to Roedean and the girls were keen on extending this lead in the second quarter.
Hurstpierpoint had other plans, and they came out firing and quickly scored 3 points to make it 4-4 at halftime. After a brief re-focus, the girls came out and fought a tough quarter, which saw many a turnover and some brilliant defending by Alia, Maisie, and Anya, with Nicola and Veera getting the ball up the court to the shooters.
The third quarter ended 6-6, with both teams needing a final big push for the final quarter. The girls fought for every turnover, and they were calm and patient in their build up play and managed to get the ball to the circle edge, feeding well to their shooters who managed to score two more points, while the defence were formidable and refused to let Hurst near the post. The end score was an 8-6 win for Roedean, and it was an excellent competitive match.
Mr Campleman
U13F win
The U13F team took home another win in a tough battle against Hurst. They started incredibly strongly, scoring plenty of goals and maintaining possession of the ball, finishing the first quarter 5-2 up. Control remained with Roedean through the second quarter, with some great shots and brilliant passes. Although Hurst put up a fight to try and draw themselves level, the girls stayed strongly and, through some brilliant interceptions (particularly from Amanda resulting in her being the oppositions defender of the match!), and their perseverance, the U13Fs got a 9-7 win!
U13G
The U13G team won a well-matched game at Hurst in an impressive display of energy and movement. The first half was nip and tuck, with Roedean 2-0 up in the first quarter, and the second quarter went 3-3, leaving the game well-balanced at 5-3 at the halfway point.
Roedean controlled the third quarter 6-2, to give themselves breathing space and lots of positional changes for the final quarter, which saw the game finish 12-7.
Mr Smethurst
Miss Webster
U13E
U13C
U13F
Year 10 House Netball
Everyone enjoyed a highly competitive afternoon of Year 10 House Netball, with all the teams showing great effort, teamwork, and spirit throughout. House 3 emerged as worthy and well-deserved overall winners. Their A team delivered an outstanding performance, winning all three of their matches, while the B team also impressed with two wins from their three games, securing top spot for the House.
The battle for second place was incredibly close, with House 4 finishing just ahead of House 2 on goal difference. Both Houses performed strongly across their fixtures, with House 4 winning four of their six matches to edge
into second position. House 1, despite finishing in fourth place without a win, demonstrated excellent teamwork and camaraderie throughout the afternoon and they should be commended for their effort and attitude.
Overall, it was a fantastic display of Netball from Year 10, with great participation and sportsmanship on show throughout. Well done to all involved.
Mr Foggoa
U13C Defence Too Tough for Mayfield
The U13C team travelled to Mayfield to play their B-team, meaning a slightly tougher game. The girls had a good warm-up and started well defensively, turning over lots of possession. It was clear that it was going to be a low scoring match, with Roedean up 2-0 after the first quarter.
The girls kept on turning over possession well and getting the ball up the court successfully, but then were finding it difficult to feed the shooters from the circle edge and rushed passes. Maisie and Alia in defence kept us in the match with sterling work and dominating physically. After a late surge by Mayfield at the end, we managed to contain their shooters and pulled ahead to win the match 5-3.
Mr Campleman
1st Team Volleyball Secure Strong Win Over Brighton College
The 1st Volleyball Team enjoyed a successful outing last week, travelling to Brighton College to face their U15 side. The match began with a tightly-contested first set, with both teams battling for every point. The 1st Team held their nerve at the crucial moments, edging the set 26-24. All six players contributed throughout, with the consistency of their serving proving a key strength.
The second set followed a similar pattern early on, before the team began to assert their dominance. Strong performances from Natalie, Hailey, and Mia helped push the team ahead, securing the set 25-15. With a two-set lead, the message remained clear: maintain high standards and keep the pressure on. The team responded brilliantly, staying focused and composed to take the third set 25-17, and complete a convincing 3-0 victory.
Well done to Hailey, Natalie, Mia, Eris, Sonya, and Elisa on an excellent team performance.
