Heads weekly report 26 01 2018 v3

26th January 2018 - Issue 4

HEAD’S

WEEKLY REVIEW

Southern Schools’ Book Awards

Head’s Introduction

Top of the Bench National Chemistry Competition

This week has been a very significant one for Roedean’s vision of supporting and working with our local community. In September, we launched the Roedean Group of Schools, through which we hope to play a role in ensuring that pupils beyond Roedean have access to the highest quality educational provision that girls here experience. On Thursday, we launched our formal partnership with Deepdene School in Hove. This will enable Roedean to work alongside and support a school dedicated to high quality provision for younger pupils. On Saturday, we are launching Roedean Moira House at Moira House School in Eastbourne, which will enable Roedean to share its passion and vision with even more girls and staff. We are also developing a partnership with our local state primary school, St Mark’s, and hope to bring you news of this in the near future. Finally, we opened the Roedean Academy on Wednesday evening, which is a programme of weekly evening enrichment and masterclasses for state school pupils and our own pupils in Years 10 & 11.

Four of our girls went to Christ’s Hospital last Thursday to compete in a Chemistry event run by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Fleur and Isabel from Year 9 worked together on practical and mental challenges, whilst Isabelle (Yr10) and Flo (Yr11) attempted similar tasks individually. The standard was extremely high on the day, and, although our girls recorded above average scores for each round, they were not quite able to beat the eventual winners who actually posted the highest score in the whole region and will now progress to the national final. This was still a fantastic event and an opportunity for this group of four to show that Roedean is producing some extremely talented and knowledgeable chemists. Above all it was really enjoyable – one of the girls said, ‘Thank you so much! It was such a fun event and I enjoyed every minute of it!’ Sadly the same girls won’t be able eligible to compete next time, but there are plenty more queuing up to take on the challenge and, who knows, maybe we’ll be off to the national finals in a year?!

The impact of working more widely in our community and with pupils and staff from other schools is profound. The engagement with others is inspiring and always leaves you with a sense of what is possible and education is, for me, exactly that – practising the art of the possible. I am very grateful to all the girls and staff at Roedean who are so keen to expand their own horizons, to meet and learn from others, and to share their talents and skills. If we are to be truly proud of the education we provide and benefit from, we must enjoy learning with and from others, and, in whatever small ways we can, push the boundary of our knowledge, understanding, and interest that little bit further.

This week we have also marked Holocaust Memorial Day, which is a very important but always difficult day on which the School community reflects on the pain and suffering of millions whose lives were destroyed by genocides across the world. We held two Chapel services led by Miss Keller, along with Miss Hyams, Mr Blond, Miss Peters, and Year 9. Our commemorations included a number of personal stories through which we hope the girls can find a way not only to comprehend the tragedies, but also to be reminded of the stories of incredible human endeavour and survival in the face of almost insurmountable odds.

I wish you all good luck for the week to come.

The future of the global economy looks bright…

Ten brave Year 13 Economists visited Lancing College to present on global issues, including the future of the IMF, life post Brexit and the EU, the changing world of money, and an insight into the future of Chinese development.

The girls quickly formed productive partnerships with their Lancing counterparts, and, in under half an hour, prepared a 10-minute presentation. The combination of quality

research and passionate delivery had the audience hooked. The event was designed to help students prepare for university life, whilst building independent study skills and confidence on complex areas of their Economics syllabus – it certainly did this, and so much more. I am really proud of Carolina, Jasmine, Penny, Poppy, Maria, Mide, Ohi, Sharon, Tina, and Xiaomen – their courage and intelligence made this a brilliant event. Thank you too to all the staff and students who made this possible, especially to those at Lancing for hosting the event. KCA

Winter Photo Competition – The City Are you a budding photographer? The termly Roedean photo competition theme for the Christmas holiday was ‘The City’. The entries for the summer holiday competition were excellent and are now up along main corridor.

The deadline for your submissions for this round is Friday 2 February. Please email them to Miss Boles on jbo@roedean.co.uk – the best entries will be displayed for all to see along the Main Corridor.

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.

Alys D and Rosie SF (Yr10) for taking their Spanish IGCSE early and respectively achieving an A and A* [JSM]

Mary M (Yr12) for always being on hand in the Art Studio and ready to help anyone who needs it [SEL]

Serena C (Yr9) for showing remarkable dedication, effort and perseverance in the humanities [EEA]

Nour A (Yr10) for finding a longlost sketchbook in the recycling and returning it to its owner [SEL]

26th January 2018 - Issue 4

3 launches in a week for Roedean!

This has been a very busy week, with 3 launches all taking place in one week!

The first was the opening of the Roedean Academy, which brings together about 35 girls in Years 10-11 from Roedean, Blatchington Mill, and Longhill, for a four-week enrichment programme, designed to take them beyond what is covered in their taught curriculum. Each week at Roedean, the girls will have a masterclass on a specific subject for an hour – this week, the Year 10 girls did Chemistry with Miss Walker and the Year 11 girls did Maths with Mr Fletcher. In addition, there will be an hour-long session of their chosen enrichment topic, which will take place each week. The girls chose between Beginners’ Russian, History, Maths Coding, Literature, or Classical Language, and all of the groups have students in both years and from all three schools.

The first week went very well indeed, and the girls engaged excellently with the Academy’s programme.

The second launch this week was that of the formal partnership with Deepdene School, and a celebration of its 70th year. This was held in Keswick Hall at Roedean, where the Deepdene parents enjoyed hearing from Mr Blond, Mrs Brown, and Mrs Gane, about the history of the school, the benefits of the partnership, and the events which are planned for the year to mark the school’s 70th year. The highlight was perhaps the final performance by the Deepdene children of Somewhere Over the Rainbow – children from Year 6 to those in the Nursery all joined together for this song, and they were even joined by some Roedean singers, including Eleanor and Sahar who are now in Year 11 but are ex-Deepdene pupils. It was a lovely evening, enjoyed by all.

The third launch is of Roedean Moira House at Moira House School at its Open Day, which is taking place on Saturday. The aim is to spread Roedean’s holistic vision to a wider audience, so that more students have the opportunity to benefit from this model. We look forward to working together, and sharing our passion for educating young women and preparing them to make a difference in the world.

Nosce Te Ipsum

Sasha S (Yr7) for picking up a dropped purse and handing it in to reception [RRO]

Miss Amis for showing such willingness to help the Admissions team [HCH]

There was food galore, laughter, banter, and bonding at the House 2 meal in Day’s Restaurant.

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HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW

Holocaust Memorial Day Miss Keller led the two Chapel services this week to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. The Holocaust took place in Europe during World War Two and saw the systematic murder of 6 million Jews and other ‘undesirable’ peoples.

Since then the world has continued to suffer the horrors of genocide – communities murdered for their religion, race, or political allegiances.

Here are some of the individual stories of people affected. Some of you may have an experience in your family or culture of the horrors of genocide, and these experiences can often also be traumatic for the generations that follow.

The first story is about Simon, Miss Keller’s great uncle, and Sabina, her great aunt: Simon was born in Warsaw, Poland, in 1906.

Sabina travelled to Poland from England, following the death of her grandfather who lived there, and, during this visit, she met Simon. She met Simon again in Warsaw much later in 1938, a year before World War II broke out. Simon was married and had a daughter Freda.

When war broke out, like many Jewish families, Simon fled Poland and took his wife took Freda to Belgium. One day they were rounded up by the SS and transferred to Auschwitz, a concentration camp, which had been built specifically to house Jews, gypsies, and other ‘undesirables’. Freda and her mother were killed in the gas chambers, and Simon was put to hard labour.

Simon survived the many hardships, recovered in Switzerland, and was eventually able to get to Israel. From there, he contacted the Salvation Army to try to find Sabina. Simon and Sabina were married in England in 1958, and returned to Israel to live. They moved back to England when Miss Keller was young to live near their only family.

Simon was a kind and humble man who never blamed the Germans for what the Nazis did, but he suffered mentally for the rest of his life with a fear of hunger, authority, and losing those close to him. He had nightmares that today we would call Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but he never complained and was thankful for acquiring a family through Sabina, although they had no children of their own.

The second story is an account by a young Cambodian girl during the genocide there in the 1970s: On the night of April 16, 1975, we were awoken by the terrible sounds of bombs and guns, close at hand. The explosions were so near that our house shook with each burst. To the mind of a terrified nine-year-old girl, it seemed that the gunfire was aimed directly at me. My parents led us to a shelter underneath the house and there, in total darkness, my mother clutched my sister Chan and me to her body and comforted us with her warmth and love.

Early the next morning, Papa went out to inquire about the circumstances of the battle.

We hustled together in one room hoping for the best, but fearing the worst. When he returned, we could tell from the worried expression on his face and the change in his demeanour that the news was foreboding.

What began as a hasty departure from our homes and neighbourhood soon became a massed confluence of families in an ever-growing crush of frightened, confused humanity. The forced evacuation of the one million residents of the capital city had begun. This was the beginning of immeasurable pain and suffering for the Cambodian people.

By the end of 1976, I was convinced I would not reach my next birthday. Up to this time, regardless of the hardships I endured, I always found comfort in the fact I would see my mother at the end of the day however I was then taken by force away from my mother and assigned to a faraway work group. Now my heart was broken and the will to live was gone.

The next three years brought with it starvation, sickness and death as my companion. We endured misery which words can never fully describe and a numbness to life itself. I was yellow with hepatitis and was ready to die if it were not for my greatest fear - I would not die without my mother. As I lay motionless I recalled my mother’s voice urging me on and not to accept death - it was this that saved my life.

Why do people commit crimes?

Maria P (Yr13) gave a brilliant Academic Lecture on Wednesday to an audience of over 50 in the Theatre. She intends to study Criminology at university, and has therefore chosen to deepen her knowledge of it by doing an EPQ on the subject. What was particularly impressive was that she presented an obviously complex topic, exemplified by case-studies of Anders Page 3

26th January 2018 - Issue 4 The third story is about a young girl in Rwanda in the 1990s: Immaculee grew up in a country she loved, surrounded by a family she cherished. But in 1994, her idyllic world was ripped apart as Rwanda descended into a bloody genocide.

Immaculee’s family was brutally murdered during a killing spree that lasted three months and claimed the lives of nearly a million Rwandans.

Incredibly, Immaculee survived the slaughter. For 91 days, she and seven other women huddled silently together in the cramped bathroom of a local pastor, while hundreds of machetewielding killers hunted for them. It was during those endless hours of unspeakable terror that Immaculee discovered the power of prayer, eventually shedding her fear of death and forging a profound and lasting relationship with God. She emerged from her bathroom hideout having discovered the meaning of truly unconditional love, a love so strong she was able seek out and forgive her family’s killers.

The service was interspersed by moments of reflection: the Senior Singers sang ‘Remember Me’ by Bob Chilcott, Anamika (Yr9) played a melancholic piece on the trumpet, and Miss Hyams read ‘The Butterfly’, a poem written in Theresienstadt concentration camp by Pavel Friedmann, a Jewish Czech poet born in Prague.

The last, the very last, So richly, brightly, dazzlingly yellow.

Perhaps if the sun’s tears would sing against a white stone...

Such, such a yellow Is carried lightly ’way up high.

It went away I’m sure because it wished to kiss the world goodbye.

For seven weeks I’ve lived in here, Penned up inside this ghetto But I have found my people here.

The dandelions call to me And the white chestnut candles in the court.

Only I never saw another butterfly.

That butterfly was the last one.

Butterflies don’t live in here, In the ghetto.

We also heard about the incredibly selfless actions of Nicholas Winton, who saved hundreds of Jewish Children by arranging for them to be fostered in England, but, perhaps the most moving part of the service was hearing Alma (Yr8) reading the ‘Kaddish’, a memorial prayer, in Hebrew. Lest we forget.

Behring Breivik and the Jamie Bolger case, and using specialist language, in a way which was accessible and challenging both for Sixth Formers and the Year 7 pupils who were present. She dealt with loads of questions from the floor, and all in a very measured and warm way. It was an outstanding lecture.

26th January 2018 - Issue 4

HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW

SSBA Presentation Evening We were thrilled to hold the Southern Schools’ Book Awards (SSBA) again last Friday in Roedean’s Theatre. The evening, which was hosted by last year’s winner, Holly Bourne, was extremely busy with 250 enthusiastic Year 9 readers from 26 schools in Sussex and Kent attending the event. The visiting students had all read and voted for the five books on the shortlist and were eagerly waiting to hear whether their favourite book had won. The shortlist had been very popular with Roedean students this year, with several Year 9 girls completing the reading over the summer holiday, before the SSBA project had even started properly in September.

This year’s shortlisted novels were ‘The Hypnotist’ by Laurence Anholt, ‘Margot and Me’ by Juno Dawson, ‘The Trap’ by Alan Gibbons, ‘Paper Butterflies’ by Lisa Heathfield and ‘Instructions for a Second-Hand Heart’

by Tamsyn Murray. Unfortunately, Laurence Anholt was unable to join us because of family commitments, but he delighted the audience and authors with an excellent podcast about his book, which can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/MikYZtbN018.

Our guest for the evening was Chris Riddell, who charmed all with his on-stage drawings of the authors and his impressions of the characters

from their books. We were fortunate that he could be with us again, because he is currently very busy collaborating with J K Rowling over a new illustrated copy of ‘Tales of Beedle the Bard’.

All of the authors read an extract from their books and answered questions posed by the schools. The on-stage camaraderie between the authors was hugely enjoyable. Juno Dawson, when asked how much influence she had over her book covers, answered that she had very little, confessing that she hated the cover of ‘Margot and Me’, however, she admitted that it was her best-selling book to date. Chris responded to her answer by drawing an outraged cover designer saying, ‘How dare you!’, much to the amusement of the audience.

When asked, ‘Was there a particular terrorist event that made you think of this storyline?’, Alan Gibbons revealed that he had been a

re brilliant ‘I thought all the authors we target the for and Holly was just right cheers ree “Th audience. We even got, on the got we for the librarians” when minibus!’ ool

Abegail, Benenden Sch

‘‘Thank you so ve way home, two gi ry much – on the rl that they couldn s were ‘SO happy’ ’t remember the last time they felt ‘SO ’ perfectly happy! ’ Alison, Roedea n Moira House

ing, ‘It was a brilliant even m ias us as always. The enth y it of the students, the wafact e was organized, and th re we that ‘real’ authors present was brilliant!’

Gina, Willingdon

journalist in Northern Ireland many years ago which had influenced his writing. He said that the reason he writes about death and darkness is because he believes in peace and love.

After the students had received book tokens from Chris Riddell, Holly asked the audience to perform the traditional foot drum roll, and then revealed the winner to be Lisa Heathfield with ‘Paper Butterflies’. The highly commended award went to Juno Dawson for ‘Margot and Me’.

Following the presentation, students surged around Book Nook’s stall on the Theatre stage to buy the authors’ books. The authors spent well over an hour signing books for the enthusiastic crowd, and Lisa promised to return next year to host the SSBA in 2019. After the event, Lisa said, ‘It really is the loveliest event – so warm, welcoming and filled with such fantastic, enthusiastic readers. It means an awful lot to me that ‘Paper Butterflies’ won and that the students took June to their hearts.’

The participating schools enjoyed the event enormously, praising the SSBA organisers, Roedean staff, and girls.

SBL

‘All of us from Cav endi really enjoyed it. sh A highlight for me was Chris Riddell’s on-stage dr – wonderful to w awing atch!’

Jane , Cavendish Sc

School

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26th January 2018 - Issue 4

HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW

Staff try their hand at Monoprinting This week, members of staff enjoyed a learning experience which took them right out of their comfort zone! As part of the on-going CPD programme for staff, they had the opportunity to learn how to monoprint. Dr Kaye was Pupil of the Session for his remarkable enthusiasm and his print based on a Picasso drawing! Well done to all - just shows that we never stop learning!

SEL

U12A

Netball This week has been a frustrating one for netball – a full block of 8 matches was sadly cut down to just 2 because of the high winds and the torrential rain on Wednesday. There were however two matches for the U12s.

U12A vs Lingfield Lost 8-12

The U12A squad had a very close game with Lingfield College. The first quarter was goal for goal, with Sasha H making her first appearance in the squad and starting off by sinking 2 goals in a row. In the 2nd quarter, Lingfield just edged away, thanks to their very tall and strong defence, as well as the pressure which caused Roedean to make a few mistakes.

As the game continued, both teams made excellent passes down the court. Ava L made some lovely drives into the circle and Bella D was commanding in defence. The last quarter was very close, with only one goal each, and the game finishing 12 - 8 to Lingfield College.

Victory for U12Bs

The U12B netball team had a fantastic result against Lingfield yesterday. Throughout all

4 quarters, the girls performed brilliantly in defence and made numerous interceptions all the way up the court.

After a strong first quarter, they started to make some questionable decisions in the attacking end, however, the girls turned this around and kept better possession of the ball going into the third. Ellena was outstanding in the shooting circle, showing excellent accuracy from long range, and Izzy B stood out in the mid-court, utilising her speed to win back the ball. The Player of the Match was Ellena, and the final score was 9 - 7 to Roedean.

GCR

Family Netball We are looking forward to welcoming those of you attending the Mother/Daughter Netball Event on Saturday. Please arrive at 11am and make your way to the outside top Netball courts (the ones with our shiny new floodlights!) where the PE Department and Senior Netballers will be waiting to warm you up, ready for some Netball skills and match play. Please join us afterwards for afternoon tea in Horizons and prizes for players of the day.

Name the Roedean Bear!

Following on from the Christmas Fair, we are holding a competition to name the Roedean Bear. Poor Roedean Bear has gone far too long without a name, so, for 50p, we are asking you to suggest a name for him. Please come down to the admissions office, before the end of January, with your suggestion(s). We will then ask Mr Blond and Miss Keller to choose their favourite from the suggestions – whichever name is chosen will become his official name and the winner will receive their own giant version of Roedean Bear. All of the money collected will go to the Lumos charity.

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 5

JJ WHAT’S COMING UP IN THE

WEEK AHEAD?

POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH WEEK Mon 29 Jan

Inter House Swimming Strings masterclass and tea-time recital Year 12 & 13 GovPol trip to Houses of Parliament

Wed 31 Jan

U13 Netball vs Christ’s Hospital (tbc) U12A vs Christ’s Hospital – Tournament (A) U12B,C&D Netball vs Christ’s Hospital (A)

Fri 2 Feb

Year 9 Parents’ Evening

Sat 3 Feb

1st and 3rd Netball vs Seaford College (H) U14A&B & U15A&B Netball vs Seaford College (H) Year 11 GCSE Art trip to Tate Modern

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