Head’s Introduction
It was wonderful to host the girls who will be joining Years 7-9 in September yesterday. They spent time with their Tutors, and also got to know each other a little, so that the transition to Roedean will be smoother. They are all very excited and had a great time. Today, some of the members of staff who are joining the School next academic year have also been here. It was an opportunity for them to spent time in their departments and meet their colleagues. I am looking forward to the new girls and new staff joining the Roedean community.
I am delighted that Finya and Clara’s sea swimming training is going so well. They are both preparing for separate Cross-Channel swims over the summer, and, of course, the ability to cope with the cold for an extended period will be key to their success. Clara’s solo swim is scheduled for the first week of the holidays, and Finya will be swimming as part of a relay team in August. I am incredibly impressed by their dedication and in awe of what they are hoping to achieve. Both are swimming for charity, and I hope that some of you may be able to support them.
We have a number of charity fund-raising events over the coming weeks, including Year 8’s 24-Hour Challenge for MNDA, the Year 7 Peacehaven Cliffs abseil, and Year 10’s Sleep Out for Off The Fence. Next week’s Moldova non-uniform day and bake sale will, I hope, help the Sixth Form and Year 11 to reach their target of raising £5000 for the Rainbow of Hope Orphanage in Moldova, which some of them will be visiting in three weeks’ time. I am so proud of Roedean’s charitable endeavours, and I am constantly impressed by their consideration of others and their dedication to raising valuable funds for charity – well done!
I am very pleased that Roedean’s Football Academy, in partnership with Whitehawk FC, is giving our students the exciting opportunity to work with the former professional, George Parris. Women’s football is enjoying a high profile in the UK currently, and I hope that this will inspire more of our students to get involved and develop their skills!
Well done to those taking A Level and GCSE papers –I hope that they are going well, and that the finishing line is feeling closer every day. Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating Eid Al-Adha, and I wish you all a restful weekend!
This Week in Boarding...
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.
Anya (Yr7), Elisa (Yr12), and Esme and Lindo (Yr9) – for their considered contributions to Mr Halsey's Chapel [Mr Wriglesworth]
Tilly (Yr9) – for playing Gavotte by Bernard Andrès so beautifully on the Harp [Miss Hart]
#WeAreMoldova
Tabitha and Desire (Yr7), and Isla (Yr9) – for sharing their insights into Roedean life so eloquently on New Girls' Day with the parents of those joining in September [Mrs Wienekus]
Unsung Staff hero in the spotlight
Ms Izzard-Davey and Mr Paton – for their professional support and endless patience helping the Year 12 A Level students complete the technical aspects of their devised performance [Ms Stephens]
In a month’s time, this year’s Project 125 Moldova group will already be coming to the end of their week in Chisinău, teaching English to Moldovan and Ukrainian children. They have been training hard since they were selected earlier in the year, learning about the culture and preparing materials to take with them to deliver their lessons. We will be working with the Hope4 NGO, and hopefully making a difference to the lives of children in the poorest country in Europe.
So far this year, the School has already raised over £4000 for the Rainbow of Hope Orphanage, and we are confident that we will achieve our annual target of £5000. Next week, there will be a non-uniform day, and all students are invited to wear yellow, blue, or red, the colours of the Moldovan flag. There will also be a bake sale, and a quiz, all to raise valuable funds for children who desperately need our help.
If you would like to sponsor this endeavour, please use this link Roedean Fundraising is fundraising for Hope4 –please also share it with friends and family!
Finya's
Spectacular Sea Swimming
Finya (Yr12) has had a fantastic week swim training in Dover. She far exceeded her swim goals, ending her week with back to back 6-hour swims. She is excited to be part of the support crew for Clara's solo swim in July, and she will also lead her own Channel relay team at the end of August – she will be swimming in aid of the charity, Mencap.
As a result of her hard work and team spirit this week, Finya has been invited to join the first youth team to swim the Bonifacio Strait, from Sardinia to Corsica, in October.
Finya's Mother writes, 'I would just like to let you know how the Roedean sea swimming programme has inspired Finya – thanks go to all who have made sea swimming possible at school. As a parent, it has been wonderful to see her confidence grow through it.'
Dr Barrand
Ms Johannisson
Clara's Final Prep Ahead of her Solo Channel Swim Chapel – What is Inspiration?
In a month's time, Clara (Yr12) will be taking on the astonishing challenge of swimming across the Channel from England to France – this sounds amazing in itself, but the fact that she will be swimming the 21-miles solo is unbelievable.
Clara spent the half-term break filled with swimming-associated activities, including the completion of her six-hour qualifying swim at Dover, in 13.6 degrees. She has since done several long swims exceeding six hours, and her training is tough but she’s doing brilliantly.
Her cross-Channel swim will raise vital funds for the local charity, Taylor-Made Dreams, which supports young people with life-limiting conditions, a cause which has personal significance – she has already raised over £2200, but, if you would like to support Clara in this remarkable endeavour, please follow this link https://www.justgiving.com/page/ claraschannelswim
This week's Chapel srvice was led by Mr Halsey, focusing on this term's theme of inspiration.
Mr Halsey: Have you ever sat in class, or stood on a pitch, or looked at someone’s artwork, or performance, or speech, and thought, 'Wow... they were just born to do that'?
I am sure we have all thought that, I know I have. It’s easy to believe that some people are just 'naturals' – they’re born with this special spark, and the rest of us... well, we just watch.
But today, I want to challenge that idea. I want to talk about inspiration. Not the kind that feels like magic, but the kind that actually matters. The kind that gets you out of bed. The kind that helps you keep going when things are tough. And I want to share how that kind of inspiration might not be what you think it is.
We often imagine inspiration as a lightning bolt – you’re suddenly hit with this huge idea, this passion, and everything changes. But the truth? Real inspiration is more like a small flame. It starts quietly, when you try something, when you keep trying, and when you see the results slowly grow.
When I was 16 years old, in my own school Chapel, an Olympic table tennis player, Oxford graduate and author, came to speak to us all. That man was Matthew Syed. As a former Olympic table tennis player, he says something surprising. He wasn’t a 'natural'. He didn’t just wake up one day and suddenly become great. So how did he get there?
Anya: He didn’t grow up at a world-class sports academy. But he did grow up on Silverdale Road in Reading, a street that, by strange coincidence, produced more top-level table tennis players than anywhere else in the country.
Why? Because at the end of that road was a coach, Peter Charters, who offered free, highquality coaching. The club was just a short walk away. And there was a group of kids who trained together almost every day. Syed ended up practising there for hours and hours, before school, after school, on weekends. And slowly, he got better. Then much better. Then the best in the country.
He said people called him 'gifted', but what really inspired him wasn’t magic, it was seeing others work hard, right in front of him. They were normal people, just like him. And if they could improve, so could he.
That’s a huge point. Sometimes, we get inspired not by the idea of greatness, but by seeing the process. By realising that big things often come from small, repeated efforts.
Elisa: In Hungary, there was a man named László Polgar, who had a bold belief. He didn’t
think talent was something you were born with, he believed it was something you could grow. His idea was simple, but powerful: greatness is not about being gifted, it’s about how you’re raised, what you practise, and who believes in you.
So, he decided to test that belief... not in a lab, but in his own home. Before he even had children, László said, 'I will prove that, with the right environment, any child can achieve something extraordinary.' And when he and his wife had daughters, Susan, Sofia, and Judit, he chose chess as their training ground.
From the time they were very young, the girls were surrounded by books, puzzles, strategy games, and, most of all, belief. László didn’t push them because he wanted trophies. He challenged them because he believed in what they could become. And the result? All three sisters became world-class chess players.
Judit Polgar, the youngest, didn’t just become the best female player in the world. She became one of the greatest chess players of all time, beating legendary grandmasters, many of whom had once said women couldn’t play at that level.
What inspired her? Not fame. Not pressure. But the quiet, steady knowledge that she could. That effort matters. That growth is possible.
That greatness isn’t a gift, it’s something you build.
Esme: The most beautiful part is that you don’t just receive inspiration, you can be someone’s inspiration. When you try again after failing... When you’re kind even when it’s hard... When you work hard at something, even if you’re not the best yet... Someone sees that.
You may not even realise it, but, just by showing up, you’re inspiring someone else. In the Bible, we are told: 'Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.' Sometimes the most inspirational people aren’t the loudest or the most talented. They’re the ones who just quietly keep showing up.
Mr Halsey: So what does this mean for you? It means you don’t need to wait for some magical burst of inspiration to start something. You don’t need to be the best straight away. You don’t need to compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. You just need to begin.
And then begin again. Because inspiration often comes after you start, not before. It comes when you put in the effort. When you make progress. When you see that you’re improving, even a little. And the more you do that, the more inspired you become, not just to dream big, but to keep going.
This Week in Boarding...
House 1 enjoyed an evening of home comfort foods, including fried plantain and fresh fruit smoothies. What a great way to start the final summer half-term!
House 3 have been busy cooking up a storm in the kitchen, from refreshing smoothie bowls and sweet blueberry muffins to tasty noodles and savoury snacks! The girls have made the most of the sunsets, going on walks and runs in the evening glow, and even practising some impressive gymnastics!
House 4 got competitive during a popcorn challenge... which was so fun even the seagulls wanted to be involved! Miss Romani hosted a masterclass for freshly baked Tuscan Cantucci (traditional Italian biscuits). The girls added a Roedean twist with white chocolate chips and baked them in unique shapes!
Keswick have been studying hard but have still managed to find time to unwind with puzzles, painting, and signing leavers' cards. To celebrate a few of their last weeks together, the girls enjoyed a pizza party and, by the end of the evening, there wasn't a slice left in sight!
Lawrence celebrated National Donut Day with... donuts! The colourful, sprinkle-covered snacks went down an absolute treat!
Miss Barnett
Fantastic results in the Biology Challenge
In April, our Year 10 students took part in the UK Biology Challenge. We are delighted for Anya and Flo, who both achieved a Gold award in this very fierce competition. This places them in the top 5% of the country!
Congratulations also go to Sophia, Claudia, and Zlata, who achieved a Silver award, and to Scarlett, Faye, Liz, Natalie, Abbie, Sofia, Bethany, Zoe, Mia, Gabriella, and Molly, who were awarded Bronze.
Eighteen further students were either highly commended or commended on their achievements. The Biology Department is very proud of our Year 10s' performances. What an amazing set of results!
Mrs Andrew
Ex-West Ham and Seagulls player George Parris trains Roedean Students
Former West Ham and Seagulls player, George Parris, is coaching Roedean footballers, as part of a Roedean partnership with Brighton’s top non-league club Whitehawk FC.
Midfielder, George Parris, is central to the creation of the Roedean and Whitehawk Girls' Football Academy, and will provide mentoring, coaching, and development opportunities in the game for Roedean players.
It is hoped the collaboration will see increased fixtures and match opportunities, nurture tactical and technical development, and provide a clear progression for talented players into club football.
Parris has been appointed as the Hawks’ head of women and girls coaching, and he will work with a team, including Hawks Director of Youth Football, Ryan Gaylor, who has been
instrumental in the club’s ongoing mission to support grassroots football and grow the women’s game.
Mr Parris said, 'This partnership marks the start of a long-term journey – one that will open doors, encourage passion, and help shape the future of girls’ football, not just in Brighton, but beyond. Whitehawk is the second biggest club in Brighton and Roedean is the biggest girls' school in Brighton, so I think it’s a great fit.'
Mr Gaylor added, 'This is more than just a football programme. It’s a shared commitment to building opportunity, confidence, and longterm pathways for young female athletes. We’re incredibly proud to
be partnering with Roedean, and look forward to welcoming their students into the
family.'
Whitehawk
Mrs Hatch
U13A Cricket vs Mayfield School
On a sunny afternoon, Roedean’s U13A cricket team delivered their best performance of the term in a thrilling encounter against Mayfield School. Batting first, Roedean set a commanding total of 151 for 3, thanks in large part to a magnificent innings from Isabella, who scored a fluent 71 runs, anchoring the innings with confidence and style.
With a strong total on the board, Roedean took to the field with intent. The bowling attack was sharp and disciplined, with Maisie and Betsy both taking two crucial wickets each. The fielding display was nothing short of ruthless – every player showed commitment, energy, and focus, cutting off boundaries and applying constant pressure. Captain, Maddie, led by example, marshalling the field with clarity and composure. Her leadership was instrumental in keeping the team energised and organised throughout Mayfield’s innings.
Despite a determined chase from the opposition, Roedean held firm and restricted Mayfield to 139 for 6, securing a well-deserved victory by 12 runs. This win not only reflects the team’s growing skill and confidence, but also marks their most complete performance of the term, superb batting, clinical bowling, and electric fielding all coming together at once.
Mr Foggoa
U13A Cricket vs Bede’s Prep 1st XI
In a much-improved and spirited performance, Roedean’s U13A cricket team took on Bede’s Prep 1st XI with renewed confidence and determination. Electing to bat first, the team faced immediate pressure as batters 1 and 3 were dismissed in the opening over.
However, Captain Maddie and Mabel rose to the challenge, showing composure and grit to build a sensational 110-run partnership. Both players batted with maturity and flair, each finishing in the 40s and steering the team to a commanding position.
Sadly, just as Roedean were gaining full control of the match, rain brought the game to an abrupt end. While the team was understandably disappointed not to see the match through, they can take great pride in what was clearly their best batting performance of the season so far.
A huge well done to all involved – the progress and teamwork on display were outstanding.
Mr Foggoa
Close but Thrilling Win for the U13As
In a thrilling and closely contested fixture, Roedean edged out Brighton Girls by just 7 runs in a high-scoring encounter, finishing with 279 to Brighton’s 272.
Both sides showed skill, determination, and plenty of team spirit throughout the match. Roedean put in a strong performance with the ball, especially through stand-out bowlers, Dixie and Cora. Dixie led the attack, with a superb three-wicket haul, consistently troubling the Brighton Girls batters with her pace and accuracy. Cora provided excellent support, claiming two crucial wickets and maintaining pressure during the middle overs.
Chasing a target of 272, the Roedean team made a spirited reply. The batting pair of Heidi and Isabella was particularly impressive, scoring a rapid 28 runs from their 3 overs. Their smart running between the wickets and confident shot selection gave the team a strong platform during their partnership.
U13C Cricket vs Cardinal Newman
On Wednesday, the U13C team took to the field at home against Cardinal Newman in blustery conditions. After winning the toss, Roedean opted to field first, and delivered some superb bowling, making it difficult for Cardinal Newman to score freely.
When it was our turn to bat, the team showed great determination and played a number of strong shots, consistently backing up and looking for every opportunity to add runs.
It was a challenging chase, with a target of 123 runs to reach. By the time our fourth batting pair stepped in, we had accumulated 62 runs, a solid effort, but still with a long way to go.
Despite a spirited performance, we finished on 96 runs. Congratulations to Cardinal Newman on their well-earned win. Although it wasn’t the outcome we were hoping for, it was a competitive and enjoyable fixture, and a pleasure to host.
Roedean Tennis vs Mayfield
The Tennis A team had their first LTA league match against Mayfield on the last Thursday before half-term.
It was a close match in the end, with the standard of tennis very high. There were lots of long rallies, and the matches all looked very close. It’s difficult to know what the overall result is until the end of the match when the girls give their results in, so we were watching nervously! However we needn’t have worried, as we won 3 out of 4 of the singles: Betsy won 6-0, Ruby won 6-1, and Kayla 6-0. Lindo also put in a great effort against a very good opponent, but unfortunately ended up losing 6-2.
Then it came to the doubles, where again the standard was very high and everyone was really fighting to win each point. Betsy and Ruby managed to turn the tables in their match, where they were down at the start, but then made a comeback to win 6-4! Kayla and Lindo’s match was just as close – they lost 7-5, but it was clearly a very even match.
Roedean won the match overall 8-4 – well done to the girls for winning a tough match against a solid Mayfield team.
Mr Foggoa
Mrs Patching-Jones
Miss Walsh
Individual Cricket Accolades
Issy – Outstanding Individual Performance
In our first win of the year against Mayfield School, Isabella delivered an exceptional individual performance, scoring a brilliant 72 runs. Her innings was not only impressive in its execution, but also crucial to securing the victory for the team.
Isabella showed great composure at the crease, building her innings with maturity and confidence. Her ability to rotate the strike, find the boundary when needed, and anchor the innings under pressure, made a significant difference on the day.
Well done, Issy – a match-winning performance and a well-deserved accolade!
Maddie & Mabel –Unstoppable 110-Run Partnership
After a shaky start with two early wickets falling in the first over, Maddie and Mabel stepped up brilliantly to steady the innings and take control of the game. The pair put on an unbeaten 110-run partnership in just 11 overs, showing exceptional composure, confidence, and attacking intent.
Both batters finished in the 40s, displaying a wide range of strokes and excellent communication between the wickets. They looked well set to post a massive total, before rain unfortunately brought the match to an early end. It was a superb effort from both players, showing not only their skill but also their ability to perform under pressure.
A partnership to remember – well done Maddie and Mabel!
Mr Foggoa
Sporting Stars So Far This Term
Well done to this week's shining sports stars:
Year 7
Deema, for excellent progress and effort in Cricket this term
Year 8
Isabella, for an outstanding innings against Mayfield before half-term, scoring 71 runs
Year 9
Lili, for superb commitment and attitude in all PE lessons and cocurricular activities this term
Year 10 Joy, for fantastic progress and effort in Cricket this term
Year 12
Anna, for brilliant progress in Cricket and for an outstanding attitude all term
The Team of the Week is the U13A Cricket XI, for their consistent performances in matches this term so far, and pushing each other to perform and improve every lesson.
Mr Campleman