Head's Weekly Review - 4 December 20 - Issue 11

4 December 2020 - Issue 11

HEAD’S

WEEKLY REVIEW

Head’s Introduction

The Prefects’ ‘10 Days of Christmas’ challenges and treats, and the many wonderful Christmas jumpers today, have brought much-needed and welcome festive cheer to Roedean!

At the end of next week, the whole School will be enjoying our Christmas lunches, albeit slightly adapted, and ‘attending’ both the Carol Service and Final Chapel. It is so important for our whole community that we are able to enjoy these communal experiences at the current time and to celebrate together. I am very grateful to everyone involved in making them happen.

Part of the last day of term will be a charity afternoon, when we hope to produce 250 gift bags to share some Christmas spirit with those in our local community who may need our support. Each of our year groups has been allocated a different community organisation or home, and it would be wonderful if the girls were able to contribute relevant gift items that will make a difference to someone’s Christmas.

Congratulations to all 22 girls in Year 13 who have been called for interviews at Oxford and Cambridge over the next few weeks – this is an outstanding achievement, and good luck to those who are still waiting for news. I am also pleased to hear that the Year 13s have been so successful in securing excellent offers for higher education next year – well done! It represents a great deal of work by each of them and they deserve their success.

A Night at The Theatre – Tonight At 7pm!

Don’t miss the chance to watch our Virtual Performing Arts showcase, live streaming tonight at 7pm!

The showcase features cocurricular performers from all year groups, and it will be a wonderful way to boost your spirits and get you in the mood for the forthcoming festivities and holidays.

Relax in the comfort of your own home, and enjoy the incredibly accomplished performances from our girls. I can guarantee that you will love this hour of entertainment, as will your children and families.

The link will be made available after the event, so you can watch it back later, but it would mean so much to the girls and all of us in the Dance, Drama, and Music departments, if you tuned in live tonight!

You should have received the link already but if you have any problems, click

https://youtu.be/OsECrs1SdSc Enjoy! KM

Congratulations to the Year 12 CAP group that has produced the ‘Brighton to Bulgaria’ book, which has sold 275 copies and raised about £900 for vulnerable children in Bulgaria. Well done also to Thea in Year 12 who has masterminded a food bank donation over the last few weeks, and to the Year 8s for their sponsored visual impairment and Izzy in Year 7 for her sponsored silence, supporting Liberian chimpanzees and the Blind Veterans.

I am really looking forward to the Performing Arts Showcase this evening – when we have been able to enjoy so few performances because of the current situation, it will be brilliant to see some of our girls showcasing their talent. It starts at 7:00pm, and you can just click here to watch the show! Please come along and support all our performers.

Have a great weekend, and good luck for the last week of term!

Blind Veteran Christmas Cards

Roedean Roving Reporters

Year 13 Art

Names for the Ducklings & Hen

HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW

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.

Christmas Gift Bags On the last day of term, the girls will be filling gift bags to be distributed locally.

Each year-group is packing bags for a particular group: ■

Year 7 Project Rudolf (children in care in East Sussex)

■

Year 8 Blind Veterans

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Year 9 St Mark’s Primary

■

Year 10 Gateway Women’s Refuge (OTF)

■

Year 11 Royal Alex Children’s Hospital

■

Sixth Form Food and Friendship (local families in food poverty)

Hollie, Amy, and Philippa (Yr13) for putting together the physical 11-days-of-Christmas calendar [Eden] Heidi (Yr10) for exemplary academic approach [NBE]

Sophia (Yr13) for playing the violin so beautifully in Chapel [RB]

Lola Clarke (Yr11) for always putting other people first and always finding time to support others [HSH]

There will be collection boxes for each year-group, so that the girls can drop off any appropriate gifts or treats – if you were able to donate a child’s game, or some stationery, or sanitary products, that would make all the difference to those who receive them. Thank you in advance!

Sixth Form Shining Stars Kate (Yr12) for always being so helpful with the Psychology work when it gets confusing [nominated by Holly]

Lauren (Yr13) for helping me to move all my books [nominated

by Liv]

Prefect Quiz Performance of the week Year 9s have been remixing Bach’s Toccata – this is one that Jolene wrote, and it got a big round of applause from her class in yesterday’s lesson!

Our Academic Prefects, Tabitha and Maia, thought it might be fun to put out a little quiz to test your knowledge during the Christmas build up. Do have a go: https://roedean.wufoo.com/forms/winteracademic-quiz/ You could even compete against your families and friends. You can share the link outside Roedean’s community if you like! Take a screenshot so you remember your answers and all will be revealed in the next Head’s Review. Enjoy!

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4 December 2020 - Issue 11

Brighton to Bulgaria – £900+ raised!

Congratulations to Emily, Olivia, and Megan, whose children’s book is going to print this week, so that they can be delivered before the end of term. They have sold 275 copies to the Roedean community, and raised over £900 after printing costs – the educational materials they buy with these funds next term will make such a massive difference to the children in Bulgaria. Thank you to everyone who has supported this endeavour.

Prefects’ 11 Days of Christmas Well done to the Prefect Team for spreading some Christmas cheer, with their series of challenges and treats this week – everyone has really appreciated the little surprises so far!

4 December 2020 - Issue 11

HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW

Names for the Ducklings & Hen The girls have been voting, and the four ducklings and the Bantam now have names! The ducklings are now called Prince, Pudding, Lupin, and Wilbur, and the Bantam is called Snail. Thank you to everyone who got involved and voted!

Snail

Lupin

Wilbur

Pudding

Prince

HHH

100 Roedeanians

In HHH this term, some of the Yr8s have been working on textiles projects, including a sewing case, pin cushion, and this season’s must-have accessory: a face mask. Well done to all the pupils on their stylish creations, and thank you to Mrs Petit for teaching them how to do it.

This is your last chance to order our new book, 100 Roedeanians, in time for Christmas! The gorgeous compilation of biographies and photographs of 100 of our notable Old Roedeanians is available to purchase from the Roedean Shop!

Profits from the sale of the 100 Roedeanians book will go towards supporting the Secret Garden Library at St Mark’s Primary School.

There are also gorgeous prints, tea towels, and greetings cards of our bespoke Katie Cardew illustration of Roedean available.

Happy shopping!

DT This term, Year 9 DT students have been working on a mini GCSE project, to introduce the new AQA Design & Technology curriculum, which focuses on product design.

We have looked at Design Movements, including Bauhaus, Art Deco, and Modernism, to create prototypes of our own chair designs. The students have developed skills in acrylic, wood, and textiles, using CAD/CAM, polymer forming, and construction.

All of Year 9 should be congratulated on their fantastic work!

HQU

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4 December 2020 - Issue 11

HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW

Classroom Concerts For the last few weeks, the Music Department has been running informal Classroom Concerts, so that any students who wanted the chance to perform have had the opportunity to do so. These have been played to Key Stage 3 in tutor time, and the students have really enjoyed watching their friends perform. If you would like to have a listen to the Year 7 and 8 performances, click on the following links.

■

Year 7

Blind Veteran Christmas Cards The Blind Veteran Co-Curricular group have been working hard this month to design and write Christmas cards for all 29 permanent residents at The Blind Veterans. The girls have been extremely creative and designed some impressive cards. Each card will include a personalised message to hopefully bring some festive cheer after a challenging 2020.

The same group also completed a ‘Sponsored Visual Impairment’ last weekend. If you would like to support them, you can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/roedeanblindveterans The girls will be sharing their thoughts on the experience in next week’s Head’s Review.

GWI

■

Year 8

It is incredibly important that musicians have the experience of playing in front of others, as this develops essential skills and combats performance anxiety early on. It is even harder to perform just for a camera, and we are incredibly proud of all those who have taken part so far.

These recording sessions run every Monday at 1:00. If you have a song or a piece you would like to perform, please email sob@roedean.co.uk to take part. All standards are welcome.

Thank you to Mr Rous and Ms Ray for finding the time to edit and produce these concerts.

SOB

Izzy (Yr7) Sponsored Silence – for the Liberian Chimps

Year 13 Art Covid has placed so many restrictions on how we work and live. On returning to our Art Studio in September, it was important to me that our Year 13 students were able to access the space freely and work in as unrestricted a way as possible.

Every Year 13 artist has her own dedicated studio space, where she is able to keep her work. This has created a wonderfully creative environment, and our A Level students are responding with renewed artistic ambition and drive. Katarina has moved into the fire place and created a beautiful work space where she has made a large 6-foot woodcut. This is one of the most positive outcomes from the current situation, and I hope that we are able to continue to offer this opportunity to our future Year 13s.

SSN

Congratulations to Izzy (Yr7), who completed a sponsored silence yesterday to raise funds for one of the School’s charities, the Liberian chimpanzees. Izzy has raised an impressive £125 so far; if you would like to sponsor her, please follow this link https://paypal.me/pools/c/8uN2Yr6leQ Well done, Izzy!

JC

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‘The world has been spinning in uncertainty these past months, so for me, the Art Department feels like a safe space, protected from the outside world. Due to the Covid-19 regulations, we sadly can’t chat with the other girls and share the space like we used to, but, now that we Year 13s have our own studio spaces, it feels like there is a small capsule of about 4-metres squared in which I can immerse myself fully in my work whenever it suits my timetable, without having to worry about anything else. In my final year at Roedean, this feels like the best possible opportunity to dedicate my time and energy to my love of art, and I hope this opportunity remains accessible to later years.’

Kat (Yr13)

HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW

4 December 2020 - Issue 11

Private Peaceful This week, Miss Whiteson’s Year 8 English class were treated to a surprise reading of the final chapter of ‘Private Peaceful’ by George MacKay, a former student of Miss Whiteson, who played the main character of Tommo in the film version of the novel. Amongst many other films and TV series, George has more recently starred in the hugely successful 1917, the gritty and excellent True History of the Kelly Gang, Captain Fantastic, and Pride, and it was an absolute pleasure and privilege to hear him deliver the very sad end of a clever and beautifully written novel about World War 1. The girls were delighted – they really enjoyed the experience and found the reading very moving. Many thanks to George for helping out and being willing to give up his time.

House 3 Step into Christmas House 3 have been working hard on decorating the House and preparing for the Christmas holidays. As part of our community support project with other boarding houses, the girls have been making Christmas cards and decorations for local residential care homes to be delivered at the end of the term.

EHA

Motivational Workshop

Roving Reporters

Tabitha, Maia, and Shereen in Year 13 completed a workshop this week with the psychologist, Miranda Banks, on remaining motivated in times of uncertainty. Miranda gave them tips on how to set and work for individual goals, based on her work with Olympic athletes – some of them don’t find out if they will go to the Olympics until a week before the event, which is perhaps an apt analogy for our Year 13 and Year 11 students!

They then ran the workshop with their own slides with Year 13 in Life Skills, and will be repeating it next week with Yr12 – and hopefully Yr10 and Yr11 next term – via Teams. Well done!

GH

Ms Emelumadu was inspired to be a writer at a very young age, and she has just finished her first novel which will be published next year, and she has already won an award! It is called ‘Dazzling” and has won the inaugural Curtis Brown First Novel Prize. Here is what the judge, best-selling author, Tracey Chevalier said about it, ‘I was bewitched by this story of Treasure, a young girl who has lost her father and is taken in by a spirit – intertwined with Ozoemena, another girl who becomes part of a Nigerian Leopard Society whose members are normally men. The premise is intriguing, the writing confident. I particularly loved the evocative descriptions… I would not have guessed this was a first novel; Emelumadu seems to have writing naturally in the blood.’

Thank you to the Ca Department who ha tering ve, once again, outdone th emselves in their endeavour to bring cheer to the girls' lunchtime

While she doesn’t have a favourite book or author, Ms Emelumadu loves many genres, including sci-fi and she is fascinated by Quantum Physics. She finds good ideas for books from the things around her, and she loves to write in a library and so is missing them at the moment as they are closed due to COVID-19. She finds music distracts her when she is writing, she usually writes with pen and paper, but nowadays she knows it’s easier to keep it on a laptop or phone.

You can often find Ms Emelumadu in the Library when she isn’t assisting students, and you can also read a number of her short stories which have been shortlisted for the Shirley Jackson Awards (2015), a Nommo award (2020), and the Caine Prize for African Literature (2017 & 2020).

Christmas Jumper Day!

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HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW

Sport

Community Cooking – Maz’s Kitchens

PE Lesson Write-ups This week in PE, Games and Co-Curricular lessons, the girls worked on solidifying their learning this week with only one week to go before the end of term. In swimming this week, the Year 8 and 9 girls focused on backstroke, linking body position, leg action, arms action and breathing into the entire stroke. One of the activities during the lesson touched on head position during the stroke, the girls had to balance a plastic cup on their heads, while performing the entire stroke for a length. On Tuesday evening, the Year 7s had football during their games-for-understanding lesson. They worked on moving the ball through different channels in order to get ahead and up the pitch towards the goal.

Year 11s had Yoga this week again with Miss Wakeling leading the lesson. It gave them a chance to focus on themselves and their breathing while performing different movements and positions. This week we have been incredibly lucky with beautiful but chilly weather, with conditions ensuring the girls have worked hard and enjoyed themselves.

Amelia Playing for Surrey Storm Amelia (Yr10) has been selected to play in the Surrey Storm U17 South Academy. Well done!

4 December 2020 - Issue 11

As part of Community Cooking we aimed to cook afternoon tea for the homeless; however, because of Covid-19, we could not carry this out.

We learnt skills and recipes to do this though, and made some classics: scones, sausage rolls, Victoria sponge, and more! It was really fun to try new recipes and techniques, and whilst we couldn’t give to the homeless, we shared the food with our peers who loved it. As a group, we realised we could do something, even if it was small, to reduce our own impact on the environment and support foods which are ethically sourced. We tried cooking vegan in one of our sessions and it was just as successful as usual, if not more! Next we hope to continue to educate ourselves and find alternative ingredients to the ones which are harmful to the environment or even people.

Sport Scholar Workshops

Community Music

This week saw the second online workshop for Sports Scholars, with the theme being ‘Sleep’.

Fifty girls logged on for the session, which focused on the importance of sleep, how it affects the brain, and decision-making and tactics for how we can try to achieve more high-quality sleep.

We have learnt how to use our creative and communicative skills in order to educate young people and entertain the residents at Blind Veterans. We have made a series of videos, one of which demonstrated how to create a Chinese rattle drum; the instrument was perfect for younger children as it is not too complex to make, and we made sure that the materials and instructions were suitable for children to use and understand. We also produced and edited the video as a group, which required teamwork and creative technological skills. Composing the background music for the video was very enjoyable. We are hoping to send a series of music-related videos to inspire the children at St Mark’s, to give them the opportunity to learn and become involved in music.

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– Ms Bartlette

HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW

4 December 2020 - Issue 11

Community Textiles

Eco Think Tank

– Mrs Petit

– Mrs Dunlop

We have learnt a lot about the importance of selecting the right fabric when buying clothes, to ensure that you get the best value, as well as the best for the environment. This includes thinking about the type of material, how its production will affect pollution, and also how long those clothes will last in terms of durability (taking into consideration whether they will be passed on to others to wear or just get thrown away). We also learnt some practical skills such as how to make basic patterns and the professional way of cutting fabric. My favourite part of this was actually applying these skills in projects to make our own pin cushions, needle holders and bags, the majority of which were all hand sewn. Next, we’re planning on making a face masks and patchwork pieces.

We have looked at the key characteristics of being effective change-makers: collaboration, compassion, critical thinking, creativity, and communication. This allows us to be efficient in the changes we plan to make to our individual lives and school life at Roedean, as well as the wider community. We have reviewed where we can make these changes, in our circle of influence, and are exploring ways of moving Roedean towards becoming carbon neutral. I’m looking forward to seeing the outcomes of our projects in the coming months. More to follow so watch this space!

Charity Fundraising – Dr Barrand During our sessions, we have collaborated as a team to write, design, and illustrate our book ‘Brighton to Bulgaria’. Throughout the creation process, we have certainly developed a deep level of appreciation for the talent of our friend Megan, as her drawings are incredible, but we have also learnt just how hard such charities work. We have only participated in one project, which we found so much fun but also quite demanding, whereas charities such as Door of Hope, do this all the time, and usually on a much larger scale. As we reach the end of our time physically making this book, we look forward to after the holidays, when we will actually be purchasing the stationary and supplies for the schools, and sending them off to the charity.

We can’t wait for the kids to get their Bags of Education!

Community Sign Language – Ms Cybaniak

Charity Fundraising – Mr Weir

Primary School Link – Mr Fieldsend This term, we have partnered with Saltdean Primary School, and are developing a playground for them. We came up with a mood board design, and ordered the supplies we needed, all ready to go and enhance their outdoor space. We wanted to include some areas for the children to socialise with one another, surrounded by a variety of plants and bird feeders. A mural was designed by the children themselves to allow them to add their own personal touch to the essential space for them to be able to have a break in the fresh air during the day. To make the playground inviting and enjoyable, we will add little fun paintings onto the planters and benches for the children to discover. We are looking forward to constructing our design and seeing the students’ reactions to their new outdoor space.

Over the past term, we have been learning about the causes of homelessness in Brighton, and the reasons people remain homeless for extended periods of time. Representatives from Off the Fence spoke to us about the services they offer in Brighton, and Mrs Haining offered advice and useful information about future fundraising events we plan to carry out. We have particularly enjoyed looking at the wide range of services provided by Off The Fence to help either improve the people’s positions, like temporary accommodation and helping with finding jobs, or how they improve their mental states by offering counselling or just someone to talk to. We hoped for something bigger to get everyone involved however due to recent events this has been limited. We have considered many ways to raise this money, such as a home clothes day or a bake sale. Watch this space!

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Eight weeks ago, we had never signed before; we can now hold a conversation, both signing ourselves and interpreting the signs of other people. This includes directions, describing ourselves, asking questions, and lots more. We cannot wait to carry on with this next term, and hope that we will expand our vocabulary and become quicker at signing.

We made videos for kids our age who are deaf and also have special needs. Usually, we would go over to their school and get to meet them in person, but instead we did a video presentation on ourselves to send to them. We introduced ourselves and then talked about our hobbies, where we’re from and if we had any pets. Now that we have sent the videos of us signing about out ourselves, we are currently translating videos from our pen pals so we can get to know them better. Hopefully in the future we will be able to meet them in person and learn new signs from them but for the time being we will continue to communicate with them virtually.

4 December 2020 - Issue 11

HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW

Literary Supplement Recommended Reads One – Sarah Crossan

The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins

You should read this books because: It is a very interesting book and really meaningful, whilst being true to real life. The book is written in poems, so each amazing chapter is a verse.

Overall this is a fantastic read!

You should read this books because: It is exciting and addictive. It has an incredible plot that leaves you wanting more. I especially love the characters, because they are really different from the characters you often get.

Recommended by: Kali, Yr7

Recommended by: Megan, Yr8

Scarlet and Ivey (Book Series) – Sophie Cleverley You should read this books because: It is interesting and it makes your heart pound! It has adventure and really engages you. The characters are amazing and it is an easy book to read.

Recommended by: Alice, Yr7

CHRISTMAS READS!

Library Competition Well done to everyone who entered! We are pleased to announce the following results of the creative library competition:

Have a look at some of these festive reads to get you in to the Christmas spirit! A perfect time of year to cuddle up with a hot chocolate and a good book!

Winner:

I’ll be home for Christmas –

by Various Authors

Lydia (Yr9) for her amazing drawing of Aziraphale and Crowley from Good Omens – Ms Shillito and Mrs Bailey were very impressed!

Runners up:

Asmitha (Yr7) for her lovely artistic interpretation of ‘Welcome to Nowhere’ by Elizabeth Laird Bobby (Yr7) for her very creative reimagining of book covers, starring herself!

WELL DONE!

Christmas Reading Selfies!

Our Yr7 Book Club have been having fun taking some Christmas Reading Selfies! If you would like to spread some Christmas reading joy then send you selfies to library@roedean.co.uk!

The UK’s top Young Adult authors join together in this collection of new stories and poems on the theme of home. Contributors include Holly Bourne, Juno Dawson, Marcus Sedgwick, and Benjamin Zephaniah.

The Silent Stars Go By – by Sally Nicholls The Silent Stars Go By follows Margot and her fiancé Harry. In Christmas 1919, Margot's family is gathering for the first time since the First World War and Harry, who was reported missing in action on the Western Front, has miraculously returned to the village.

The Snow Angel –

by Lauren St John This Christmas classic is about forgotten children, the power of nature to heal us, and a girl who will climb mountains in search for a place to call home. Growing up in vibrant, crowded Nairobi, Makena has only one dream: to climb Mount Kenya like her hero, her mountain guide father.

A Snowfall of Silve –

by Laura Wood In the Autumn of 1931, eighteenyear-old Freya Trevelyan runs away from her home in Cornwall to follow her dream of becoming an actress. But can reality ever live up to her expectations? What if her life – and falling in love – turn out to be nothing like she planned?

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Someday at Christmas – by Lizzie Byron Shell Smith is the most popular make-up artist on the ART counter at Duke & Sons, a beautiful but old-fashioned department store in her hometown. But whilst Shell’s love life is looking up, now that she’s dating long-time crush Nick, and business is booming in the beauty department, the rest of the store is noticeably quiet.

This Winter –

by Alice Oseman The festive season isn’t always happy for Tori and her brother Charlie. And this year’s going to be harder than most. This winter it’s time to pretend they are the perfect family.

A Boy Called Christmas – by Matt Haig Eleven-year-old Nikolasnicknamed ‘Christmas’ has received only one toy in his life: a doll carved out of a turnip.

But he’s happy with his turnip doll, because it came from his parents, who love him. Then one day his father goes missing, and Nikolas must travel to the North Pole to save him.

A Christmas Carol –

by Charles Dickens Ebenezer Scrooge is a mean, miserable, bitter old man with no friends. One cold Christmas Eve, three ghosts take him on a scary journey to show him the error of his nasty ways. By visiting his past, present, and future, Scrooge learns to love Christmas and the people all around him.

4 December 2020 - Issue 11

HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW

Literary Supplement Christmas reading

Roedean Roving Reporters

Don’t forget you can take out library books over the Christmas holidays!

Theresa Shabani (Watson) is a keyworker, with a strong spiritual background and a passion for writing. Before joining Roedean’s weekend catering team, she worked in the Department of Surveys and Mapping for 24 years in Gaborone, Botswana, until she decided to change her career and completed a NVQ in Childhood Studies.

During her spare time, she writes short stories and Singleness in a Marriage Shell is the first story to be published, inspired by women of color.

Her second book was written over lockdown and our House 2 roving reporter, Khadija, assisted

by Nana, went along to meet Theresa and find out a little bit more about this amazing woman, an inspirational member of our school staff community.

Come along to the library at break or lunch to choose your festive read!

What are the themes?

Competition time!

This week we are launching a new competition and we want you to get creative!

We’d love you to write a short story or poem that has a Christmas or wintery theme.

Here are some some suggested themes: ■ ■ ■ ■

Retelling of a Nativity The Gift Snowed In The Best Christmas Ever

Deadline for entry – 9 December 2020.

Hand your entries in to Mrs Bailey in the Library or email library@roedean.co.uk.

Prizes for the winner and runner-up!

Some of the things I write about relate to my own experiences, so I suppose my books are semi-autobiographical, relating to my early life in Botswana. Both my books relate to my childhood and the themes around families, marriage, struggles, and survival. The first book in particular, ‘Singleness in a Marriage Shell’, relates not only to myself, but also the experiences of my daughter. My inspiration came from meeting other women, talking to other women, and in particular the women of colour bible group. Lots of these women had different experiences of different types of relationships, and learning from other women of colour about what they have gone through in their life inspired me to start writing. I used to get a lot of ideas and just jot down my ideas.

When did you start writing?

I started writing in Botswana in 2003, before I came here. I didn’t go to university, I just enjoyed writing. I produced my first manuscript in 2003, but even then, I didn’t have any inspiration to publish it. However, I did show my first manuscript to a friend and she didn’t think it was good enough to be published. I lost all confidence and destroyed my work.

After, I realised I shouldn’t have destroyed the manuscript, I simply didn’t show my book to the right person, and so I set about rewriting my first story and, to my surprise, not one but three publishing companies accepted it.

How long did it take to write two books?

The first book, ‘Singleness in a Marriage Shell’ took around 8 months to finish and the second book, only three. I completed my second book during lockdown! I am working on my third and hope to get this published next year, all being well.

How many books will you write?

I have completed book one and two, and I am now starting on my third. As my books are semi-autographical, in the future I may add the books together to make a larger novel, or I may keep them as three separate short stories that form a trilogy.

What is next for you and do you plan writing to become a full time job?

I find writing easy, this is not difficult for me – but it is not about making money. My hope is only to be able to inspire other women to be strong and to know that, whatever obstacles you have to overcome, nothing is impossible.

So we are not going to lose you anytime soon from Roedean?

No, my working here enables me to help my own daughter and her family out. The school is beautiful and the people are amazing, and, at the moment, it suits my writing schedule. If I can inspire others the way I have been inspired by other women of colour, then I am happy.

What genre are your books?

You’ll see some overlap in the genre of my books, so, although the classification of the book is non-fiction, the stories are semi-autobiographical and cover dramatic themes and real life situations. I used to get a lot of ideas when I was working as a cartographer in Botswana, I used to meet a lot of different people and my books cover relationships and the experiences that followed on from meeting these people.

We welcome contributions from all parts of the Roedean community.

If you have something you would like featured in the Headmaster’s Weekly Review, please email: marketing@roedean.co.uk Page 9

Interviewed by Khadijah and assisted by Nana

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