After a sneak preview hearing the String Orchestra play the theme from Jaws in our Chapel services, I am really looking forward to this evening’s Gala Concert – I wish all of our musicians the very best of luck!
Congratulations again to all those involved in the production of Blue Stockings last week. It really was wonderful, and I have had so much positive feedback saying how impressive it was, quite apart from how appropriate the subject matter of women’s education in 1890s is for Roedean. Well done!
On the same theme, I am delighted that our Year 7s and 8s have walked from this afternoon from School to Lewes Crescent, where Roedean originally opened 140 years ago. They were challenged to be observant and find out information on the way, as well as spending time looking at the blue plaque on the house where our school started. I hope that the trip has piqued their interest and inspired some of them to find out more about Roedean’s history.
There have also been a number of other exciting trips recently, all designed to complement our students’ studies and inspire them: historians in Year 10 have been to The Old Operating Theatre, Classics students have been to the British Museum, and Art and Photography students have attended an event with Annie Leibovitz live-streamed from the Barbican. I am grateful to my colleagues for organising these trips, and I am pleased that they went well.
It seems particularly appropriate that, coinciding with British Maths Week, some of our Senior mathematicians have performed so well in the Senior Maths Kangaroo, which I know is incredibly difficult – well done to everyone involved, but particularly to Sihu, who was the top performer in the School.
As we move into the last two very busy weeks of the term, I wish you all the best as the excitement around Christmas builds up, and I hope you have a restful weekend.
More Roedean Success in the Senior Maths Kangaroo
Roedean to Lewes Crescent
6th VII with a 3-0 win vs
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.
Agatha (Yr13) – for leading the Farm sessions for the Junior Roedean Academy on Wednesday, sharing her knowledge and expertise with the children from City Academy Whitehawk [Dr Barrand]
Unsung Staff hero in the spotlight
Mr Thomas – for going above and beyond his duties – when being the only chef for lunch service at Main School due to staff absences, he nailed it without stressing and was still smiling and singing along! [Mrs Pynn]
The results from last week's Andrew Jobbings Senior Kangaroo are in, and our students performed brilliantly!
This is a 60-minute, 20-question "integer answer" challenge, with fiendishly difficult problems which require students to apply all their mathematical knowledge and think way outside the box.
Ten students were entered this year, of whom a brilliant seven received an award – this represents
Maths Week England 2025 More Roedean Success in the Senior Maths Kangaroo
During Maths Week England, students were invited to solve daily puzzles and submit their solutions to the Mathematics Department.
We received some fantastic responses showcasing a variety of problem-solving techniques. Students received points for correct answers and bonus points for the clearest solutions.
The winner of the Key Stage 3 challenge was Yuki (Yr9), and Becky (Yr11) won the Key Stage 4 challenge.
Well done to everyone who took part.
Mrs Hopper
a great achievement. Congratulations go to Michelle, Zoey, and Joyce in year 12, and Irina, Marija, and Selina in Year 13, who were all successful in winning a Bronze award. The top score, the title of 'Best in School', and a Silver award, went to Sihu in Year 13.
Well done to everyone who took part!
Mrs Hopper
Blue Stockings – A Tour de Force!
Last week, we had our first fully staged production of the year, Blue Stockings, written by Jessica Swale. This was a powerful production about four women who, having gained a place at Girton College Cambridge, must endure denigration from a male-dominated society that not only humiliates them for their intelligence, but even denies them the right to gain formal recognition for their hard work: a degree.
The play was performed by our Year 10, 12, and 13 students, and was wonderfully directed by Ms Sellers, with Assistant Direction from Year 13 student, Lucy. Our students also collaborated on the technical production aspects, with lighting designed and operated by Dudu and Jaimie, and sound designed by Hayley, Jinny, and Justine, and operated by Justine. Alex did an excellent job Stage Managing the production, while Charlize, Hunny, Elaine, Magreta, Zaida, and Anna designed the costumes and set.
The cast was exceptional in their ability to communicate the relationship between the characters, as each performer carved out an exceptionally unique performance.
Millie's chilling lecture opened the play as Dr Maudsley, whose patriarchal ideals set up the battle that the women would face for the rest of the play. The new Scholars at Girton were presented through thought-provoking performances all round. Lilli played Tess, whose brilliance results in an act of defiance that banishes the women from lectures. Isla portrayed Maeve, a young woman from a working-class background, whose education is compromised by her duty to her family as the eldest daughter. Alma played the studious Celia,
who attempts to warn the newcomers of certain pitfalls, which they ignore, and Lennie gave us a vivacious Carolyn, as she appears at Girton with her wolfhounds, and invites the girls to Paris where they learn the cancan!
They soon meet Mr Banks, their new lecturer of science, portrayed by Mila as spontaneous and effervescent, who teaches them a lesson built on the mechanics of a bicycle. Tegan’s Miss Blake taught them to be passionate about the Humanitarian Arts, and to think further than the tutor session towards women receiving the suffrage, while, in direct opposition to this aim, Xena depicted Elizabeth Welsh as the dedicated Principal, committed to achieving graduation status for her students.
Rida’s Minnie attempted to maintain order and calm among the girls as their housemaid, and Matilda's Miss Bott kept a close eye on both the male and female students, to ensure there was no fraternising between the two groups, both characters providing excellent comic moments throughout the play.
Every student had a clearly-defined moment on stage, and that included the supporting multi-role characters, from Marianna’s agitated Liberian and Elsa’s determined, yet vulnerable, Billy.
The male students were skilfully portrayed with an initial boyish charm, that soon faltered when faced with the reality of being educated with the young women. Some were inclusive-minded, such as the love-struck Edward, played by Astrid, Heli's Ralph, who passed love notes through library books, and Katie's supportive and brave Will, who went against the threats of the others. Meanwhile, the privileged but plain-speaking Holmes, played by Rosa, finally rejected the cruel antics of Nathania's Lloyd, who was destructive in his hatred of the women obtaining a formal education.
Blue Stockings made an emotional impact on the cast and audience alike. On the second night, the auditorium was a full house, and it was also wonderful that the play was simultaneously signed, so that our BSL teacher, Mrs Palmer, could enjoy the performance. Many teachers, parents, and students, including university graduates, some of whom who had actually attended Girton College, identified with the struggle of self-determination. Indeed, the history of the School is intertwined with the play, as Penelope Lawrence went to Newnham College, Cambridge, and founded Roedean with her sisters so that other young women could apply to Girton and Newnham.
Congratulations, and well done, to all involved.
Ms Woodbridge
PSHE Pop-Up!
This Thursday, the Fireplace area became a lively and informative space as students stopped by the PSHE Pop-Up throughout lunchtime and Period 5.
The NHS Stop Smoking/Vaping Cessation Team joined us for the afternoon, bringing friendly and approachable smiles, myth-busting knowledge, and plenty of “Did you know…?” moments. with clear, friendly, and supportive guidance. Their conversations with students were both engaging and informative, helping to dispel common myths and offer reliable advice in a relaxed setting.
The session complemented the current Year 8 topic of ‘Drugs and Influence’ in PSHE. It was, however, a brilliant chance for everyone, staff included, to learn with no pressure.
If you missed it, don’t worry – more PSHE PopUps are on the way!
Mrs Chamberlain
The Farm and Fire for JRA!
This term's Junior Roedean Academy sessions came to an end this week, and the fifty pupils from Year 5 at City Academy Whitehawk had a brilliant time, enjoying the fantastic weather outside.
The children learnt how to build a fire with Mrs Finn, using flint and steel and cotton wool, ably supervised by our Year 12 CAP students. They also learnt about the different breeds of sheep we have on the Farm, and about what a baby goat is called, and why their eyes have rectangular pupils. The children loved being able to pet and feed them too – animals certainly have the ability to create that feel-good factor.
Dr Black
Weekend Trip – Cinema: Wicked Part 2
On Sunday, a group of excited students and staff visited Cineworld at Brighton Marina to watch the much anticipated film Wicked: For Good!
Arms laden with a range of snacks and drinks, including special edition green and pink slushies in honour of Glinda and Elphaba, our group settled into the comfy chairs and enjoyed the highly entertaining musical theatre extravaganza!
Roedean to Lewes Crescent
Just today, our Year 7s and 8s made a tangible connection with the School's history. As part of their Wild Fridays programme, they walked from the School's current site to Lewes Crescent, where our school originally opened in 1885.
Since September, the Prefects have been ringing the Chapel bell ten times, at the start and end of every day, to acknowledge the ten pupils at the School when it first opened. These ten pupils were the first in the School when it opened. The
The film’s vibrant visuals, powerful music, and engaging storytelling held the students’ attention from start to finish. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all!
Mrs Barker
blue plaque on 25 Lewes Crescent celebrates the opening of the School, with just two teachers.
The Year 7s and 8s left the Old Ref to walk down through the Tunnel to the Undercliff, and west towards Brighton. The journey is 1.3 miles, and our students were charged with keeping their eyes open, in order to remember pieces of information about Roedean's history and the route from the current site to where the School was initially founded, such as the number of steps down the
Tunnel, the year the School was initially founded, and the fact that there is a statue of a stiltwalker on a balcony in Arundel Terrace!
This walk, to connect current students with those who were the first at Roedean, is hopefully the start of an annual pilgrimage to Lewes Crescent!
Dr Barrand
Year 10 Historians Visit the Old Operating Theatre
On Tuesday 18 November, the Year 10 Historians visited the Old Operating Theatre in London. Once part of old St Thomas’s Hospital, it is the oldest surviving operating space in Europe.
Our students were treated to a demonstration of an 18th century amputation, heard gruesome and fascinating stories of surgical practices of the past, and met some leeches!
After exploring the museum, including trying out an original pill-making machine, it was time to head to Covent Garden for some retail therapy and to soak up the festive atmosphere!
Congratulations to Veera (Yr7), who won the Christmas Fair Poster Competition, set by the Parents' Guild –look out for her winning entry on the screens around School!
Ms Duff
at Roedean!
Roedean Art students were joined by staff and parents at an event in Keswick, live-screened from the Barbican, at which the famous and fabulous Annie Leibovitz spoke about her new book, entitled 'Women'.
Her goal was to represent a crosssection of female role-models and icons, including farmers, victims of abuse, and even the late Queen. She spoke about persevering and not giving up, and gave the example that she had approached the Palace to take a portrait photograph of Queen Elizabeth II; ten years later, she was invited to do so, and she produced an iconic image. Her collection of photos includes images taken between 1993 and today, and is an on-going, unfinished project.
It was an amazing event, enjoyed by all, and we look forward to perusing our own copy of her book when it arrives soon in the Art Department.
Mrs Alexander
Chapel – Water
This week's Chapel services, with a sea theme, were introduced by an excerpt from this evening's Gala Concert, which includes the thrilling theme from the film, Jaws.
Ms Sturgeon: 'For those of you who have watched the 1975 Spielberg shark attack thriller, Jaws, you will have experienced the power of this minimalist soundtrack by John Williams to create suspense. You may also remember the gripping storyline, with the conflicting interests and pressures for those who had political power, and the frustration you felt as an audience member at those who did not seem to be using their power wisely. But the power of music or politics is not the theme of our Chapel today, our theme is the power of the water itself. Not, I might add, the power to instil fear, as in the film Jaws, but the power to inspire, sustain, and uplift.
As a biologist, I could talk for hours about the exciting properties of water, but don’t worry, I won’t! Although I will highlight one fun fact you may already know – we are ourselves around 70% water, 70%! We are basically, a fancy sack of water! If you think of it that way, just getting out of bed in the morning is pretty impressive, let alone something as intricate as playing the violin!
Water is a powerful substance – it has the power to sustain life, to generate electricity, to re-shape landscapes. It also has the power to improve our mental and physical health, through hydration or just the calming effect of being near a large body of water, such as the sea. It is also a powerful source of inspiration for myths, legends, music, and artwork. And, for some intrepid athletes, it is a powerful inspiration to overcome physical challenges and complete impressive feats of
endurance. And one such athlete is our very own, Clara, who will speak to you today about her Channel swim adventures.'
Clara: 'After being part of Roedean’s first Channel relay team in Year 9, the idea was planted in my mind that one day I could swim the Channel on my own. It felt huge, but it lit a flame I knew I could fuel. I remember finishing that relay and thinking, if I train hard enough, I can do this solo. So I booked my attempt just a month later and trained for a full year to make it happen. This July, I spent 12 hours and 56 minutes in the water, and that year of work turned a decision into a reality.
Training for a solo Channel swim is not glamorous. I trained six days a week, about 12 hours in total, and every session was high intensity. There were many 6am alarms, cold water that made my skin sting, and long sessions when I wished I was anywhere else. And then, in the middle of everything, I sustained a concussion during training. That setback cost me four weeks – four weeks where I couldn’t swim, couldn’t push, and could only rest and hope my timeline wasn’t collapsing. But the Channel teaches you something quickly – you can’t force your way through it. You can’t control everything; you can only control how you respond.
If you try to fight the current, you burn out. If you try to control the sea, you lose. You have to understand it, respect it, and work with it. Some days, you’re greeted with a calm, glass-like sea; other days feel like swimming in a washing machine. You learn to appreciate both in different ways.
And that makes sense, water is the world we live in. It covers about 71% of the Earth’s surface. It’s powerful, unpredictable, and constantly shifting. Swimming through it teaches you humility, patience, and balance.
Last week my mum suggested I listen to a Mel Robbins podcast about goal setting, where she explains the stages of pursuing a goal. I don’t usually listen to motivational speakers, but this one struck me. She talks about building the goal, writing it down, finding a formula by learning from others, and then doing the reps taking consistent daily action. A habit missed once is a mistake; a habit missed twice is the start of a new one. Make it fun, make it easy, and refuse to quit.
Reflecting on that podcast, I realised how closely it mirrored my training. I encourage you all to listen to it. Roedean is full of dreams waiting to become goals. Be they in academics, sports, music, drama, or anything else that excites you.
Because, in School and in life, we all navigate our own currents. Sometimes we’re pushed forward, sometimes sideways. Progress isn’t always a straight line. The Channel certainly wasn’t. The boat tracking my swim didn’t draw a neat line to France; it drew loops and bends. But every twist still counted. They still moved me closer to the shore.
Whatever your “Channel” is – exams, university plans, sport, art – don’t be afraid to chase it. Work with your challenges, not against them. Trust your training, trust the process, and remember: even when the water pushes you sideways, you can still reach the shore.'
U15A Win in a Thiller vs Mayfield!
The U15A side capped off their season with a thrilling 4–3 victory over Mayfield, in a match that showcased end-to-end action and outstanding attacking hockey.
The first half proved challenging, with our team struggling to find rhythm and making several uncharacteristic mistakes. Mayfield capitalised early to take the lead, but the response from the U15A squad was immediate. Kayla produced an excellent reply, bringing the score to 1–1 and ensuring that we went into half-time level.
A clear message at the break called for a big lift in quality, and the team delivered. A slight adjustment in formation paid off almost instantly, as goals from Erin, Bella, and Rosa turned the game firmly in the U15A’s favour. Despite two late goals
from Mayfield that made for a nervy finish, the team held strong to secure the win.
There were impressive performances across the pitch. A special shout-out goes to Serena, Rosa, and Dita, who stepped up to play for the As for the first time, and they made a significant impact. Other standout players included Sophie and Erin, whose contributions were vital throughout.
The team finishes the season with a balanced record of four wins and four losses, but, more importantly, with huge progress made and plenty of excellent hockey played. It was a well-deserved win and a great way to end the campaign.
Mr Foggoa
Hockey vs Lingfield
6th VII with a 3-0 win
On Wednesday, our 6th VII travelled to Lingfield for a great game of hockey.
Despite a couple of illnesses and injuries, the team was determined not to let this dampen their spirits. They went out fighting and were hungry for the win from the first whistle. It was going end to end, and both teams had opportunities to score. Annabelle made some crucial tackles to prevent Lingfield from counterattacking and having a shot on goal. Anya started off the goals by giving us a 1-0 lead just before half time.
In the second half, there was another goal from Anya and one more from Florence to seal the win. It was a fantastic team effort – well done all.
Special mention goes to Shalom and Christina, who were named Opposition's Players, for their valiant defensive efforts.
Mrs Hammond
4th VII
The 4th VII lost a high-scoring game at Lingfield. Roedean took the lead through a well taken goal by Hannah, but Lingfield struck back to leave the game poised 1-1 at half-time.
Sara struck first in the second half to re-gain the lead, but Lingfield equalised once more to set up a tense final 10 minutes. It was the hosts who took the initiative and finished strongest, and, assisted by an own goal and a turned over ball in the D, they scored two more goals to secure the win.
Mr Smethurst
U13 8th Team
It was great to see some new faces playing in the 8th team on Wednesday as we took on Lingfield away.
Star, Grace, and Cecile all debuted on the pitch and gave confident performances. In addition, we have a fairly new goalkeeper in Arianna, who made some excellent saves and was our Captain for the Match.
Credit to all the girls who came together and looked cohesive as a team.
Despite the 2-1 loss (we did score an equaliser, but unfortunately from just outside the box), the girls showed awareness of their roles on the pitch and were able to give a good defensive show. We just need to work on our attack, to ensure the ball makes it down the pitch, and that our forward player is supported by the midfielders.
Mrs Baker
1st VII
The 1st VII started incredibly well with a dynamic defence, turning the ball over high up the pitch, and having a few early chances – they managed to put one of these away excellently, taking a 1-0 lead.
Lingfield then managed to switch themselves on, and, through their very talented centre mid, carried the ball and finished it past Izzy in goal. She was outstanding again, making so many saves with her gloves and pads, and she was thoroughly resolute at the back. Fifi was unfortunately pinged early on and had to go off for the first half, but she returned in the second.
The second half was much better, and we defended better as a team and attacked with a bit more purpose and energy. Lingfield was just too strong at the end of the game, but the girls can most definitely be proud of their improved performance for many parts of the match.
Mr Campleman
3rd VII vs Lingfield College U13B
The match began evenly, with neither team gaining a clear advantage. Both sides demonstrated strong defence and a fast-paced attack, creating several scoring opportunities. However, Roedean struggled to capitalise on theirs. Lingfield scored first, which proved to be a crucial moment in the game. In the end, Roedean suffered a hard-fought 2-0 loss. Special mention goes to Cara and Juno, with Juno making some excellent saves that kept Roedean in the game, and Cara was named the attacker of the match. She tirelessly won the ball back from the opposition and effectively initiated Roedean's attacks with her excellent forward passes.
Mr Perry
Badminton Victory vs Brighton College
Our Key Stage 4 Badminton team played at Brighton College on Saturday, where they had a 6-3 win. There was some great competitive doubles game play against a well-matched side.
Avril, Angel, and Tabitha teamed together and were undefeated in all their matches, whilst Sophie and Arezou, and Koi and Genevieve all had overall wins, including some really close games, battling it out until the last points.
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
Each individual showed great sporting spirit and gave their all, despite the very early start and the awful weather!
