Autumn Term, December 12 2014: Issue 8

HEADMASTER’S NEWSLETTER

As I write, the audience and cast are heading home after the last night of Tristan and Yseult. At the end of the play I was compelled to say a few words as it was an astonishing production of very high quality, and the girls, both performers and backstage, are to be congratulated. The play did break new ground for Roedean and, while we will always seek to create as many performance opportunities for girls across the year as we can, this creative risk and freedom is very welcome. It was a production that I hope inspired the girls in the audience to want to be part of future productions and which also encouraged the girls to be able to break the mould themselves in some way.

The term’s arts events, from Roedean Rocks and House Drama to Tristan and Yseult, have been spectacular, different and exciting. A theme of trying new things seems to be in the air and this is essential for the creative arts. The number of girls involved across all the arts is very impressive. It seems that Roedean really is able to find a niche and opportunity for every girl.

We have enjoyed a wonderful half term of activities across all areas of the school, with successes and concerts and shows celebrated across sport and the arts. We have seen trips and visits, here and abroad, which help to capture the imagination. We are working on developing more trips for the lower years as this is an area where we can do even more.

We have also seen renewed vigour and a branching out in sport. There has been an increase in the number of opportunities and the diversity of sports on offer which has been very popular, with scuba- diving being a particularly exciting new addition. In competitive sport, we have competed with a larger number of teams across more fixtures, and there are good signs that we are building strong foundations for future enjoyment and success.

Academically, our new staff have settled in well and, along with our established teachers, are working hard to ensure that we make teaching and learning both challenging and exciting. Our master teachers have been leading the sharing of good practice

HEADMASTER’S LETTER

across the school and this is already having an impact in the quality of lessons. Our aim is not only to ensure girls love learning, but to excite their curiosity and help them to try things out in a variety of ways.

I know that the Autumn Term is demanding and tiring for teachers and girls alike, and yet the vast majority have struggled on through to the end with admirable cheer and enthusiasm. This spirit is important to Roedean. We need resilience, enthusiasm and, at times, sheer determination in school and in life beyond. It is this spirit that which buoys me up at the end of a busy term.

When you watch girls going home or to their room at ten at night, having kept their studies up-to-date, played for a variety of sports teams, performed or supported the school play, run societies and sung in the choir, you cannot but be deeply proud, not only of all their individual successes but their ability to keep on going with all the things they do. It is inspiring and it should make all of us very proud – it certainly makes me proud of each of them.

I do hope all the girls, staff, and, of course, parents and guardians enjoy a very restful Christmas.

With all good wishes,

Girls all - unconsciously - smile when asked about life at school. Endorsement doesn’t come much more authentic. Sports increasingly busy and competitive - ‘come back in three years and we’ll be winning everything,’ reckoned girls, grounds at the front pitch perfect with all the trimmings and added sea views.

This is a school that’s going places. ‘Wish my daughter was starting there now,’ says mother. ‘It’s a fabulous place.’

Roedean Good Schools Guide 2014

ACADEMIC

3

“It’s begInnIng to look a lot lIke ChrIstmas!”

Kids Company was founded to support underprivileged children in this country by Camilla Batmanghelidjh, named as one of the 100 most powerful women in the UK in 2013. The charity works with some 36,000 children and families each year. Last year, Camilla was the guest of honour at Roedean’s Speech Day, and since that time the school has maintained a link with her.

This year, the members of one of the 6.1 Community Action Programme groups chose to support Kids Company. Before they knew it, their project had blossomed beyond their expectations. During the last two weeks of term, the school was challenged to give one present to Kids Company for each member of our community, so the target was set at 700 gifts. To encourage the girls to donate and reach the target, the school engendered some healthy competition

between the houses by publishing a daily update of the present tally. It certainly worked, and, by the end of the first week, the total was already 649, an amazing achievement. Camilla asked if a small number of girls would like to go to Kids Company to deliver the presents and get involved in wrapping them and making Christmas decorations – it was agreed that eight girls would go up after the end of term on 16th December. The problem was that so many girls wanted to be

involved that we had to go back to Camilla to ask if we could bring a coach-load of “elves” instead of just eight. Of course, she said yes, so forty-five girls and four members of staff went up to London on Friday 5th December. The girls really got in the spirit on the way, singing along to carols on the coach, but that was the calm before the storm; when they got to Kids Company, they threw themselves into the wrapping and the decorating, eating their lunch on the hoof so that they could keep painting and wrapping and glittering!

“With Christmas carols playing in the back-ground, our girls were wrapping presents, adding ribbons and bows, and visiting the art workshop that certainly had the wow factor! Vast splashes of colour before our eyes with bright paint and glitter in abundance. Decorating as many baubles as we could in an hour, ready to hang on a very big Christmas tree, was a challenge and fun too. Working with tissue paper in the colours of the rainbow was a creative task, and from flat paper, enormous flowers blossomed.”

It was a fantastic example of organised team-work, with everyone knowing their role in making the present-preparing machine work well. By the end of the day, Kids Company estimated that the Roedean girls had wrapped over 1000 presents. The girls just loved being involved with something which will make such a positive impact on so many children’s lives – on Christmas day this year, the Kids Company party will make the day special for four thousand children, and it is wonderful to think that Roedean girls played their small part in making this happen.

The project has been championed by Reke Jarikre and Seyi Adebutu, with Miss Keller’s support, and they have worked tirelessly all week to maintain the momentum. On Monday morning, we exceeded our target of 700 presents, which is wonderful - the current total is 841! Gifts are still being collected, and these additional presents will be taken up to Kids Company by Roedean girls on 16th and 19th December.

Thank you to everyone for your generosity – because of you, lots of children will enjoy a very different Christmas this year!

AT RoEDEAN

4

COMMUNITY

45 girls going to Kids Company to wrapTimetable for Friday 5th December: 11.30 Arrival, signing in at reception.11.45 Brief induction in Camila’s office on 2nd floor.12:00 All students to join the wrapping and packing team with Juliet on 1st floor. This would be an ideal time for anyone hungry to eat their lunch, but students should feel free to stop for a lunchbreak whenever they like throughout the day.12:30 Team Rudolph will continue with the wrapping and packing, while team Blitzen goes to the 5th floor for an art workshop with Andrew to make decorations for our Christmas day party.1:30 The teams swap over.2:30 Gathering up and departure

8 more girls are going up on 16th December to deliver any other gifts which are given before the end of term

“I am so pleased I signed up – the day felt very rewarding.”

“When can I return to help some more?”

“I have never seen so many presents!”

“Christmas cheer was definitely in the air.”

“I don’t want to leave just yet – I have more presents to wrap.”

KiDS CoMpANy CAMpAigN

COMMUNITY

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SoME voLuNTEERiNg NuMbER CRuNCHiNg…All term, our 6.1s have spent every Wednesday putting down their books and getting out in the community. They have done superbly well and are making a real difference to people and the charities they are working with. But here are a few numbers to give you an idea of what they have done: 52 girls have been volunteering for 9 weeks so far; already, they have each completed, on average, 22.5 hours of volunteering each (some many more!); together that means they have already completed a staggering 1170 hours of volunteering. This is an amazing feat and they are set to break records at this rate. We are immensely proud of them and how well they are doing in their placements, but why take our word for it? Here are some of the comments the placements have made about the time the Roedean girls have been spending there: “The feedback is overwhelmingly positive. The girls make an important contribution to the school, and the reading scheme is going very well, with the girls showing a good level of initiative and personal responsibility.” – the reading programme at City Academy Whitehawk “Very amenable and helpful, couldn’t do without her help now!” – Oxfam Charity Shop, Seaford “The Roedean girls who come to Messy Club are great with the children. I’ve found them always to be polite, helpful and most of all totally engaged with the children. They give each child their complete attention - I’ve never seen them unwilling to get in and get their hands on a project! They are gentle and focused, ready to help, and have a knack with those who might be a bit inhibited or hesitant. They are all good-humoured and friendly to me and when I give them ideas, I notice they take them on and go with them - such as Oonagh’s lovely mobile today. I’ve been delighted to have them with us and I know the children really look forward to seeing them.” – Messy Play Programme Our students are proving they have incredible determination and resilience in the challenges they are facing in their programmes, and they come back and tell us every week about what they have been up to:

“For my community service on Wednesday afternoons, I work with Year 1 children at St Margaret’s primary school in Rottingdean. I love working with these energetic children, they are so cute and can also be really funny.” – Jasmine Haddaway

CoMMuNiTy LiNKS WiTH CiTy CoLLEgE bRigHToN

There are a variety of on-going co-curricular activities for girls in the Sixth Form involving collaboration with the local college.

CCB students have joined Roedean students at school to take part in a Sign Language course, as well as Go-Kart Construction. The result has been excellent interactions between the students, and some have made strong friendships already, while enjoying the new vocational activities.

“My time at PARC charity shop in Rottingdean has shown me how inspiringly a community can pull together to create something wonderful after tragedy. After the terrible event of Conor Saunders’ murder, PARC charity have raised funds for a sports court on the promenade in Rottingdean. The aim of this is to keep young adults off of the streets and to ensure that they are partaking in positive activities.” – Megan Foster

Now, as we approach Christmas, take a moment to imagine what we could achieve if we all spent just 2 hours a week volunteering. If any parents are connected with local charities currently looking for volunteers, please get in touch with the CAP team for placements for this and next year – community@roedean.co.uk.Caroline Donald and Kezia Maynard (CAP coordinators)

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ACADEMIC

“FuERA” – SpANiSH pLAy

“We were delighted to welcome Onatti Productions on Thursday 4th December. They performed a wonderful Spanish play for the girls – although the actors were native speakers, they had been trained to slow their dialogue down specifically for this age group. There was a lot of fun: there were volunteers from the audience on stage, raucous laughter, much giggling, some chanting, and whooping of applause at the end.

The Spanish Department was delighted to welcome Onatti Productions to Roedean on Thursday 4th December, when they performed the play “Fuera”. The play was presented to all those learning Spanish in KS3 and KS4. The actors flew in from Spain to perform this play which has been specifically tailored for non-native speakers of their age studying Spanish.

MAKiNg uSE oF uNCERTAiNTy…

Jennifer Ge particularly enjoyed the talk: “The Physics talk on Quantum theory was an absolutely wonderful experience for all of us. We were sitting in a university lecture hall with people of different ages, trying to figure out what is going on with Schrödinger’s Cat and how the whole theory works. Though it was something that was beyond our syllabus, it was still nice to have a go with advanced theories and research. The talk opened our minds to a brand-new world; how would the Quantum theory work in computers? Why is it possible for particles to do things at

The number of girls studying Physics at Roedean has been consistently strong over the last few years, with around 20 percent of the cohort taking the subject to A2 level. On Tuesday 14th October, twelve 6.1 and 6.2 Physics students went to at the University of Sussex to see a talk given by the Institute of Physics, entitled ‘Making use of uncertainty’.

separate places simultaneously? The questions may still be a little bit confusing, but after the talk, I am definitely willing to pay more attention when we come across our Quantum physics topic later this year and will do some research online. It is really great to have some basic knowledge in this kind of advanced field. Attending this kind of subject-related talks helps us to get deeper into something we’ve already learned and to open the door of interest for those things we haven’t come across yet, and it gives us a taste of university life.”

Some of our students asked the actors questions at the end of the play, about the performance and also about their lives as actors. A little later, a brave group of linguists came up on stage to chat to the actors a little more and talk to them in Spanish. We were very grateful to the actors David and Amparo for the super performance they gave us, and we hope to see more from Onatti Productions next year.” Señora Azita Kazem

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ACADEMIC

Electrifying! What a night we had at the Old Vic on 12th November, watching the acclaimed actress, Kristin Scott Thomas (from The English Patient and Four Weddings and a Funeral) playing the rebellious teenager, Electra, who forces her brother to kill their mother to avenge their father’s murder!

Scott Thomas’ portrayal of Sophocles’ Electra was mad and unsettling. She was restless, angry and vengeful, and the stark staging emphasised Electra’s total isolation. The climax of the play was the final scene as the protagonist, contemplating the dead body of her mother, realised the enormity of what she had initiated. Our classicists at Roedean love the trips and they cannot wait to see Juliet Binoche as Antigone at the Barbican in March. What is amazing is that two and a half thousand years later these plays are still as engaging and relevant as the day they were first performed. They are grateful to the Classics department for showing them a truly dysfunctional family, and for taking them to see such an interesting performance!

RoEDEAN STAFF ExpLoRE bEyoND On 15th and 16th November, Miss Josephine Beynon and Mr James Maxwell attended the Explore Conference at the Royal Geographical Society. It is the annual fieldwork and expedition planning weekend, and, with over ninety leading field scientists and explorers, this is exactly the place to gain inspiration, advice and contacts for your own field research project or expedition.

AN ELECTRiFyiNg NigHT ouT

Miss Beynon had the honour to be invited onto the Education Panel at the event to speak of her expeditioning experiences, as well as those gained by working in the documentary film- making industry.

The focus of the Educational Panel was using digital technology to share the wonders of what is experienced and learnt on expeditions. The importance of experiential learning is something which Mr Maxwell is very keen to develop as part of the Roedean offer. This can be provided through expeditions for the Duke of Edinburgh awards at different levels, as well as through curriculum trips and weekend excursions.

The weekend gave them both much to think about, and they made excellent contacts which may prove useful in the future.

Both Miss Beynon and Mr Maxwell have been inspired to develop the co-curricular provision throughout the school, as well as within the Humanities faculty.

A wonderful opportunity which has just been launched to the girls is the chance to go to Nepal in the summer of 2016 – from the presentations, it certainly sounds like one not to miss!

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ACADEMIC

poETRy SLAM On December 2nd 2014, a select few poetry enthusiasts gathered for an afternoon of poetry recital and Roedean’s first ever Poetry Slam. Slam poetry sits somewhere between traditional poetry and rap, relying on the momentum of its delivery to give it its beat, structure and rhyme, rather than a more formal arrangement on the page. It is assertive and polemic in nature, delivering a fresh perspective on an issue close to the poet’s heart, usually dealing with perceived injustice or social inequality.

Special congratulations must go to Valerie Lau, who won the Poetry by Heart competition with heart felt and impassioned recitals of ‘You Are Old, Father William’ and ‘Train’. Valerie will represent the school in the regional rounds in the new year. Well done to all poets! Miss Helen Boobis

Ladies and gentlemen, may I now present to you,The weapon of destruction which is the mirror,The object which questions why you’re not thinner,Why are your thighs so damn fat?Why don’t your 10 year old jeans fit your fifteen year old body?It’s just an object is it not?Well try telling everyone else that,because that’s what society really forgot,Forgot to mention on the front pages of vogue and Elle,To remind people that as long as you are happy with yourself,All is well.But no of course not, people think their reflection is disgrace,When all they want to do is change their face,Oh no, what’s that? An ugly flaw? And as you see that, you see your pores – like they aren’t supposed to be thereJust, just use the concealer, cover it up more,And more and more, because apparently it’s not right to have impurities,Which of course just fuel the insecurities.Because the magazine says everyone should look good in that dress,Then why don’t I?It’s because the mirror says so.

The mirror has become an unhealthy obsession,When more and more people spend more and more time,Claw at their faces, drowning in their depression,Because society is doing the dirty work, the mirror is just the sidekick,Then why have times changed?Why is society to be followed now? Why is the mirror the monster?More and more people being preyed on,And then the appearances are played upon,The questions asked “why am I so fat? Why am I not PRETTY?”Because everything in life seems to get really…WONDERFUL,When you convince yourself that you don’t need breakfast on a daily basis,And when you walk past them, the shock on people’s faces,But the mirror still drains more from you.So don’t worry, there is liposuction and plastic surgery,Which reassures the victims of the mirrors purgery,Until everything unique about them is gone,Replaced with silicon, bones and makeup.

So to you victims of the mirror,To those victims of society,For those of you who have learnt not to love how you look,Break that trend, abide the rules of this society book,For you are you, not anyone else,Don’t try to be different,Or look different,Because uniqueness is beautiful,And when you brush those insecurities off your shoulder,You will see through the veil of lies,Which has led you to self-despise,You can finally see that you are perfect, rare and unique, So do yourself a favour, Wipe those tears from your eyesLook into that mirror, and real life perfection,Not the fake cheap stuff you see on TV,Escape from the trap of the mirrors deception,And look at the person you should love to be.

The standard of poetry was excellent, and one of the best, an especially perceptive comment by Lili Bank’s in U5, has been reproduced below:

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COMMUNITY

KESWiCK HouSE CHRiSTMAS FAyRE A big Thank You to all who supported the Lawrence House stall at the Keswick House Christmas Fayre on Saturday afternoon, in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society charity. A total of £277 has been raised so far!

The Christmas Fayre was a fantastic festive event. We had high quality products on sale, Santa’s grotto, elves and even a reindeer! The 62’s and community Action Project group in 61 did a fantastic job of serving warm spiced apple juice and cakes and enjoyed every moment of raising money for disability in sport.

WEiHNACHTSFEiER On Thursday 4th December, Mrs Whitestone and Ms Hammer organised a Christmas event for the German speakers at Roedean. Poems and stories were expertly read by Charlene Zehnder, Eden Wolfe-Naughton and Katarina Henderson in U3 while those who learn German in L5 and U5 listened attentively.

Ms Hammer, who is herself Austrian, explained how Austrians prepare for Christmas during Advent, showing photos to illustrate the appropriate vocabulary. Between the spoken items, we all enjoyed singing some carols with accompaniment in harmony from string trio Katarina Henderson, Sarah Colsar and Tara McMaster. All the performers were “paid” in chocolate coins for services rendered!

Afterwards everybody was able to enjoy some hot mulled fruit punch and typical foodstuffs from the German-speaking parts of Europe.

Thank you to staff members Mr Hargreaves, Mrs Gartner and Miss Mileham, in addition to German-speaking family members of the performers, for supporting the event. Thank you too to H3 for the use of their drawing room.

Lottie Brown (6.2) took great inspiration from what she heard from Rose Hudson-Wilkin:

“As a young woman in an all girls’ independent school, she made me feel like I have the power to achieve anything I want if I put my mind to it. Her enthusiasm and ambition really inspired all of the girls and we were reassured that we could do what people usually refer to as a ‘men’s jobs’. Personally, I’ve always thought subconsciously that I could only manage a female role in terms of theatre studies, but her speech made me realise that it’s not true at all, and, in that environment especially, you can be whoever you want to be without any stereotypical judgments, such as ‘you can’t manage a male role because you’re not a boy’. My peers who intend to pursue the studies in the field of engineering also felt more supported after her speech as careers such as these or physics- related jobs are usually seen as ‘male- dominated’. As a passionate advocate of a woman’s right to break through the ‘glass ceiling’, what Rose said definitely gave me confidence in my skills and abilities – it has really made me think differently.”

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SPEECH DAY

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SPEECH DAY

Following Rose’s speech, our Head Girl, Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, coming to the end of her career at Roedean, spoke eloquently in reply about change and grasping the nettle – this is some of what she said:

“Good morning and welcome. It is an honour to share the stage with Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin and to speak to you all today.

So, another year has gone by and I’m now that girl who I remember looking at 5 years ago thinking (I’m so glad I’m not you standing up there, speaking to all those people). The thought was terrifying. But life is full of surprises and I’m now so glad that I am that girl, a change in confidence instilled in me as a result of my time at Roedean.

SpEECH DAy AND pHENoMENAL WoMEN Speech Day applause rang out for our inspirational speaker, Rose Hudson-Wilkin, who is Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons and chaplain to the Queen. Having won the audience over by beginning her talk with an a Capella rendition of ‘It’s a man’s world’, she went on to tell the girls that one of her favourite songs, ‘Something Inside So Strong’, sung by the choir, should be an inspiration to overcome all obstacles. The opening line: ‘The higher you build your barriers, the taller I become’ had inspired Rose to continue to grow even when faced with seemingly insurmountable difficulties.

In this past academic year, Roedean has gone through several exciting changes which have benefitted both the school and the community. Firstly, the uniform. With the Sixth Form all in suits and main school in Sunday uniform, there is definitely a smarter feel to the school. With the opening of the first newly renovated houses last year, which were completed this year, Roedean is the place to be. Over the past twelve months we have enjoyed record open day numbers and an increased awareness of Roedean in the local community.

The community service programme introduced this year means that we get the opportunity to go into Brighton to make a difference, whether that’s by teaching primary school pupils or cooking meals for the homeless. There has also been an increased emphasis on independent learning with many pupils undertaking projects in their own time, and representing the school in Young Enterprise or in Youth Parliaments.

But some things about Roedean haven’t changed. The stunning location will always be a big part of the school, although it does come with its perils. 6.2 still almost get blown off their feet on the walk over to Keswick House, and coming to Roedean for the first time in a snowsuit and armed with a sleeping bag was the only way to survive the IAPS netball tournament!

The friendly atmosphere is at times overwhelming and the ‘Hi Sir’s or ‘Good morning Madam’s forever light up the corridor. The hysterical House spirit at House competitions is always a spectacle that has to be seen to be believed. The philosophy to achieve and to strive to do our best is something that has always been encouraged at Roedean, and even more so in the past year.

It is so important, amidst all the opportunities with which we are presented at Roedean, to remember how different things can be for young women elsewhere in the world. As such, I’d now like to mention Malala Yousafzai, this year’s Nobel Peace prize winner. An inspirational example of a young woman who was not willing to sit back and accept the norm, rather she risked everything to fight for change and continues as a remarkable advocate for women’s rights to education. In her recent speech at the United Nations she concluded with the line ‘One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world’.

Malala epitomises the spirit which we are encouraged to cultivate at Roedean. She passionately recognises the gift of female education as a platform not only to a successful life but also to a life that is fulfilling and happy; something that I have come to appreciate during my time at Roedean but sadly something that is not accessible to everyone.

As another academic year passes, the world changes, Roedean changes and we change, whether that’s through leaving the comfort of school life and starting university, or through joining as a year 7 entering the huge Malory Towers -like castle for the first time. But whatever situation we find ourselves in, this makes for many exciting prospects as we all try to figure out what will happen next. But it also leads to questions, uncertainty and anxiety.

People say you’re only a child once, but in fact I think we are living in a time that’s a lot like childhood. There are always new decisions and choices to be made; there are always new people to meet and new opportunities around the corner. It’s whether we choose to make the most of these opportunities that will determine the type of person we are. I am sure that if Malala spoke to us today she would encourage every single one of us to make the very best of every opportunity that comes our way, and to take responsibility for effecting the change we want to see in the world.So if you don’t remember anything else that I’ve said today, because to be honest, looking back, it did all whizz past so quickly, remember this: to the new U3s and Pre-A girls – welcome; to the L4s – explore and get involved; to the U4s – choose the GCSEs that you enjoy; to the L5s – try something new at Roedean; to the U5s – don’t underestimate the power of revision; to the 6.1s – work hard; and to the 6.2s – keep going, we’re almost there.”

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SIXTH FORM LECTURES

pRoF. AMy DE LA HAyEWearing baggy black trousers and chunky jewellery, Prof. Amy de la Haye spoke to the Sixth Form about how everyone finds their own style, one which suits their personality and the role they play. She is a dress historian and currently Rootstein Hopkins Chair of Dress History & Curatorship at the London College of Fashion. She has had a varied career, including curating exhibitions at the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum and Brighton Museums, and has written several books.

In her talk, Amy revealed what went on behind the scenes when staging some of her exhibitions including ‘Streetstyle: From Sidewalk to Catwalk’ (V&A 1994) and ‘The Land Girls: Cinderellas of the Soil’ (Brighton Museum). She explained how subculture fashion inspired the Streetstyle exhibition and showed how women’s lives in the Land Army were vividly brought to life by the Land Girls’ clothing exhibition. Amy also gave a fascinating account of some of her MA students’ exhibition projects. The Roedean girls enjoyed the talk very much, and found it both engaging and relevant.Dr Sue Blood

EMMA CoLEHow refreshing to deal head-on with such a taboo subject. There was no apology. There was far too much humour. The girls loved it. They laughed out loud and it made them think. Emma Cole has lived with HIV for 23 years - which is just over half of her life. Her infection was the result of an accident, one which brought with it a death-sentence. Her doctor gave her 8-10 years to live in 1991, but she’s still here - in 2001, on the tenth anniversary of her diagnosis, she toasted her survival and has done so every year since.

She spoke of the highs and lows, but she just pulls herself together and gets on with living. Emma wants people to understand more about HIV and AIDS, and her disarming frankness, matched by witty asides and laughter, created an atmosphere where the Sixth Form felt they could ask her anything they wanted to know or understand better. She talked very positively about the huge advances in recent years in HIV treatment and in reducing infection-rates, but this was matched by the fact that, because of the stigma and through a lack of understanding, Emma’s mother has not seen or spoken to her in 13 years. That’s why talking openly to de-stigmatise HIV and AIDS is so important. Excellent to end the term on one of the best lectures we’ve had. Dr Ross Barrand

Get encouragement and self-confidence right, with school ‘a platform for women to go out and feel that anything is possible.’

Parents approve of youth and energy. Girls agree. ‘They make you feel you can do anything,’ says one.

Roedean Good Schools Guide 2014

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STAFF PROFILE

A DAy iN THE LiFE oF MiSS DobbS After completing my GCSEs at a school near Reading, Berkshire, I considered lots of different career paths, such as veterinary nursing and dentistry. But after realis-ing that the surgical route in life wasn’t for me, fainting during every surgical proce-dure I witnessed, I decided to follow my strengths as a dancer and actress. I had performed since the age of three, so it would have been a shame to close that door.

I went on to graduate from Tiffany Theatre Col-lege as a trained dancer, having gained enor-mously from the many amazing opportunities to work professionally with experienced actors and practitioners. Following a two year whirl-wind at Tiffany’s, I was accepted into the Lon-don College of Music to study for my Degree in Performing Arts. After teaching Drama in

previous schools, I find myself here, enjoying the spectacular views from my window at Roedean! I’m certainly busy, as House Mistress of House 1 and teaching Drama and Theatre Studies. I quickly found out that every single day is different at Roedean, but here is a short diary of what might be a typical day:

7.00 Alarm goes off – I must feed the dog! Several emails need urgent attention.

7:45 See the girls in breakfast, and chat about how much better the food is and what

they’ve got on later in the day.

8.30 Breakfast time is over, so I get back to the house and make sure that all of they

are out and have made it to Tutor Period on time.

8:50 The girls are in Period 1 – catch up with the member of staff on duty in the

House 1 office, finding out with relief that Georgina in U3 only sprained her ankle

yesterday, and that it wasn’t anything more serious.

9:05 Reply to more emails from parents – it’s good to be able to thank one for letting

me know about her daughter’s success in a music competition, and to be able to

reply to another about travel arrangements for the end of term.

9:50 U4 Drama lesson Period 2 – we’ve been working on Greek Theatre this half-term,

so this lesson is focusing on the job of the chorus.

10:45 Staff briefing with the Headmaster.

11:00 Not teaching Period 3, so take the opportunity to spend time in Drama planning

my lessons for the rest of the week.

12:15 Back to House 1 and touch base with the duty staff in the office – nothing

serious to deal with – the girls have done really well with bringing in presents to

give to Kids Company.

13:10 Grab some lunch – the food is really good at lunch, especially the salads.

13:25 Walk the dog – it’s really getting chillier, but at least it blows the cobwebs away.

14:30 On duty in the boarding house until 22:30.

15:20 Check the travel arrangements for the end of term – have all of the boarders got

taxis booked to get them to the airport on time?

15:55 Conversation with Mr Rainey, the Head of Boarding, to check if there is anything

I should be aware of – nothing serious. When I get back, even more Kids

Company presents have arrived.

16:15 Talk to the girls’ academic tutors at afternoon tea – this is a good time to find out

if there are any worries which need following up during the evening.

16:30 Catch up with the girls in House 1 after lessons – if they’re not dashing off to a

sport’s practice or music rehearsal, that is!

18:30 Get cover in the House briefly and go and tighten Mr Green’s choreography

for him.19:10 Supervise prep, and help any girls who are struggling with their work.

20:00 Grab a fortifying cup of tea.

20:05 Chat to the boarders, and make sure that their school day has gone well and

that they are organised for the next day.

22:30 Off duty.23:40 Finish last chores and admin for tomorrow – run through teaching plans with my

Head of Department, but keeping to the Departmental rule of no emails

beyond 1am!

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DRAMA

puNCH-DRuNK THEATRE WoRKSHop On Saturday 29th November, all A2 drama students had a workshop with an actor from Punchdrunk Theatre Company to give us ideas for our devised piece, which will count towards our final exam.

We were interested in doing something completely different, and after having seen ‘The Drowned Man’, an immersive, site-responsive and promenade performance, we began to think about how great it would be to do a Punch-drunk-like performance right here at Roedean.

We spent the first half of the workshop exploring the ways in which you can respond to a site; by incorporating music and imagination, we began to create stories within a specific space. We also explored the ways in which we can use our bodies to express ourselves. One example we used was Hitchcock’s Psycho, in which Norman asks Marion if she would like go into his office to eat something; Marion is reluctant, but Norman lures her in. Using music from ‘Perfume’ and ‘Mulholland Drive’, we played around with this scene, placing much more focus on our bodies rather than our voices. In the second half, we walked around school and looked at possible spaces we could use in our performance.

We were made to imagine countless possibilities of converting everyday spaces into a Punch-drunk show. The idea of using the music room became especially exciting; ideas of a mental asylum, chamber and a prison came up in our minds.

Overall, it was great fun and the day gave us so many ideas to incorporate into our devised piece later in the year. Maya Muller (6.2)

15

DRAMA

TRiSTAN AND ySEuLTTristan and Yseult – The Winter production. This is the original tale of forbidden desires, broken hearts, and the agony of choosing one human over another. Seen through the eyes of the ‘Unloved’, Tristan and Yseult blends comedy, live music, grand passion, and tender truths, in an irresistible night of love. Lily Iravanian

This is one of the most loved school plays so far, which critics described as

“deliriously joyful”,

“heart-wrenching”, and

“breath-taking in every aspect”;

the Headmaster remarked

“it was more than just a school play, it was theatre”.

COMMUNITY

16

ouT oF SCHooL AWARDS

RoEDEAN REALLy DoES RoCK! Roedean Rocks! The concert, on Friday 28th November, promised to be a thrilling and electrifying evening of rock anthems and classic hits, and it didn’t fail to amaze us!

BELLA SWANN (L4)Bella was one of the U12 county girls’ tennis team which won the Young Team of the Year Award at the recent Sussex Sports’ Award. She had a great evening, and the former Olympic swimmer Mark Foster presented the award, and they were also interviewed by Radio Sussex. Bella has also been awarded ‘Matrix Player 2014/15’ by the LTA. She is managing to combine her normal school life at Roedean with that of an aspiring and very impressive, young professional tennis player. Her

determination and drive for excellence across the board is commendable in itself, and we expect her confidence and abilities to go from strength to strength.

OXBRIDGECongratulations to those girls in 6.2 who have been invited for interviews at Oxford and Cambridge in December:

Francesca Amewudah-Rivers – Classics at Downing, Cambridge; Joy Bhattacharyya – History at Girton, Cambridge; Cora Chala-by (re-applying) – History of Art at Pembroke, Cambridge; Stephanie Chan – Economics at Selwyn, Cambridge; Aanya Hirdaramani – Biochemistry at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford; Sherry Ji – Land Economy at St Catharine’s, Cambridge; Hindy Lai – Music at Queens’, Cambridge; Caroline Larkin – Natural Scienc-es at Downing, Cambridge; Kathy Tang – Biomedical Engineering at Clare, Cambridge; Sunrise Wang – Mathematics at St Catherine’s, Oxford; Swan Wang – Mathematics at St Anne’s,

Oxford; Julia Wong – Architecture at Gonville and Caius, Cambridge; and Daenerys Zhao – Economics at Peterhouse, Cambridge.

We wish them the best of luck, and look forward to hearing good news in January.

BERNIYA HAMIE (U4)On the weekend of 22nd and 23rd November, Berniya competed at the Mid Sussex Competitive Music Festival, held at Burgess Hill School for Girls. She won 1st place in the Junior Sonata class and was awarded the Joseph Tyrrell Cup with an ‘outstanding’ mark for delivering an exceptional performance. Earlier this year, in the Springboard Music and Drama Festival, she won 1st place and three out of six cups (individually and jointly) available for her age group in the piano section (age 10-14). She has a huge talent, and we are very proud of her success and achievements.

The members of the audience and orchestra were suitably attired in leathers, jeans and black T-shirts, including the conductors, Ms Fewkes and Ms Bartlette. Also conducting was Ms Whitestone whose back-combed, gravity- defying hair was definitely in vogue with the evening. High-energy performances by the choir and orchestra of Queen, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Elvis, Elton John, Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Adele and One Direction had the audience toe-tapping, clapping, knee- jiggling and singing along enthusiastically. There

were rousing cheers for Pinball Wizard and Rock Around the Clock, and Thriller definitely had everyone clapping along. The haunting performance of Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven also deserves a special mention. The evening culminated in a brilliant choral and orchestral medley of Queen’s We Will Rock You, Another One Bites the Dust, We Are the Champions and the iconic Bohemian Rhapsody. It was a superb evening, enjoyed by everyone. The retiring collection for the evening was donated to Kids Company. Dr Sue Blood