13th May 2016 - Issue 5
HEAD’S
WEEKLY REVIEW
Head’s Introduction While I am in danger of being justly accused of going on about it, I remain delighted with the findings of our ISI Inspection report, and it seems that everything I see around the school recalls one of the findings to my mind. To give just three examples from this week, the Roedean concert last Saturday as part of the Brighton Fringe Festival highlighted the ‘outstanding levels of creativity’ in the school, the girls who presented their projects to their peers, staff, and parents as part of the Academic Mentoring Project demonstrated ‘exemplary attitudes to learning’, and the U5 and Sixth Form Social showed the ‘strong bonds of friendship’ that grow here between the girls. Roedean is a truly exceptional school, with a dynamic and positive atmosphere, and while we will always continue to find ways to improve and develop what we do, it is wonderful to watch the girls growing up happily in this special environment. The concert last Saturday really was the highlight of the week, and congratulations must go again to Miss Fewkes and the Music Department for masterminding such a remarkable spectacle. It was wonderful to watch so many girls performing, alongside teachers, friends and choir members, not least our six soloists who performed to an incredibly
high standard. The audience, many of whom were members of the public visiting Roedean as part of the Brighton Fringe, were so enthusiastic and full of praise as they were leaving. To end with an impromptu piece sung by the Senior Singers by way of a farewell and thank you to a very surprised Miss Fewkes was lovely, and an indication of the high regard and affection they have for her. Well done to all involved. In memory of Carol Gao and Mr Alan Smith, two members of our school community who died this year, we have created a memorial garden between the Science and Music blocks. At lunchtime today, we had a small service and planted two cherry trees in full bloom as a memorial to them; it was a touching occasion, and the trees will serve as a beautiful reminder of Carol and Alan for the school. Those girls doing public exams in Art have been working hard to produce excellent pieces over the last two weeks, and I look forward to seeing some of their wonderful work. The main summer exam period will begin in earnest very soon, and Study Leave has begun today for 6.1 and U5. I wish all the girls in the top three yeargroups the best of luck with their revision and preparation, and, of course, with their exams.
Jartisan in the Young Enterprise Finals After winning the Best Young Enterprise Company of the Year in Brighton and Hove, Jartisan returned to compete again in the Young Enterprise Sussex Finals. They competed against five other companies from the Sussex Area. The competition was extremely tough, with each of the rival companies having won their own regional finals. Jartisan set up their trade stand for the judges and all of the attendees of the event to see. They handled questions from the judges with confidence, and demonstrated their excellent business knowledge. The group then presented their company journey to a large audience, speaking enthusiastically and with professionalism. Journalist and BBC news presenter John Young gave an exciting key-note speech before the awards were presented, and he emphasised how much of an improvement the students have made throughout their Young Enterprise journey. The results of the Young Enterprise Sussex TV advert were also announced, with 91 receiving a Highly Commended Award for their very professional adverts. Unfortunately Jartisan did not make it through to the next stage in the competition, but they have worked incredibly hard and should be congratulated on their success to this point. Well done!
We also bid farewell today to Mr Neil Roscoe who has been at Roedean for 4½ terms, initially here as maternity cover for Mrs Harrison. He has taught Biology at all levels, and been a great support to those preparing for Medical applications to university. He is taking up a Head of Department position at an international school in Bangkok, Thailand – we wish him all the best. I hope that you all have a wonderful week good luck.
Distinction at Grade 7 for Yelena Yelena Finnegan (L4) sat her Grade 7 Voice in April, and congratulations to her for her distinction, with a score of 89%. In one of her pieces, Mr Snow, from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel, she was awarded 100%. Well done to her, and we look forward to hearing about her Grade 8!