While the A Level and GCSE papers have continued, everyone in Years 7-10 have been sitting school exams, and I have been impressed with the students’ positive approach: they have been focused and punctual, and ready and prepared to demonstrate what they have learnt over the year - well done!
There have been fewer fixtures this week, but I am pleased to hear that some of our athletes have been selected to compete for the local regional squad, and others have achieved impressive personal bests in the Diamond League competition. It is lovely to see the girls taking full advantage of the grounds for sport and relaxation, and I am delighted that an excellent article about Cricket at Roedean in yesterday’s Telegraph also featured one of our beautiful archive photographs.
There have also been some outstanding individual successes: the RAD Ballet results are astonishing, particularly for Audrey (Yr11) who has been awarded a Distinction at Advanced 1; Lydia and Albertine (Yr12) have been commended by Lancaster University for their MFL essays, and Lydia won the Spanish prize; Florence (Yr9) is among the top 100 dancers in the UK Young Dancer competition; and Esther (Yr12) has made a dress from discarded items which has won her a place in the Junk Kouture World Final as one of ten students representing the UK. Congratulations!
With an eye on the second half of term, I am looking forward to Roedean Day on 21 June, when the wider Roedean community will come together - there will be our wonderful Art Exhibition, a summer fête hosted by the Parents’ Guild, and tours of the School for parents and ORs; Sports Day in the afternoon is always a brilliant mix of excellent fun, serious House spirit, and focused competition! There are also three big charity fund-raising events, and, of course, Speech Day on 23 June, when we will welcome Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover, as our guest speaker. There is a great deal to pack into the second half of term, and I am excited for it all.
In the week when Roedean has been awarded Green Flag status with Distinction, I am also looking forward to our whole school Climate Action Day on 13 June. Well done to the entire Roedean community on a successful first half of term, and I wish you all a restful half-term break!
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.
Niamh (Yr9) and Maisa (Yr8) – for singing 'How Far I'll Go' from Moana at the 11+ Open Afternoon [Dr Barrand]
Florence is in the Top 100 UK Dancers
Congratulations to Florence (Yr9), who has made it through to the final 100 dancers in the UK Young Dancer competition. She submitted a video audition, and this success means that she goes through to have a workshop at Trinity Laban at the end of June – well done!
Miss Abaza
Exceptional RAD Ballet Results
Congratulations to seven Roedean dancers who have achieved remarkable results in their Royal Academy of Dance Ballet exams.
Alongside the graded exams (which go from 1 to 8), the RAD offers vocational qualifications which require a higher level of dedication and stamina. It is quite unusual for students to be successful in these vocational qualifications in main-stream schools because of the time commitment required, but the School has a history of success in this field, thanks to the dedication of our students and the calibre of the teachers we have at Roedean.
Well done to Audrey (Yr11), who has been awarded her Advanced 1 qualification with Distinction. This is is the second highest qualification available, and Audrey's astonishing achievement is generally accepted to be the equivalent of an A grade at A Level! Such is the level of artistry and technical rigour required, this level is accepted as the benchmark of achievement at vocational schools for dancers who are intending to enter the profession. Congratulations!
Abby (Yr12) and Sarah (Yr11) have also been successful at Advanced Foundation Level –they achieved Distinction and a High Merit respectively. This vocational exam is broadly equivalent to Grade 8, but with added focus on technique. To be successful at this level, the RAD recommends 150 hours of class time, along with 125 hours of practice – this is clearly a commitment, but it is necessary, since the challenging exam, which lasts for 55 minutes, requires impressive stamina.
Congratulations to Phoebe (Yr13), and Charlie and Jade (Yr11), who have all achieved Grade 8 with Distinction – this is a wonderful achievement in itself, but is particularly so since all three are also taking A Levels and GCSEs this year. Well done also to Chloe (Yr11) who has achieved Intermediate Foundation with Merit. This exam is roughly equivalent to Grade 5, but requires a more rigorous level of technicality.
The results continue a long series of Roedean successes in Ballet at the highest level – well done to the dancers and to the teachers in the Dance Department who have guided them to these outstanding achievements.
Dr Barrand
Roedean Dance Showcase
12 June 2025
You are invited to join us for a vibrant celebration of dance and talent, as students from Year 7 to 13 take to the stage in an exciting dance showcase. Get your tickets here: https://w3u.uk/roedean-dance-showcase-2025
Making Waves for Change –Paddle-Out Protest 2024
Brighton's Paddle-Out Protest, held on 17 May in partnership with Surfers Against Sewage, was nothing short of inspiring. Some of our community came together to form a powerful human tide demanding cleaner, safer oceans. It was a moment of real unity and purpose, with every participant making a clear statement about the importance of protecting our marine environment. With every paddle and every presence, we made a stand for the future of our blue planet.
Our oceans play a critical role in sustaining life on Earth. Let’s not forget every second breath we take is thanks to the ocean and, with Roedean’s unique position overlooking the sea, this isn’t just a global issue, it’s our backyard, our shared responsibility. A big thank you to everyone who took part, including a student who will be joining Roedean's Year 7 in September, whose involvement was a great reminder that environmental responsibility starts early.
Your voices, your actions, and your energy mattered. Let’s keep the tide of change rolling!
Mrs Pashley
Esther is in the Junk Kouture Global Final 2025
Esther, in Year 12, has been chosen as one of ten finalists from very many submissions from schools across the UK in this year's Junk Kouture 2025 Competition, and she will now advance to the World Final. The UK entries were judged by fashion designer, Stephen McLaughlin, and model/content creator, Lise Pierron. They selected the winning designs for their originality, storytelling, and commitment to sustainability.
The next stage will be a live global celebration of circular fashion, where these 10 budding fashion designers will compete alongside youth finalists from Milan, Paris, Dubai, New York, and Dublin.
Year 12 students at Roedean take part in the Junk Kouture competition through their involvement in the Textiles CAP project. Junk Kouture is aimed at promoting sustainability through a creative programme focused on fashion design outcomes, while raising awareness of sustainability goals, circular economies, and global initiatives. The overall aim of the competition is to inspire students to think beyond their task and apply vital concepts to all aspects of their lives.
Esther’s imaginative and spectacular design is constructed from recycled and unwanted materials, including leather waste, willow branches, bamboo sticks, a second-hand
corset, and a cotton skirt. Her description of her innovative design clearly reflects her inspiration and strong connection to nature: 'The dress features a front bodice design inspired by the growth of trees and the intricate tangle of branches, symbolising the natural habitats that provide shelter for birds and other animals. This design emphasises the vital role trees play as homes, highlighting the interconnectedness of all living beings within these ecosystems.
Central to the dress is the delicate, cagelike structure at the back and the intricate headpiece, which reflect the meticulous craftsmanship of nest weaving. These elements showcase the artistry found in nature, celebrating how birds construct secure environments for their young.
The weaving patterns evoke a sense of shelter and nurturing, reinforcing the theme of protection and care within the natural world. While the floaty parts at the sides add a touch of movement, they subtly symbolise the graceful motion of birds soaring in the wind. Crafted from lightweight, sheer fabric, these panels flutter gently, enhancing the overall silhouette, without overshadowing the primary focus on the artistry of nest weaving.
Together, these elements transform the dress into a dynamic representation of the beauty and complexity of nature, serving as a poignant reminder of the need to protect these precious habitats, while celebrating the harmonious connection between fashion and the environment.'
Esther is undertaking the fast-track A Level Art programme, which means that she will complete her full A Level in Art in Year 12, and next year she will complete a fully certified Foundation course in Art – this means that she will be able to apply for direct entry to Art degree courses at university next year, rather than spending a year doing a Foundation course before starting her degree course the year after.
The School is extremely proud of Esther’s achievement, and we cannot wait to see her design on stage at the Junk Kouture World Final!
Mrs Silburn
Green Flag Status –With Distinction!
I’m absolutely delighted to announce that Roedean has been awarded Green Flag Status with Distinction! This prestigious recognition celebrates the tireless dedication, energy, and passion of our Eco-Committee and wider school community. It’s truly a collective achievement – thank you to everyone who played a role in making this happen. As an extra honour, this year’s certificate will be designed by acclaimed artist Caroline Dowsett.
Let’s keep the momentum going, and here’s to even more meaningful action and lasting change. Looking ahead with excitement, we’re preparing to launch our first-ever Climate Action Day on Friday 13 June. This wholeschool, off-timetable event is designed to raise awareness of the climate crisis and, more importantly, to inspire and empower our students to take real, impactful steps towards a better future.
The day will bring together voices of change through talks by environmental experts and activists, invite hands-on participation in creative workshops and outreach activities across our local area, and challenge us physically and mentally with events like the WWF charity swimathon. At the heart of it all will be our Climate Action Pledge Wall, where the entire Roedean community will commit to tangible, personal actions for the planet.
From thought to action, and from knowledge to meaningful change, Climate Action Day is about taking that united step forward, because we all know there is no Planet B.
Mrs Pashley
Lancaster University Essay Competition in MFL
Two of our talented A Level MFL students and Language Ambassadors, Albertine and Lydia (Yr12), recently took part in Lancaster University’s MFL Essay Competition, responding in French and Spanish respectively to the question: “To what extent is being multilingual a key skill in life?”
In her French essay, Albertine highlighted the crucial role of parental support in encouraging language-learning and reflected on how far this support has taken her. The university praised her work as 'very well written with solid and interesting arguments,' and commended the 'amazing maturity' of her reflections.
Lydia, writing in Spanish, explored how learning languages not only benefits the brain but also helps individuals grow personally and access wider job opportunities. She thoughtfully examined the impact of AI on language-learning, affirming that technology could never replace real human interaction. Lancaster described her essay as 'not only impressively written in natural-sounding and extremely fluent Spanish, but also very impressively argued, using a combination of cultural and historical knowledge and personal insights.'
Against strong competition, Lydia won the Spanish prize, which is a fantastic achievement that reflects the exceptional quality of her entry. Congratulations to both students!
Miss De Jesus
UCAS Firm Choice
Almost all of our Year 13s have chosen their firm and insurance choices from their university offers – the map on page 6 illustrates the range of universities they are hoping to attend, and the breadth of courses.
London is a very popular destination, with students hoping to study a variety of academic courses at well-known institutions, as well as highly-ranked courses in Art and Fashion. In addition, overall 77% of the those applying to UK universities are hoping to study at Russell Group universities, alongside others who plan to study abroad or have unconditional places to study at the best institutions in the country for their chosen courses.
Well done, and good luck for the A Level papers after half-term.
Ms Boobis
UCAS Firm Choices 2025
As the 2025 UCAS cycle draws to a close, we are delighted to be able to celebrate the future pathways for our outgoing Year 13 students, in the UK and overseas. This represents an impressive commitment to their subjects, as well as to their future goals. We wish them all the very best.
City University Hong Kong Law
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Science
City University Hong Kong Global Business
Bucknell University, USA Neuroscience
University of Minnesota Twin Cities Cancer Biomedicine
Lancaster University Economics, Politics and International Relations
University of Manchester Management (International Business Economics) History and Sociology
University of Warwick Philosophy Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) Health and Medical Sciences
University of Bristol Law
Comparative Literatures and Cultures and Italian Business and Management Economics
University of Bath
Economics with professional placement or study abroad Politics and International Relations
UCL (University College London)
Fine Art (4 years) Psychology History Politics, Sociology and East European Studies Statistics, Economics and Finance Psychology with Education Architecture
Applied Medical Sciences Population Health Sciences
Harper and Keele Veterinary School Veterinary Medicine and Surgery
University of Birmingham Geography
University of Oxford Medicine
Cardiff University International Relations and Politics
University of the Arts London Fine Art: Painting
University of Exeter Liberal Arts Business and Management with Year Abroad
University of Sussex Law
University of St Andrews
Medicine (6 years)
Geography
The University of Edinburgh
Law
Social Anthropology and Politics
English Literature and History
Classical Studies
Russian Studies and Politics
Durham University
Natural Sciences
English Literature and History
Business and Management
Hull York Medical School Medicine
University of Sheffield Medicine
University of Nottingham
Finance, Accounting and Management
International Media and Communications Studies
University of Leicester Medicine
University of Cambridge Computer Science Architecture
Veterinary Medicine
Brunel University of London
Psychology (Sport, Health and Exercise)
University of East Anglia UEA
Pharmacy with a Preparatory Year
Imperial College London
Physics with Theoretical Physics
Civil Engineering
Biochemistry
Royal Veterinary College, University of London
Veterinary Medicine
Queen Mary University of London
Biomedical Sciences
Law
International Relations with Business Management
London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London
Economics and Economic History
Management
International Social and Public Policy
International Relations
King’s College London, University of London
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Kingston University
Fashion with Professional Placement
Fashion
Fashion Promotion and Communications
Biomedical Science
Comparative Literature
Digital Media and Culture
War Studies and History
Management and Modern Languages with a Year Abroad
This Week in Boarding...
House 2 enjoyed a wholesome evening exploring our beautiful school grounds with peaceful walks, flower and plant crown making, and elderflower picking, to make a refreshing elderflower drink! The girls dug into the ultimate pancake bar, complete with berries, sprinkles, spreads, and stacks of deliciousness. Over the weekend, the boarders huddled round to watch Eurovision, even getting up to copy the choreography and dance along! Miss Bamford's adventures took girls outside for games in the sunshine too, before gathering to watch a stunning sunset together. Everyone raced back to House for a warm bagel and hot drink before bed! To wind down after the busy assessments periods, the boarders enjoyed tropical fruit smoothies and some relaxing colouring.
House 3 had a mocktail evening, in honour of World Cocktail Day, combining fruity flavours to create the best tasting drinks! Some boarders have been very greenfingered, tending to some new plants that are germinating on the Study windowsill. Mrs Allen, who has previously won medals for her talent, has been busy teaching girls how to Irish Dance. The girls have been proudly showing off their newly-learnt skill to the rest of the House! As assessment week has kept everyone busy, a buffet of brainfood was opened in the House 3 ODR for girls to come and grab fuel for their revision sessions – this included avocado on toast, fruit kebabs, smoothie bowls, and blueberry muffins!
House 4 hosted a fabulous Eurovision party, where everyone was assigned a participating country in a sweepstake in order to raise the stakes of the grand finale! The girls got creative with fondant icing, recreating their country's flag on a biscuit, with some incredible attention to detail! Despite a busy assessment week, nothing stops House 4 from having their favourite pancake night – the girls came together in the ODR to take a break from studying and have a tasty treat! Over the weekend, the competition was real as Year 8, 9, and 10 boarders battled it out in a donut-eating competition!
Keswick and Lawrence Year 13s quietly slipped out before dawn to catch one last sunrise together down on the field. Armed with a big speaker and even bigger energy, they watched the day break whilst dancing, laughing, and soaking in the moment – a perfect way to celebrate the end of two years of hard work, friendship, and unforgettable memories. What a joyful and fitting farewell to school life! Most evenings are filled with focused revision and final preparations for the exams, but, amidst the hard work, they've still found time for a little fun – from bingo, to pancakes, and a wellearned pizza party to celebrate their incredible efforts.
Miss Barnett
Tennis – Ardingly Friendly and Sussex Cup
It has been another busy week for the Tennis team, with one of the biggest tournaments of the season taking place, as well as a friendly against Ardingly on Saturday.
Sussex Cup Tournament
This year, Betsy and Ruby (Yr8), and Kayla and Lindo (Yr9) represented our Year 9 girls’ team for this event. It was a doubles only event, with Betsy and Ruby as the first pair, and Kayla and Lindo as the second pair. All the results from matches were combined to give an overall score. Each ‘match’ was a tie-break to 10, so the first team to get to 10 points won. Here are the results for the first round of the tournament:
Pair A Pair B Overall Result
St Oscar Romero 10-3 win 10-6 win Roedean won
Bede's 10-6 loss 10-6 loss Bede's won
Oathall 10-2 won 10-5 loss Roedean won on overall points 15-12
Ardingly 10-7 win 10-7 loss Roedean won on tie break 5-1
There were some very close matches, and any matches that were drawn were decided by a tie break. All the schools had very good teams, as shown by the results above. Bede’s were the hardest in our group, but both teams still managed to get good results in these matches and keep the score close.
From the first round results, this meant we placed 2nd in our group. We then went on to play the 2nd placed team in group 2, which was Cardinal Newman School. We were now playing for 3rd/4th place. We beat Cardinal Newman comfortably, with pair 1 winning 10-3 and pair 2 winning 10-5. So we placed 3rd out of 9 teams in the competition, with Brighton College 2nd and Bede’s 1st.
This was an amazing result, as the standard of the competition was extremely high. The girls played some incredible tennis, and I was really proud to have them representing our school. Betsy also won the fair player award for the tournament, for being polite and friendly, playing to the rules and playing fair – well-deserved!
Ardingly Friendly
It was another glorious day in the sunshine for our friendly against Ardingly – somehow the weather is always in our favour! It was a mixed age-group event, with girls from all years representing the School. We had 10 players on court, and it was lovely to see all the courts full again with girls playing tennis.
Ardingly is a school we play every year and their students were very polite and friendly, making it an enjoyable experience for all. We played singles first, timed for 25 minutes, followed by doubles, timed for 25 minutes. In the singles, the overall scores were 4 wins and 1 draw to Roedean, and 4 wins and 1 draw to Ardingly. So, it was all to play for in the doubles. We dominated in the doubles, winning 3 of our matches and only losing 1. The overall result was a win to Roedean.
I want to thank all the girls for giving their time, especially at the start of assessment week, although I’m sure they appreciated some time outside in the fresh air and sunshine. Thank you to Erin, Kayla, Lindo, Betsy, Faye, Amelie, Honor, Ellen, Ashika, and Akshara.
Brighton Hove Portslade Squad Selection
A few weeks ago, a handful of our athletes attended a trials evening with all schools, both state and independent, based in Brighton, Hove and, Portslade, to try to gain a spot in their athletics squad to compete at the Sussex Schools’ event.
This event is where the Sussex Schools’ Athletics team is selected. We are really pleased to announce that Georgia (Yr9) and Poppy (Yr10) will be representing BHP in Long Jump, Eva (Yr12) in the 100m, and Rosa (Yr11) in the 300m.
Best of luck to these athletes at the next round on 14 June!
Mrs Hammond
Mrs Patching-Jones
Ardingly Friendly
The athletes had their final Diamond League meet on Saturday and managed to secure two medals to top it off!
It was a day filled with new PBs, which was an excellent end to the Diamond League series: Sophie (Yr10) knocked 10 seconds off her 800m PB to secure 3rd overall in the Diamond League meets; Astrid (Yr9) jumped to a new PB of 1.35m in High Jump; Megs (Yr11) threw 8m79cm in Shot Put to win 3rd place overall; and Kayla (Yr9)beat her 1500m time by 8 seconds. Thank you and well done to all our athletes who have taken part across the meets, you have all made exceptional progress!
Diamond League Finals Day!
We are also delighted to announce that both the Junior and Inter Athletics squads who competed at the Track & Field Cup qualified for the regional round, which will be taking place at K2 on 16 June. Well done all, keep training hard!
Celebrating the End of Internal Exams!
Sporting Stars So Far This Term
Well done to the U13C Cricket XI for being Team of the Week, for making such excellent progress and for displaying consistently excellent performances this term.
This week's sporting stars are:
Year 7
Sela, for fantastic progress and effort in Cricket this term
Year 8 Hester, for her all-round brilliant attitude in sport
Year 9 Georgia, for excellent performances in Athletics competitions
Year 10 Sophie, for outstanding performances in Athletics this term
Year 12 & 13 Sarah, for great effort in Run Club this term during Games
