25 September 2026 – Issue 4
HEAD’S REVIEW
Powerboating Sixth Formers and the Lawrence Programme
Head’s Introduction Sisterhood is about connections. Over the sea, between cultures and countries, and through time. This week at Roedean has brought this into sharp focus, in very many ways.
Our Chapel services, on the theme of the European Day of Languages, reminded us of the gift that we all enjoy at Roedean, of being surrounded by different cultures, traditions, languages, beliefs, and backgrounds. Twelve languages are taught in the School, and many others are spoken. Faced with the ubiquitous presence of AI, the uniquely human interpersonal skills we develop as part of a multi-cultural community, enhanced by the breadth of our experiences, are perhaps integral to our future success. Today marks the Mid-Autumn Festival, an important festival in Chinese and other Far Eastern cultures. By setting challenges and riddles in red lanterns, some of the Prefects from China and Hong Kong are sharing their traditions with their friends and peers. The central concept of looking up to the moon and using it as a conduit to those you love and miss, who are also looking at it wherever they are, is wonderful. The idea of nature as a vehicle to bring us together is also applicable to other contexts, with the sea being an example which is particularly relevant to us all at Roedean. This week, Roedean students have been power-boating as part of the new Lawrence programme, while a group made up of girls from Year 7 to Year 13 have been swimming at Sea Lanes as part of a fund-raiser for the Rockinghorse. This local charity supports children with life-limiting conditions, but specifically provides them with opportunities to swim in the sea as part of their care; this, bringing together philanthropy and the sea, means this has a direct connection to Roedean.
Rockinghorse Charity Swim
New Views Festival: The Event
At the same time, four students in Year 12 are currently representing the School and the United Kingdom at a weeklong international conference in Naples. With a focus on the sea, Next Gen 27 has brought together groups of young people to discuss and explore themes such as sustainability and economic development. The girls have been working with delegations from countries across the world, based at the sporting village for the 2027 America’s Cup. What a fantastic opportunity they have had! It has been another wonderfully varied week at Roedean, bathed in September sunshine, and we wish you all a lovely, restful weekend.
Next Gen 27 Conference in Naples
25 September 2026 – Issue 4
HEAD’S 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.
Roxane (Yr11) and Maisa (Yr10) For their insightful contributions to this week's European Day of Languages Chapel contributions [Dr Barrand]
Melissa and Xena (Yr13) For producing such lovely decorations and activities to share with the School the importance of the Mid-Autumn Festival [Dr Barrand]
Mid-Autumn Festival This week, we have spoken about the MidAutumn Festival in Chapel, and some of the Prefects have devised some exciting activities to share the significance of this important festival with the Roedean community. Xena wrote, 'Mid-Autumn Festival is a chance for families and friends to gather together and appreciate the connections we have made and the people who
we love. In Chinese culture, “togetherness as a whole” (团圆/團圓) is incredibly important, as it marks being in a community which one feels safe in, even though one is not always physically within this community. When you look up to the full moon, just remember that your loved ones are also gazing at the same full moon, sharing the view and love. 中秋节快乐，中秋節快樂！
Powerboating Sixth Formers and the Lawrence Programme The newly-launched Lawrence Programme is underway, and, on its first afternoon, some of our Sixth Formers found themselves at the helm of a powerboat, looking back at Roedean from out at sea, a view most of us never get. Elsewhere, in different modules, others were learning how to pull someone from the water, how to spot when a friend is quietly struggling, and how to hold their ground if they ever need to. The AI group got under the bonnet of the tools
Amyra, Jemima, Rotimi, Lily, Anna, Valerie, Jody, Cherry, Miya, Charlie, Tilly, Annabelle For making Chapel this week extra special with our own 'Les Choristes' – it was beautiful! [Miss De Jesus and Ms Ibanez]
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already reshaping their world, while some Year 12s began the long, independent work of an EPQ. Every girl has chosen her own path, and, in doing so, is living out the vision of Penelope, Dorothy, and Millicent Lawrence, who founded Roedean just over 140 years ago, so that girls would not simply take their place in the world, but lead ambitious lives beyond the clifftop.
Mr Halsey
HEAD’S REVIEW
Next Gen 27 Conference in Naples Four Year 12 students have spent the week in Naples, taking part in the Next Gen 27 international conference. Emmalynn, Faye, Lucy, and Natalie have represented both Roedean and the UK as the nation’s delegation at this inspiring initiative. They have they taken part in workshops and challenges with delegates from Italy, Switzerland, France, the US, Australia, and New Zealand. These have led to some amazing team initiatives, which were presented to the Minster for Education on Friday morning, at the Villa Communale on the seafront. The sea has been the theme of the week, so the Roedean girls have felt very at home. Their sessions have explored some of the most important issues of our time through the lens of the sea, including sustainability, innovation, economic development, inclusion, and active citizenship. Excitingly, all of the workshops have taken place at the sporting village for the America’s Cup in 2027, and the girls have been lucky enough to see the AC45 racing boats in action. We look forward to hearing more about their experiences and ideas when they return to Roedean at the end of the week!
Ms Earl
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25 September 2026 – Issue 4
25 September 2026 – Issue 4
HEAD’S REVIEW
Chapel – European Day of Languages Miss De Jesus: 'On Thursday 24 September, we celebrated the European Day of Languages, an initiative launched by the Council of Europe in 2001 to celebrate the rich diversity of languages spoken across Europe and around the world. We are incredibly fortunate to be a truly international community. With over 40 nationalities represented, we are surrounded by different languages, cultures, traditions, and experiences. This diversity is an important part of who we are, and something that we should celebrate. Learning a language takes courage. It means being willing to make mistakes, to feel unsure, and sometimes not have the words you want. But, for me, that courage has opened up a world of experiences. Speaking different languages has allowed me to travel, to connect with people from different cultures, and, most importantly, to form friendships and meaningful connections with people I may never otherwise have met. Languages have brought people into my life and made the world feel a little smaller. Languages give us so much more than vocabulary and grammar. They give us a window into other cultures and different ways of seeing the world. They encourage us to be curious and open minded and remind us that there is no single way of experiencing life.'
tradition of announcing this year’s Language and Culture Ambassadors: Alicia (Yr13), Iva, Juliette, Elizabeth, and Molly (Yr12), Anna, Mabel, and Amara (Yr10).' Maisa: 'We often talk about languages as a skill for travel, exams and jobs. But the true power of a language goes much deeper. Language is not just a tool for naming things. It carries the history, the humour, and the world experience of the people who speak it. Languages are important to me as it has always been part of my life. It is the way I communicate and make memorable times with part of my family. By speaking Spanish, spending time with family in a different country, I understand the language and can immerse myself in conversations, and I understand that culture as it’s a part of me. Most memories are with my cousins and friends in Peru and Spain, as jokes and fun moments are shared. It’s like a second home. Languages force us to step outside our comfort zone. It asks us to be patient, to make mistakes. In return, it shows us open-mindedness. It teaches us to see the world from different perspectives. It’s so important as you can experience so many new things that may not be possible if you limit yourself. It’s important to me as my life would not be the same without it.'
Ms Ibanez: 'As you know, languages are also very closely connected to identity, family and culture.
Roxane: 'Bonjour tout le monde. Je m’appelle Roxane et je parle français et anglais, et j’apprends l’italien.
One of the absolute pleasures of speaking another language is being able to pass it on to the next generation. I feel incredibly fortunate to be raising my child bilingually, and to have the opportunity to pass on my language and my culture.
Speaking and learning several languages has enriched my life in many ways. Knowing languages allows me to communicate with a wide range of people. They also allow me to discover more about different cultures and traditions.
It means being able to share not just words, but traditions, stories, celebrations, humour, and a sense of where we come from. Speaking my language with my child gives him a connection to his heritage and allows him to experience another part of his identity.
I believe languages are important because communication is a key factor of human relationships. I have found that when I make the effort to learn someone’s language, I also show respect for their culture. Even knowing a few simple words can help create a connection.
I also think that growing up with more than one language can help us understand and appreciate different perspectives. Languages encourage us to listen, to be curious, and to embrace differences rather than being afraid of them.
Learning languages can also help to connect with people from different cultures. Languages allow me to read books and watch movies in their original form. They also allow me to communicate with people who have different cultural backgrounds.
Ultimately, languages are about much more than communication. They bring people together. They help us understand other cultures, form friendships and see the world through someone else’s eyes. As part of our European Day of Languages celebrations, we are pleased to continue the
Learning languages can also encourage open mindedness and help us see the world from different perspectives. Knowing and learning different languages help me be more curious about people whose experiences are different from our own. Page 4
A memorable experience I have had because of speaking another language happened at a summer camp a few years ago. I met a very nice girl, and we started communicating in English since we both thought that it would be the only language we had in common. So, we spoke English for a whole day and at the end of the day she called her parents and I realised she was French, like me! Overall, I believe that learning languages opens new doors as it helps us communicate and understand people better.'
Français Deutsch Русский 廣東話 Español Italiano 日本語 Português 'Eλληνική 普通话 linguā latīnā
bsl
25 September 2026 – Issue 4
HEAD’S REVIEW
New Views Festival: The Event At the very end of last term, Millie (Yr13) was delighted to watch a performance at the National Theatre of the play she had written as part of the New Views' Festival programme. It was chosen as one of six plays from all the entrants nationally: 'The day at the National Theatre was one of the most unique and uniquely terrifying experiences of my life. It started off with meeting the other playwrights (or festival writers, as they called us) in the foyer of the Dorfman Theatre. Instantly, one picks up the sense of the business of the NT. Even in the scenery: posters of old plays, television screens which showed people walking the War Horse and sweeping up the Pride hotpink glitter, and, my personal favourite, a large painting of the woman currently sitting behind the desk. We were then escorted to the Olivier stage, through the backdoor entrance. The first thing on the agenda for the day was watching the dress rehearsal on the stage. While wearing headsets, we got to watch these rehearsals, which allowed me to gather myself before it would be shown to an actual audience. After a quick lunch break, we headed into a dressing room of the Olivier and, in between admiring the rail of quick-change WWI uniforms for War Horse, the other writers and I discussed
what we were most nervous about. The biggest fear that came to my mind was that people would not find the funny bits of my play funny, although I did agree on the nerve-wracking idea of the Q&A at the end. Eventually, the performance time did come. The two other writers and I were sitting at the end of a row in the audience, in front of a vocal group of people who did not realise we were the writers. I was delighted by the reactions from the audience to my play, from the laughter to what can best be described as a disgusted gasp. Overall, the day was thrilling and, as we drank our Coca-Colas in the afterparty, we were all very sad that it was over.' Livvy (Yr11) shared her experience: 'My highlight was definitely watching the plays! I found the fact that they were written by people around my age so inspiring! I thought Millie was incredibly funny, as was her piece! I found the fact that she had a clear understanding of what she wanted her piece to be, and the fact that it was carried through, very inspiring!' Ms Rodriguez, who guided Millie through the process, said, 'Our day at the National Theatre was nothing short of extraordinary. Watching our students immerse themselves in workshops
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led by industry professionals was incredibly rewarding, but the absolute highlight was seeing Millie’s play brought to life by professional actors on the iconic Olivier Stage. When we first embarked on the New Views project, my goal was simple: to give our students space to find their authentic voices and write without limitations or restrictive briefs. To guide Millie through that process and see her unique vision fully realised was a privilege. Above all, the experience served as a powerful reminder of why theatre matters. Seeing our students rally around Millie, cheering her success while connecting so deeply with the other stories told on stage demonstrated the true impact of the arts. Theatre doesn't just build confidence and creativity; it fosters empathy, builds community, and gives young people a platform to be heard. That transformative power is precisely why we do what we do, and New Views and our day at the National was an impactful reminder.'
Ms Woodbridge
HEAD’S REVIEW
New Girls’ Picnic Ahead of the Year 7s' first days at Roedean, around half of their families joined the Parents' Guild for a lovely picnic. The girls had a fantastic afternoon, and we were blessed with a beautiful sunny afternoon. The girls were fast friends, sharing food, playing games on the grass, and chatting endlessly. The glitter tattoo station was a particular highlight, with the girls even created a beautiful blue deer inspired by the Roedean school logo – it was a lovely reflection of their excitement about starting Year 7! In addition, it was a wonderful opportunity for the parents to connect too. Parents of existing students shared their tips and tricks, while new families had the chance to meet and build connections. All reports suggest the afternoon helped the girls feel more confident and excited ahead of their first day. For those who weren’t able to join us, we look forward to getting to know you and your girls over the coming months and at the many events ahead. It was a lovely start to welcoming our new families into the Roedean community.
Roedean Parents' Guild
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25 September 2026 – Issue 4
HEAD’S REVIEW
1st XI Cup Match vs Worth The 1st XI faced a challenging Cup fixture against Worth School, eventually falling to a 5-0 defeat at home. There were however still plenty of positives to take from the match as the squad now turns its attention towards the Shield Competition. Worth started strongly and put the team under pressure early on. Despite this, Roedean battled hard throughout the game, showing good determination and refusing to give up when faced with sustained periods of pressure. The team worked hard defensively and continued to compete for every ball, especially inside the circle.
U14B Effort and Tenacity vs Brighton College Roedean U14Bs faced a strong Brighton College side in a challenging fixture, eventually losing 5-0 after going into half-time 2-0 down. Despite the result, Roedean showed good effort and commitment throughout the match. The players worked hard for one another and demonstrated a positive attitude, particularly when under pressure from a well-organised Brighton College team.
As the game progressed, the team began to find more opportunities going forward. There were some promising attacking moments, with the team creating opportunities around the opposition circle and showing greater intent to move the ball forward. Unfortunately, we were unable to convert these chances into goals. The second half continued to be a test of character, but the players maintained their effort and commitment until the final whistle. Although the final scoreline did not reflect the performance the team had hoped for, the players can take confidence from the fact that they continued to work for one another and showed resilience throughout. The team will now look to regroup, reflect, and take the positives into the Shield Competition, where they will have another opportunity to showcase their ability and hopefully progress further in the competition.
Mr Campleman
The entire team applied their hockey principles effectively, moving the ball well and creating good passing options in possession. Their ability to use width, move the ball quickly, and make effective decisions, allowed them to create a number of attacking opportunities. Roedean worked hard defensively to stay organised, pressure the ball, and protect the middle of the pitch, but Brighton College's movement and passing eventually created openings. At half-time, we were 2-0 down, but continued to show good determination in the second half to move the ball up the pitch. The team worked hard to compete for possession and looked to transition forward when opportunities arose. However, Brighton College continued to apply pressure and added three further goals to finish the match 5-0. There were plenty of positives to take from the performance, particularly the effort, resilience, and teamwork shown throughout the match. Going forward, the U14Bs will continue to develop their ability to react quickly when possession changes hands. This area will help the team become more effective in both attack and defence in future fixtures.
U13B Triangular This week, the U13B team played a triangular fixture against Windlesham House and Brighton College, providing the girls with some excellent and challenging match play. The first game against Windlesham House was a real nail-biter, ending in a 0-0 draw. Shalom was awarded Attacking Player of the Game, while Amelie was recognised for her strong defensive presence. The girls then faced Brighton College in an exciting end-to-end game. They showed great confidence on the ball, and put into practice the skills they have developed this term. Despite a 3-1 defeat, there were many positives to take. Camilla was named Player of the Game for her tireless running, while Shalom was recognised again for her consistent pressure and work across the pitch.
Cora’s Cricketing Success Congratulations to Cora (Yr10) and her Cricket Club, who won the Sussex Softball Finals last weekend. She and the team were also invited to Sussex Cricket Club County Ground, where Cora was awarded the Girls' Spirit of Cricket Award at an awards ceremony celebrating girls' cricket. Well done Cora on your cricketing accomplishments this season!
Mr Campleman
Well done, everyone!
25 September 2026 – Issue 4
Mr Williams Page 7
Mr Campleman
25 13 September October 2026 2023 – Issue 46
HEAD’S HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW REVIEW
Hockey vs Ardingly U13A vs Tough Opposition
U13E vs Ardingly U13D
The U13A faced a challenging fixture against a strong Ardingly side, eventually going down 7-0, with the score 3-0 at half-time. Ardingly dominated large periods of the match, with one particularly skilful and influential player causing the team significant difficulties. Despite this, the girls worked hard to maintain their defensive shape and structure, showing good discipline and determination when under pressure. There were also plenty of positive moments in attack. The team managed to make several promising advances up the pitch and showed good intent when moving forward. The main challenge was converting these advances into effective circle entries, with Ardingly defending well and making it difficult for the girls to infiltrate the attacking circle. As the game progressed, the team continued to work hard and never stopped competing. Although the scoreline became increasingly difficult, the girls continued to show resilience and tried to apply the principles they had been working on in training these first few weeks. Overall, this was a valuable learning experience against a very strong opponent. The girls should be pleased with their effort, defensive organisation, and willingness to keep attacking, while recognising that improving circle entries and dealing with key opposition players will be important areas for development in future fixtures.
On Wednesday, the U13E had an away game versus Ardingly. We looked to improve our spacing and moving the ball down the right more often. This had definitely improved from our last match, so they should be proud. It was a warm afternoon and, due to absence we had no subs, and the girls worked their socks off!! Unfortunately, Ardingly were efficient up front and managed to score some great goals, taking the win. Special mention goes to Tallulah and Lome, who were named as Opposition's Players.
Mrs Hammond
U13B The U13Bs lost 1-2 to an impressive Ardingly team in a game that could easily have seen a double figure score conceded. Ardingly began impressively – they moved the ball quickly and posed a constant threat to the goal. They scored twice, and had several short corners, but, with Natasha grabbing a well-taken goal, following a quick re-start from a free hit, the score was just 1-2 at half-time. How the second half remained goal-less is a mystery, and was in no small part down to Harriet, who was outstanding in goal, making countless saves with both feet and her stick. Some tough lessons were learnt in this match, but it was one which will be invaluable for their future development.
U15A SNS Netball vs Seaford On Thursday, the U15A Netball team travelled away to Seaford for the first round of the Sisters In Sport National Cup compeition. After a focused warm-up, we came out of the blocks well, taking a 3-goal lead. Seaford responded well, and took the lead at the end of the first quarter, the score being 6-10. The second quarter was tightly-contested, with both teams' shooters sinking every shot. That quarter was a draw, so Seaford still had a 4-goal lead at half-time. We fought back well in the third quarter, taking our turnovers to goal and maintaining possession on our own centre pass. This meant that, by the end of the third quarter, it was back on centre pass, with it all to play for. We defended extremely well as a team, and hussled right until the end. Unfortunately, we couldn't get that final turnover for us to take it. The final score was 44-45 to Seaford. It was an excellent game of Netball to watch, and a huge well done goes to the whole squad. Congratulations to Heidi and Ruby for being named Opposition's Player, and to Izzy for being Coach's Player. We are now into the plate, but we expect big things from this talented squad in this competition.
Mrs Hammond
Mr Smethurst
Mr Campleman
We welcome contributions from all parts of the Roedean community. If you have something you would like featured in the Head’s Weekly Review, please email: aws@roedean.co.uk
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