roedean magazine

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CONTENTS— 2012

REGULARS

02 Flashbacks 2012 A quick reminder, month by month, in case you missed anything

06 Two Views Life at Roedean, as seen by a day girl and a weekly boarder

22 How to make the most of your sporting talent Games Captain Hannah Ratcliff is inspired by Paula Radcliffe

40 The Last Word Head Girl Liz Mbu thinks the ‘Three Ws’ will set her up for success at university

FEATURES

08 Roedean South Africa Inspired by last year’s visit to the UN, the girls were keen to initiate change in another cultural setting

12 Setting the standard A £9m investment in the boarding houses will bring contemporary chic – but they will still be a place the girls can call home

16 Teaching and learning The impact of changes to the school day, the new role of Teaching and Learning Heads and the London Academy of Excellence draws on our history expertise

18 Eminent speakers Former Head Girl Emma Alexander’s inspirational Speakers Programme got off to a flying start with Sussex MP Nicholas Soames

20 Reflections on my time How many girls have debated in the House of Commons and battled with Jeremy Paxman on Newsnight?

The eyes of the world might have been on London 2012, but here at Roedean – Brighton 2012 -

there was more than enough energy and excitement to keep us occupied this year. Catch up on the girls’ charity work in South Africa, how we are helping social mobility in Newham, the ORs who are making history and find out ‘Who wears the trousers?” in 2012.

Many thanks to all the contributors to this year’s magazine. You can email comments and suggestions for the 2013 edition to [email protected]

Happy reading!

Zoë MarlowEditor

Inside frontSports Scholar Ivy Robin was chosen to carry the Olympic Torch (see page 4)

ROEDEAN REVEALED 24 Fashion Focus Weekend, Milan

25 Key Stage Three at Kingswood

26 Dance and Drama Showcase, Roedean Day

28 Sports Day

ORA

30 Old Roedeanians’ Association Review ORA President Sasha Glynn on how the 125th celebrations have reinvigorated the OR community, leading to rekindled friendships and history being made

32 Centenury of the Art Studio Over 20 OR artists, illustrators and designers came together for a very special exhibition to celebrate the centenary of the Roedean Art Studio

34 ORA AGM and Dinner Four charismatic and award-winning ORs spanning the Art, Health, Charity and IT worlds shared advice and anecdotes at the ORA AGM and Dinner

36 OR Profile Benita Refson OBE on how volunteering as a sixth former at Roedean opened her eyes to gaps in communities and eventually led her to set up a charity

38 Obituary A tribute to bold and unorthodox former Headmistress, Mrs Jean Fort

www.roedean.co.uk 01

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regularsFlashbacks

Professor AC Grayling shared the progress of his latest academic venture, the New College of the Humanities, as part of the Sixth Form Speakers Programme in January.

In a thought-provoking seminar, Professor Grayling made a strong case for appreciating higher education as a lifelong endeavour, rather than just a course at university. To prepare for a future which might include several different careers, he argued that a degree in the humanities was a valuable foundation for the working world.

Professor Grayling said he was delighted to have been invited to Roedean, noting that the pupils were ‘very bright and asked good, searching questions’. He has since sponsored a prize at Speech Day and invited the winner to join the Friends of the College.

JAN

MARFEB

FLASHBACKS— 2012

Roedean was the top senior school in Sussex for results in the new English Baccalaureate according to results published by the Department of Education in February. Over 80 per cent of pupils in Year 11 achieved this new benchmark for GCSE results, known as the EBacc.

The EBacc was introduced by the Department for Education in 2010 as a performance measure for students studying their GCSEs. It recognises the students who achieve A* - C grades at GCSE across a range of core curriculum courses.

The results enable parents and pupils to compare how their school is performing against the EBacc core subjects of English, mathematics, two sciences, a language and humanity – such as history or geography.

Iona Tarbet (Upper Five) won a prestigious piano competition in March. Iona was awarded the St Mary’s Cup in the 16-17 year old category of the Worthing Arts and Music Festival, having given an exceptional performance of Mozart’s Viennese Sonatina 1 and Chopin Nocturne in C Sharp Minor.

The Festival, which has been going for over 60 years, offers a wonderful platform for performance, the opportunity to hear the work of others and the chance to receive feedback from a professional adjudicator.

Iona said, ‘I wasn’t too nervous before my recital, I just wanted to enjoy the whole experience and it was such a surprise to win. The music opportunities at Roedean have really helped me, and my piano teacher, Mrs Fisher, is brilliant.’

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writer Mark Brooks

MAYAPR

In April, as part of the Brighton Festival’s Artists Open Houses Independent Trail, Roedean exhibited an eclectic collection of work by former pupils to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Art Studio. The exhibition had some very exciting and unusual displays showcasing the breadth of talent nurtured through the studio and its teaching staff over the generations.

Many exhibitors were current professionals within the creative industries such as photographers, artists, designers and architects. They include graphic artist Enid Marx (artwork kindly lent by Pallant House Gallery, Chichester), home textiles designer Clarissa Hulse, award-winning illustrator Rosie Sanders and luxury shoe designer Beatrix Ong MBE.

Full story pages 32-33.


features roedean revealed oraregularsFlashbacks

Over 160 Year 5 pupils from primary schools across Brighton took part in a Science Day with an Olympic theme in June. Roedean has been running the Science Day each summer term for the last five years, following a request from one school to use Roedean’s facilities.

The pupils conducted experiments which are used to drug test athletes, programmed and raced robots and constructed a chemical clock to test the 53.23 record set by Sally Gunnell in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

The day included a swimming session for small groups in the pool and finished with a spectacular ‘The Big Bang’ lecture from Professor Hal Sosabowski and his team from the University of Brighton.

JUN

In early May, Roedean girls organised a charity cake sale and raised nearly £130 for the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People charity.

Hearing Dogs was launched in 1982 to alert deaf children and adults to important household sounds and danger signals such as an alarm clock, doorbell, telephone and smoke alarm. The training of a hearing dog takes around 18 months and there are currently over 750 working partnerships in the country.

Typically Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Poodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels make good hearing dogs, though a small number of Labrador and Cocker crosses are also trained. The girls very much enjoyed meeting Eve, a ‘cockerpoo’ hearing dog and her owner Sarah, and learning some sign language.

www.hearingdogs.org.uk

JUL

AUG

Sports scholar Ivy Robin was selected to run with the Olympic Torch as part of its 70 day journey around the UK in July. One of 8,000 torchbearers, Ivy’s was a 300-metre stretch through the historic town of Arundel, West Sussex. She wore a white and gold uniform, specially designed by Adidas.

’I felt privileged and excited to be part of the official Olympic Torch Relay. I wanted the experience to go on forever,’ said Ivy.

Mrs Carnaghan said: ‘Ivy epitomises the all-round Roedean sports girl. She never shies away from helping both on and off the field. She is competitive while also encouraging others to achieve their best. She is a worthy representative of the Olympic values.’

Two Old Roedeanians, at the very top of their respective professions, made the headlines at the end of August.

Dame Elizabeth Gloster (House 1, 1962-70), the first appointed female judge of the Commercial Court, was hearing the high profile case of Roman Abramovich and his former friend Boris Berezovsky. Heard in the new Commercial Court building, the dispute was worth £3.5 billion.

Meanwhile Rebecca Hall (House 4, 1995-2000) was starring in BBC2’s Parades End opposite Benedict Cumberbatch, and gathering rave reviews. The story, adapted from Ford Madox Ford’s novels by Sir Tom Stoppard, is a love triangle set against the backdrop of the First World War. Honourable aristocrat Christopher Tietjens (Cumberbatch) is caught between his wife Sylvia (Hall) and a young suffragette.

Head of Careers Ms Reid hosted the first American University Seminar in September for Roedean and local pupils from Hurst, Varndean, BHASVIC and Cardinal Newman.

The session included practical information about entrance exams, funding and assessment, including the important message that pupils considering the US should aim to take SAT I, at least, in Six One.

Of most interest to the parents who attended was the presentation from Michael Colao, of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), who revealed that at many of the top US universities, ‘if the family income is less than $60,000, then the tuition is free.’ He cited six institutions which were needs-blind for international students: MIT, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Dartmouth and Amherst. Competition is ferocious, but for the most able students, America offers real opportunities.

SEP

regularsFlashbacks

04

Come and experience Roedean at one of our Open Mornings:

Saturday 2 March 2013, 10am

Bank Holiday Monday 6 May 2013, 10am

To book a place please email: [email protected]

Or alternatively scan the QR code below with your smartphone:


features roedean revealed oraregularsFlashbacks

OCT

The award-winning author of the Numbers series, Rachel Ward, visited Roedean in October to give a workshop to the scholars and talk to the Upper Three to Lower Five as part of the English department’s first ever Literary Fest.

During the crime fiction workshop, Rachel asked the girls to brainstorm words associated with crime and encouraged them to create a character in a crime story. Rachel then talked about the importance of strong beginnings in novels, using The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, Black Rabbit Summer by Kevin Brooks and The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney as examples. As a final exercise, the girls took their character and wrote the beginning to their own crime story, paying particular attention to setting and dialogue.

Shakespeare’s classic love story, Romeo and Juliet, provided the theme for the 2012 Discovery Day, which was enjoyed by over 40 prospective pupils from Brighton and London.

This year’s Discovery Day, which is the first formal admissions event for Upper Three and Upper Four entry in September 2013, was hosted by the Art, History and Drama departments. In Art the girls decorated their own Venetian masks; in History they learnt about Tudor London and in Drama, they raided the costume department to construct a series of friezes.

Having formed new friendships and consumed many cupcakes, our new friends left with a spring in their step, eager to progress to being a Roedean girl!

NOVOPEN DAYS— 2013

regularsTwo Views

TWO VIEWS— A Day Girl

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writer Aisha Dymott, Upper Three

My first memory of Roedean is going to see my cousin in a show at the theatre when I was very young,

I think I was about five.

I wanted to come to Roedean because I fell in love with it and it is the best school for what I want to do, which is fashion design. I can’t wait to make one of the dresses you see in the Art Studios! They look great. Art is my favourite subject and Mrs Stanway has already taught us loads of unusual methods to improve our drawing, such as the ‘Stick Doyng’ method we used to make Angie Lewin-style seedhead pictures.

Living in Brighton, I’m a day girl. Every morning I get dropped off at 8am and I go home again at about 5.30pm or, if I have a club, 6pm. I like going home at night because I can play with Samuel, my baby brother, our dog and our cat. I could stay overnight if I wanted to, I might try that later in the year when House 4’s refurbishment is finished.

I think the most important qualities of a Roedean girl are to be polite, helpful, hard-working and friendly… and it doesn’t matter if you are a day girl or a boarder for that.


— A Weekly Boarder

Once I’d been to Discovery Day, I knew Roedean was the school for me and, as I live in London, I knew

I’d be a weekly boarder. I’ve settled in fine, even though Roedean is a lot bigger than my old school, Eaton Square. My room is cosy and from my bed I can see an amazing view of the sea straight through the window. I can buy yummy popcorn at Horizons and I think our uniform is comfortable. But the best news is – no boys!

My favourite lesson so far is DT, we’re doing cool things with lights and thermoplastics. But I’m most looking forward to learning acoustic guitar – I already play the piano, and I played drums in my old school, so guitar will be a nice change.

Friday is a special day in the week because a sense of excitement about seeing my family builds up all day. Before I know it, it’s five o’clock and time to go to the station with Grace, Imogen and Michelle for the London train. I like that I can be pretty independent in the week but I can have fun spending time with my parents at the weekend!

writer Natasha (Tasha) Moss, Upper Three

features roedean revealed oraregularsTwo Views

‘Our girls wanted a project where they could see another culture and perhaps initiate change.’

08

Inspired by last year’s visit to the UN Commission on Women, our girls wanted a project where they could see another culture and perhaps initiate

change. So it was that 18 girls, accompanied by Miss Jones and Miss Langley, spent two weeks in South Africa this summer.

Arriving in the Drakensburg Mountains after 30 hours travel, we were exhausted. However, we were instantly revived by the visiting zebras on the verandahs and the views; for these mountains are beautiful beyond description. The next morning we hiked to 1800m with our guide, Elijah, who deciphered the rock paintings of the San people, before a picnic lunch with a baboon and its baby by pristine waterfalls.

writers Phoebe Hsu, Upper Five and Joy Bhattacharyya, Six One

photographer Phoebe Hsu

ROEDEAN — South Africa


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featuresRoedean South Africa

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Learning about local conservation efforts took us up to the Pilanesburg National Park and Ukutula Lodge. As part of a big research project, the

Lodge breeds rare white lions in order to boost the survival rates of these majestic animals in the wild. We saw lots of lions during our stay and held younger cubs as well as the so-called ‘little devils’, which are the slightly older lions with a lot more teeth! Before we left, we walked with a couple of nine month old lions; something I don’t think any of us will forget.

The week in which we arrived in Johannesburg at Roedean South Africa coincided with Nelson Mandela’s 94th birthday. The first event to mark this was 67 minutes of intense work for international charity Stop Hunger Now, in recognition of the 67 years which Mandela spent advocating for the anti-apartheid movement. It was an opportunity to get to know the Roedean South Africa girls as together we quickly packed 10,000 food packs for distribution. But this was just a warm up; it was time to split into groups and volunteer at three local childrens’ charities.

The first group went to a nursery in the impoverished township of Diepsloot, an informal (illegal) settlement with only intermittent electricity and water supplies. As we drove past the corrugated iron houses, a stark white building suddenly appeared – the nursery, built of shipping containers donated by international companies. We played games with the children, painted with them and taught them the hokey cokey, which they loved.

Another group went to Noah, an organisation helping communities to care for vulnerable children orphaned by AIDS, many of whom were young carers to their siblings. We made lunch for the children and started to clean a kitchen that was being used as a storage room. There are not enough staff at Noah to improve the building and its facilities, so we were really eager to help resurrect the kitchen area for them by scrubbing surfaces and floors and clearing out shelves and cupboards.

‘Before we left, we walked with a couple of nine month old lions; something I don’t think any of us will forget.’

02


The third group visited an inner city home for street boys and a project giving provisions to the homeless. Together we went to a derelict area of Soweto, where there were many destitute people, to distribute yoghurt and blankets. Finally, at a nearby after-school club we met a woman who was looking after her grandchild because her mother had run away. Their home was one tiny room, without heating or light and only a rickety door. After the woman had shared her moving story with us, many of us were on the verge of tears.

Also in Soweto, we went to Masibambane School, one of Roedean South Africa’s regular volunteering commitments. We helped with the reading programme with the little children and then did some dance, drama and music workshops in groups with the slightly older children. Coming back, we would love to build a connection, an ongoing connection, with the school.

featuresRoedean South Africa

roedean revealed oraregulars

To put the challenges of these communities into some kind of context, we ended our trip at the Apartheid Museum. Tickets for the museum are credit-card size cards indicating either “Non-white” or “White”, and with one in hand, we took an emotional walk into the dark story of a state-sanctioned system based on racial discrimination and the long struggle to overthrow this. Although the museum wants to be a beacon of hope showing the world how South Africa is coming to terms with its oppressive past, at that moment, the crisp air, beauty and light of the Drakensburg seemed a long way away.

South Africa is an overwhelming, beautiful and complex country with a huge spirit of optimism, warmth and friendliness. In spite of, or perhaps because of, its past, it seems determined to ensure that all its peoples share in a hopeful and egalitarian future. Visiting was an honour and a once in a lifetime opportunity. Thank you, Roedean South Africa and everyone who helped make it happen.

www.stophungernow.org

www.noahcommunity.org

‘We played games with the children, painted with them and taught them the hokey cokey, which they loved.’

03

01 The Drakensburg Mountains

02 Elizabeth and Shirley at Ukutula Lodge

03 At Masibambane School04 A house in Diepsloot

04

featuresSetting the standard

SETTING THE STANDARD — for boarding in the 21st Century

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As part of the school’s estate development, Roedean embarked upon a £9.5 million modernisation of five boarding houses this

year. This will include the redesign of 196 bedrooms, communal spaces and private study areas.

A Showroom was completed in March 2012 and work began this summer, to be completed next autumn.

The project, which is one of the most significant in UK independent schools, is being managed by the award-winning architects BuckleyGrayYeoman (BGY). The practice has remodelled British Council offices in London and Milan, fitted out Fred Perry stores and designed boutique hotels across Europe.

writer Mark Brooks

photographer Larry Bray

cg images Courtesy of BuckleyGrayYeoman

‘Roedean embarked upon a £9.5 million modernisation of five boarding houses this year.’

01 The Hobbies and Terrace Rooms02 The JPR01


The buildings he designed across the UK included museums, art galleries and the original Wembley Stadium, whose iconic twin towers he first designed for Roedean.

Paul White, Director at BGY and his architectural team undertook a significant amount of research with the girls while drafting the designs.

The students explained that they wanted somewhere that was welcoming and bedrooms with plenty of storage. They wanted comfortable areas for study and communal areas for socialising. Most importantly, they wanted the new Houses to still be a place they could call home.

‘Accommodation at a leading girls’ boarding school today should be warm, light and spacious – with plenty of space for socialising, study and privacy, says Mrs King. ‘The internal layout and fabric therefore require sensitive, yet significant, modernisation. The transformed accommodation will reflect the original heritage of Roedean, and preserve 125 years of history, while raising the standard of the facilities to meet today’s expectations.’

Roedean was originally designed by the leading architect of the day, Sir John Simpson. He was a former Roedean parent who became president of the Royal Institute of British Architects. Sir John’s Grade II listed buildings characterise the classic Arts and Crafts design movement that flourished from 1860 to 1910.

‘They wanted somewhere that was welcoming and bedrooms with plenty of storage.’02

featuresSetting the standard

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‘We learned from the girls that we needed to enhance the character of the building while making spaces for contemporary living. We have also developed a colour scheme based on the Arts and Crafts theme and individual house colours. The colours will be vibrant, rich and warm – no magnolia!’ emphasises Mr White.

One of the central principles of the project is the salvage and re-use of interior fittings. Thus original wooden banisters, cast iron radiators, tiled fireplaces, brass door handles and iron coat hooks are being carefully protected on site or removed and restored.

It was while stripping House 4 (Lower) back that one of the builders found a relic from Roedean’s wartime spell as HMS Vernon – a canister of Mills Web Equipment Khaki Cleaner No. 700. This light green powder was mixed with water and used to clean, waterproof and restore the khaki colour of the soldiers’ equipment. Other trinkets have also come to light, including a glass lemonade bottle dating from the original build in the 1890s.

Mrs King says, ‘This project is such an amazing move forward. It will feel like a home, but the atmosphere will be similar to that of a university – a very smart environment.’

Keep up to date with progress at www.roedean.co.uk

03 The Drawing Room – before…04 … and after

03

04

The atmosphere will be similar to that of a university – a very smart environment.’

‘

MUSICAL EXPRESS EXTRAVAGANZA GALA— Friday 1 March, 7.30pm

Roedean Chapel

LUNCHTIME RECITAL — Tuesday 5 March, 1pm

Chapel Royal (Brighton)

(tickets available on the door)

CHEKHOV’S THREE SISTERS — Thursday 14 – Friday

15 March, 7.30pm Saturday 16 March, 2.30pm

Roedean Theatre

BRIGHTON FESTIVAL FRINGE CONCERT — Saturday 4 May, 4pm Roedean Chapel

PERFORMANCES— 2013

Please email [email protected] for tickets

writer Peter Tarbet, Assistant Head for Teaching and Learning


‘Perhaps the most visible development this year has been the change to the structure of the school day.’

Perhaps the most visible development this year has been the change to the structure of the school day. By moving to hour-long lessons, there’s less moving around the site, leading to better punctuality and more focus on the subject at hand. From a timetabling perspective, I’ve been able to get Mandarin, Design Technology and supervised prep into Key Stage 3 timetables, increase contact time for optional subjects at GCSE and guarantee five hours of contact time each week for all A level subjects.

Alongside this, there are new progression opportunities for Heads of Departments – the new post of ‘Teaching and Learning Head’ lives and breathes academic excellence, as well as giving peer support and coaching to colleagues. We’ve also increased the emphasis on the AFL methodology (the idea that teachers establish what pupils know and use this to modify the teaching and learning activities) and we have Dylan Wiliam, the leading authority on AFL, coming to speak next spring.

We’ve also been investing in our teachers through the Middle Leaders’ Programme, run by the National College of School Leaders. Last year, Mrs Ellis took the course; her final project was about tracking under- and over-achievers. This year, Mrs Del Federico is building on that work with a new enrichment programme to stretch the most able students.

Specifically, Mrs Del Federico is working with departments to set up a new programme of master-classes and workshops aimed to inspire girls beyond the scope of the curriculum. The first activity this term was a Bloomsbury masterclass, comprising an author workshop on Virginia Woolf (English), the topography of the Downs and their influence on Charleston (Geography) and the social and art history of the period (History).

‘The new post of ‘Teaching and Learning Head’ lives and breathes academic excellence.’

TEACHING AND LEARNING:— at the top of the agenda



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featuresTeaching and Learning

In all the schools that I’ve taught in, I’ve noticed that, oddly, School Development Plans rarely mention

Teaching and Learning.

At Roedean this changed in 2011, when we launched the Strategy for Teaching and Learning (STL). We have increased the number of lesson observations, worked closely with consultants and run training sessions, including some by Dr Christine Harrison from King’s College London, where much of the pioneering work on Assessment for Learning (AFL) was carried out.


featuresTeaching and Learning


It is fantastic to be able to round off the year with three such varied achievements in Teaching and Learning and I’m looking forward to seeing their full impact in 2013.

The third exciting Teaching and Learning development came in September with the opening of the London Academy of Excellence (LAE). LAE is a selective, academic sixth form for pupils from Newham, near the Olympic Park, and surrounding boroughs. These are deeply disadvantaged areas, so the hope is that LAE will aid social mobility. At the moment there are 200 aspirational sixth-formers enrolled, with another 200 joining next year.

LAE will be offering 12 key subjects, including Mathematics, English and History. The subjects offered are the ‘facilitating’ subjects recommended by the Russell Group of universities for getting applicants offers on to highly competitive courses. Each subject will have an independent schools partner sharing expertise, and we were delighted to be approached for our expertise in History with Mr Davis and Miss Harknett.

EMINENT SPEAKERS — inspire current pupils

featuresEminent speakers

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writer Mark Brooks

photographer Larry Bray ‘He challenged, “With confidence and knowledge, you can do anything.’’’

01

‘Women can have lots of different roles; the question is how they fit together. When thinking of your career path, consider that many professions have two versions, ‘she advised. ‘Perhaps being a GP would be easier to balance with family life than being a surgeon, for example. Or a solicitor, rather than a corporate lawyer.’

Philip Eade gave anecdotes and observations from his biography of the tragic and turbulent formative years of Prince Philip. He left the audience in awe of the Duke of Edinburgh and his pivotal role and support for Queen Elizabeth and the wider Royal Family.


featuresEminent speakers


‘Women can have lots of different roles; the question is how they fit together.’

In early 2012, then Head Girl Emma Alexander launched the Head Girl’s Speakers Programme. Her vision was that every few weeks throughout

the academic year, a leading authority from the world of government, business, education or charity work, would visit Roedean to inspire the students.

Guests on the Head Girl’s Speaker programme in this inaugural year included local MP Nicholas Soames, Sunday Times journalist Eleanor Mills and author Philip Eade, who spoke about his book on the young Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

Nicholas Soames MP has been a Member of Parliament for 27 years, representing Mid Sussex since 1997 (he was previously MP for Crawley). From November 2003 to May 2005 he served as Shadow Secretary of State for Defence and as a member of the Shadow Cabinet.

Speaking in the Theatre, Mr Soames presented his personal perspective on politics in the UK and current world affairs – stressing the importance of international dialogue and cooperation. He challenged the girls in the audience saying, ‘With confidence and knowledge, you can do anything.’

Afterwards he said, ‘It was a real delight to speak to the Roedean girls, parents and staff. They were an extremely well informed audience and the girls asked terrific questions. The students demonstrated impressive self-confidence with ambition and will go a long way in their chosen careers.’

Eleanor Mills’ theme was the challenge of successfully balancing work and home life, given that career decisions are rarely taken in isolation from family considerations: ‘I hope that if girls are aware that at some point choices will have to be made, they will be much more empowered as a result.’

01 Headmistress Frances King, with Nicholas Soames MP and Emma Alexander

featuresReflections on my time

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Reflections on my time — in the UK Youth Parliament

FFor the past two years I have been the elected member of the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) in Brighton, elected to represent the

voice of young people in this area. I have represented 54,000 young people as one of only 600 members of the UKYP. I have championed causes in Brighton and Hove by organising events, running campaigns, making speeches, holding debates on issues such as the environment and tourism, and meeting local councillors. Chairing my local youth council, going into schools in Brighton and delivering speeches and workshops to young people has given me the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of individuals. I particularly enjoyed lobbying ministers like Norman Baker, the Transport Minister and Lewes MP, to implement legislation to improve the lives of young people. I was then elected Media Representative for the UKYP with a brief to form a closer link between the UKYP and the regional media, and also to link at a national level. I had been inspired to stand as Media Representative in order to tackle the challenges the media brings to millions of young people through its sometimes negative coverage about them. On numerous occasions, the young people I represented had been denied the chance to be fully heard or given opportunities that an older person would have. In some situations, journalists would not take account of someone’s knowledge, passion or energy - but just simply look at the date of birth. This inexcusable prejudice is not right and I wanted to challenge it.

writer Morgan Taylor

‘I had been inspired to stand as Media Representative in order to tackle the challenges the media brings to millions of young people’


featuresMorgan Taylor


I acted as rapid response spokesperson in the press, supported press work locally by giving advice, briefing and training to Members of the UKYP, and helped find innovative ideas for maximising press coverage on campaigns and events. One amazing opportunity was a live debate on BBC’s Newsnight, chaired by Jeremy Paxman, on the topic of further integration with Europe. I represented the views of young people in the UK; and, as the other guests were MEP Nigel Farage, David Davis MP, Paddy Ashdown MP and Peter Hain MP, the debate was lively! I also appeared on BBC’s Question Time, with David Dimbleby, and did several national radio pieces, including a Radio 5 Live Debate, which was a special edition on the London Riots.

However, without doubt, debating on the famous green leather benches at the House of Commons, not once but twice, was the largest honour of my UKYP tenure. There were five main topics (public transport, marriage equality, national minimum wage, getting ready for work) - I was supporting an education motion called “curriculum for life”. It was my opportunity to proudly represent my constituency and region on a national platform and a moment I will never forget.

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‘The most important thing is to take a deep breath and get involved.’

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST — of your sporting talent


I know that sport doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but the most important thing is to take a deep breath and get involved. Don’t shy away if you’re not as good as some of your friends; everyone had to start somewhere. Instead, try to look to the strong players and copy what they are doing. For example, I am a huge fan of skiing and I try to ski with people that are much better than me so I can copy their style, which has really made me improve.

Also, ask lots of questions; and something I really believe – after years of squad training at Roedean!

– is that practice makes perfect. Finally, sport-specific skills are always built on foundations of a basic level of fitness, so do use the gym if you have access.

Paula Radcliffe (sadly, the slightly different spelling of her surname gives away that she’s no relation!) has always inspired me. She’s the first elite athlete who really made an impression on me. In fact, I wouldn’t have started long distance running if I hadn’t watched Paula run marathons and it’s something I now love. You can run anywhere, which I find very relaxing. In fact, I am actually planning to run a marathon in my gap year!

This summer I saw the final of the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics at the Olympics, which was won by 16-year old Gabby Douglas (she is also

known as the Flying Squirrel!) from America. The O2 was completely full, so it was an amazing atmosphere and very patriotic. I think London 2012 will have made some girls more interested in sport; well, I hope it has. I think especially younger girls will be inspired and it will hopefully encourage them take some of their sports more seriously, for example by starting to play at county and regional level.

It’s great to be Games Captain at a time when there is sporting talent in pretty much all years of the school. Just for starters we have Phoebe Tomlinson and Grace Swann (Six One), Francesca Amewudah- Rivers (Upper Five), Phoebe Connolly (Lower Five), Isabella Mason (Upper Four), Gabby Wickham (Lower Four), and Amber Anning (Upper Three).

There are many more I could mention, but the important thing is that because each one is brought on by the coaching available and is committed to improving, they are all playing and competing to a higher level by the end of the season. I hope this means our matches will be hard-fought throughout the year (watch out, everyone!) and that it will be a spectacular Sports Day next June.

writer Hannah Ratcliff, Games Captain


features roedean revealed oraregularsSporting talent

‘Don’t shy away if you’re not as good as some of your friends; everyone had to start somewhere.’

roedean revealedFashion Focus Weekend, Milan

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ROEDEAN REVEALED— Fashion Focus Weekend, Milan

Mrs Stanway and Mrs Ellis took 12 pupils to Milan for this year’s Focus Weekend, which was on

Fashion. In London, they started with an amazing tour of the enormous offices and glamorous world of Net-A-Porter by Fiona Bansal OR. She gave a fascinating talk about careers in fashion and the girls were awestruck! In Milan, Saturday included a walk around the golden triangle of fashion stores, including the original Prada store in the Galleria which is over 100 years old. On Monday, the girls did a fashion forecasting workshop with Professor Matteo Bardi at the NABA Arts and Design Academy.


— Key Stage Three at Kingswood

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80 girls from Key Stage Three set off for Kingswood Activity Centre in Kent. The trip

was packed full of activities like Jacobs Ladder, Blind Trail, swimming, the teamwork course and the trapeze, a very large wobbly pole where the girls launched themselves off a platform to catch the trapeze. They also did some archery and abseiling and the infamous ‘3G Swing’(harnessed to a metal bar, you are hoisted 40ft up in the air before being released). Every girl gave it a go and so did the teachers!

writer Imogen Bailey, Upper Four

The showcase at Roedean Day is the

moment for stunning dance and drama performances and the pictures speak for themselves.

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— Roedean Day


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— Roedean Day

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— Sports Day


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Encouraging, strengthening and rekindling friendshipsLouise (Lou) Kenney (No.2, 1991-98) contacted us to let us know that she was starting her own catering business. Lou reminded us, ‘Roedean has the ability to turn out girls who will not give up easily and who really believe they can do anything if they set their minds to it and work hard. We are all trying to pursue our dreams, whether that’s with our own businesses, personal lives or in the wider world. There have been many knocks along the way but I think we all have tried to find a way through those challenges rather than giving up. I could go on, but it is only now that I can see some of the fruit of the education we received at school. For me it wasn’t about academia – the relationships I built are the most precious thing to me from school.’

The ORA Facebook and LinkedIn groups have both doubled in size this year so we are able to communicate more effectively to our thriving international network. As the result, our flagship annual events of Reunion at Roedean Day, the Hong Kong Reunion, Founders Day and the ORA AGM were enthusiastically supported by more ORs than ever and additional ad hoc get togethers took place all over the world throughout the year.

ORs shared their news with each other including: invitations to book launches, private views and film premieres; reunions; information about new OR charities, foundations and businesses; details of jobs, work placements and internships wanted or available. Pleas were responded to with enthusiasm by ORs of all generations and from many jurisdictions.

We were able to publish a very special edition of our OR Magazine which ran to 80 glossy colour pages celebrating all the OR news received.

All current girls and staff are welcome to join the ORA social media groups as we believe that this enriches our vibrant international community.




‘Ad hoc get togethers took place all over the world throughout the year.’

OLD ROEDEANIANS’ ASSOCIATION:— Review

writer Sasha Glynn (No.1, 1980-87), President, ORA

Hot on the very high and memorable heels of the 125th Anniversary celebrations the Old Roedeanians’

Association (ORA) found itself with a re-invigorated group of Old Roedeanians (ORs) of all ages keen to be part of the Roedean Family today. It was up to us to seize the moment, which in true Roedean style we did!

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Making and playing their part in historyORs played a fundamental part in the historic events of this summer. They carried the torch; were Games Makers; took part in the opening and closing ceremonies and concerts, not to mention attending and supporting the various cultural and sporting events and their participants. One OR sat just five seats away from the Queen at the Diamond Jubilee concert in Hyde Park!

Lorna Wallis (Hall, No.3, 1980-86) and her husband decided to grasp and build on the new found sense of national pride and launched the Best of Britannia (BOB) to help support businesses who manufacture in the UK.

Deborah Knight (Bostock, No.4, 1962-67) was elected Master of the Haberdasher’s Company – the very first female Master in the history of the Great XII City Livery Companies. The Haberdashers’ Company’s ordinances can be dated back to 1371. I had the privilege of attending Deborah’s first livery dinner as Master as the guest of OR and Roedean Council Member Margot Chaundler (Wilkin, No. 4, 1962-67). It was a real Roedean affair, as the after dinner speaker was The Hon. Mrs Justice Elizabeth Gloster DBE (No.1, 1962-67) who was taking a break from writing the judgement in one of the biggest cases in English legal history concerning a pair of well-known Russian oligarchs.

All the ORs we have been in contact with this year represent the very best of the Roedean Family. They all seek to excel in whatever it is they have chosen to do and make me extremely proud to be connected to them via our unique, supportive and ever-growing network.

None of this would have been possible without the significant contributions made by the 30 strong ORA Committee of volunteers and the Roedean staff we have had the pleasure of working with.

www.roedean.co.uk/friends-and-supporters

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01 Deborah Knight, first female Master of the Haberdasher’s Company

‘ORs played a fundamental part in the historic events of this summer.’

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writer Mark Brooks ‘My passion for art, and my career as a textile designer, was ignited when I was a pupil here.’

CENTENARY— of the Art Studio


In May, Roedean celebrated the centenary of its Art Studio with a special exhibition of work by over 20 Old Roedeanians, including home textiles designer

Clarissa Hulse (pictured), who opened the event.

Clarissa is one of the leading lights of the British textile world, producing beautiful and luxurious home accessories, wallpapers and fabrics on sale in Heals, House of Fraser, John Lewis, Liberty and Selfridges. Her designs are based on botanical images from plants she gathers and photographs herself and her hallmark is her beautiful use of colour.

Clarissa said, ‘The art studio was light and airy and a place of freedom and creativity. My passion for art, and my career as a textile designer, was ignited when I was a pupil here.’

Other exhibitors at the event included the award-winning botanical illustrator Rosie Sanders, who also exhibited at the Chelsea Flower Show, luxury shoe designer Beatrix Ong MBE, senior womenswear designer Anabela Chan, glass designer and engraver Katharine Coleman MBE, and Leonora Stabb and Linda Bushnell, the Lewes-based leather baby changing-bag designers.

The work of the late Enid Marx was also on display. Roedean had instilled in Enid a love of drawing, allowing her ‘to practically do drawing full-time in my last year’, which was built on at the Royal College of Art. Known for her geometric, abstract patterns – used to great effect as seating fabric on the Tube – later in life she taught Sir Peter Blake, world-famous pop artist, who designed the famous record sleeve for The Beatles album Sgt. Pepper.

Head of Art Mrs Stanway was delighted with the turnout of former pupils, VIP guests and visitors over the Bank Holiday weekend. ‘The point of this exhibition is not to look at the past, but to the future – to the ongoing work of former pupils nurtured by the Art Department over many generations.’

Over 350 people attended the exhibition during the May Bank Holiday and it was also open to the public as part of Brighton Festival’s Artists’ Open Houses weekend.

The Art Studio was completed in 1912 and is Grade II listed because it represents a fine example of architectural design from the Arts and Crafts period.

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01 The Art Studio, 1931

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Adela Hussain (No.2, 1997-99; Vice President ORA and Social Secretary) introduced the panel and before long ‘Question Time’ was soon in session. Eleven thought-provoking questions, submitted by audience members, were posed to the experienced panellists before the discussion was opened to the floor.

Rebecca Osborne (Long, No.4, 1982-91) is a film producer who recently produced her first full length and award-winning feature film, Forget Me Not. In a notoriously exclusive and financially tumultuous industry, Rebecca highlighted the value of networking and persistence.

When asked which piece of advice she would give to her 20 year-old self, she answered that although she had no regrets, she would have emphasised the importance of taking any and every opportunity which came her way.

Entrepreneur and Secret Slumdog Millionaire star Seema Sharma (Bahal, No.1 1983-85) spoke honestly of her apprehension the night before signing the lease on her first dental practice. However, once she had pragmatically assessed the risks, she found that the venture was worth the leap and hasn’t looked back since.

Seema’s impressive portfolio of healthcare practices and training programmes stand as a testament to her rare combination of courage and risk-aversion. She also recounted her life-changing Slumdog trip to India, where she encountered poverty on an unimaginable scale and was inspired to promote the work of three amazing charities.




This year’s ORA AGM saw the introduction of a new after-dinner speaker format. A panel of four

charismatic and award-winning Old Roedeanians (ORs) from the Art, Health, Charity, and IT worlds, shared their professional (and personal) experiences with an audience of 80.

ORA AGM AND DINNER— Who Wears the Trousers?

writer Natalie Nzeyimana (No.2, 2003-9)

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‘Last night’s meeting was really inspirational, especially for those of us that just left Roedean and are taking our first steps in the working world.’

Alexa Broad (No.1, 1986-91) said, ‘Having just gone back to work (to a completely new industry and role) after a family break of a few years, it was great to get some strong and inspiring answers from Roedean women. It is hard combining family and career, but clearly worth it judging from all of you. I will try to lose the guilt!!’

Funmbi Adeagbo (No.1, 2006-10) said, ‘Just wanted to let you know that last night’s meeting was really inspirational, especially for those of us that just left Roedean and are taking our first steps in the working world.’

The audience response to the event was overwhelmingly positive, with tables often in fits of laughter listening to Kirstin’s stories, inspired by Seema’s philanthropy, impressed with Jennifer’s successes at such a young age and wowed by Rebecca’s resilience and patience in the cut-throat entertainment industry.


‘It is hard combining family and career, but clearly worth it judging from all of you. I will try to lose the guilt!!’

Jennifer Harris (No.3, 1993-98), MD and founder of leading consultancy Board Intelligence, highlighted the importance of taking risks in one’s youth when there are fewer overheads and financial responsibilities. As a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit, in 2005 she was named The Times Young Business Woman of the Year and in 2007 she was listed in Management Today’s 35 under 35.

Further to this, she noted the importance of a sense of self-confidence, the awareness that challenges are always going to arise, but reminded us all that we have it within us to overcome them.

Kirstin Duffield (Cropper, No.2, 1984-89), CEO of IT business Morning Data, charmed the audience with her hilarious anecdotes of climbing to the top in the notoriously male-dominated square mile of the City. Her flawless comic timing was peppered with useful tips such as ‘get rid of the guilt’ where she urged women to free themselves of the crippling feelings of not being able to be both the perfect mother and successful professional they felt they had to be.

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01 2012 Dinner at the Lansdowne Club, London

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OR PROFILE— Benita Refson OBE

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I spent four years in House 1 at Roedean. Amongst my happiest times were taking part in the House Plays and being in the various school sports

teams, especially the Lacrosse team with its dawn practice sessions in the wind and the rain! I learnt to be robust in all circumstances, getting on with groups of girls from different backgrounds and countries and appreciated the exposure to a different world to that which I experienced at home.

As a sixth former, I took part in Roedean’s community-based volunteering programme. This frontline work opened my eyes to important gaps in communities and the need for non-statutory services to fill these.

Almost thirty years later, in 1992, working as a counsellor with adolescents, I found myself constantly thinking my work was too little, too late. Some of the young people I saw had already made unhealthy life choices and had deep-rooted problems.

I wondered what would have happened if they had received support early on - someone accessible with time to listen, to help them develop ways to cope with life circumstances that couldn’t always be changed. Perhaps they would have grown up with a greater sense of resilience and self-esteem, with brighter futures ahead of them? I identified a real need to reach children and their families sooner and knew that this would involve bringing services to them, in their schools, right at the heart of the community.

writer Benita Refson OBE

For two years I worked in the psychiatric welfare department of a charity supporting adults with mental health difficulties and then after some time in a totally different industry – as assistant fashion editor at Vogue! Finally, in 1994, by now a mother of three, I turned my vision into reality, setting up Place2Be. The charity provides emotional and mental health support for children, their parents, carers and teachers in schools. At the beginning we worked in five schools; we now work in over 170 schools across the most deprived areas of the UK, and we support 64,000 children.

Place2Be seeks to improve the prospects of children aged 4-14 by tackling complex social issues that can result in educational disadvantage. These might be issues such as bullying, bereavement, family breakdown, domestic violence, trauma, neglect and eating disorders. Support is tailored to each individual child’s need, from one-to-one counselling, to group work and drop-in services. Individual counselling sessions are also offered to parents, as is training and support for school staff.

The last eighteen years have been amazing; not without trials and tribulations, but growth, both personal and organisational, is never without pain. My closest friend from Roedean is still just that and, whilst I have lost contact with other Roedeanians, there are always very clear memories of wash hair day, house reading and getting into trouble once when I broke a little House rule (which made me decide I never wanted to write a thousand lines again!).

www.place2be.org.uk


1960-64Roedean (House 1)

1994Founded children’s charity Place2Be

2007Awarded OBE for ‘Services to Children and Families’

2009Received an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of East London

2010Awarded The Beacon Judges’ Special Prize for Outstanding Philanthropic Achievement

2011Runner up in YOU/Clarins Most Dynamisante Woman of the Year Awards

‘I took part in Roedean’s community-based volunteering programme. This frontline work opened my eyes.’

OBITUARY— Mrs Jean Fort

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Mrs Jean Fort was born Jean Rae in January 1915. She was educated at Benenden and then at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, where

she gained a history degree. She taught for two years in Kent before the outbreak of the Second World War.

During the war she was the personal assistant to Sir Ernest Gowers, a distinguished civil servant who was in charge of London’s civil defences. She then met and married Richard Fort, who became MP for Clitheroe, Lancashire, and devoted herself to family and political life.

But in 1959, following Richard’s death in a tragic car accident, Mrs Fort urgently needed means to support her five young children and applied for the post of Headmistress at Roedean. Despite her modest teaching experience, the governors decided to appoint her. It was a bold and unorthodox choice – for she was the first non-spinster and mother to hold the position – but by most accounts a successful one.

Mrs Fort had a commanding presence, a powerful intelligence, a clear way of expressing herself and formidable energy.

‘Mrs Fort had a commanding presence, a powerful intelligence, a clear way of expressing herself and formidable energy.’


‘The ceremony was carried out by Princess Margaret, who arrived by car but left in a scarlet helicopter, causing a sensation.’

Although her four sons were away at boarding school, her young daughter lived with her in Roedean House. Later, her second son Matthew (a food writer for The Guardian and a regular on BBC 2’s Great British Menu) joined A level classes at Roedean and is thus the only boy ever to have been enrolled in this most iconic of girls’ schools.

During her 10 years at Roedean, Mrs Fort oversaw many changes at the school, both in the estate and the timetable (brought about by the rapidly growing sixth form). One highlight was the opening of the new dining block in 1964. The ceremony was carried out by Princess Margaret, who arrived by car but left in a scarlet helicopter, causing a sensation.

However, after ten years, Mrs Fort decided her family needed her at home. The tribute to her in the 1970 edition of the school magazine emphasised her high standards, her patience, kindness and firmness; she made the school a happy place.

Mrs Jean Fort (1915-2012) was Headmistress at Roedean from 1961-70. Her contribution to the school was remembered at Founders Day in October 2012.

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01 Mrs Fort thanks Princess Margaret for cutting the ribbon on the new dining block, 1964

I am on the cusp of leaving Roedean, my home for the last five years. But as I go – hopefully to UCL to study Social Anthropology – I take with me

the ‘Three Ws’, which Roedean has engraved on my memory for good.

The first thing that struck me as I arrived at Roedean Upper Four was the Welcome and integration of international students. Coming from Lagos, the House Plays were the fast track to getting to know everyone – along with hot chocolate and marshmallows in the House, of course!

UCL, like Roedean (though on a larger scale), has a diverse student body of 140 nationalities. Thus I look forward to encountering new cultures and, in true Roedean-style, helping students who have just arrived in the UK settle in to university.

Once uni starts, I know I’ll be able to call on a great Work Ethic, as demonstrated on the Musikscool day in June. The challenge was to produce a downloadable album of four tracks in just eight hours to benefit national charity DEBRA, which supports the rare skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). We set ourselves a record-breaking £20k fundraising target and split into different teams including Fundraising, Public Relations, Marketing, Music and Photography.

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On the Fundraising team, I was tasked to cold-call local companies to ask for their support and also the local radio station to lobby them to play one of the tracks we had composed. Never before had the word ’No’ driven me to such determination. Feeling fully immersed in a battle to raise awareness of the EB ‘butterfly babies’, we found a resilience which enabled us to achieve our £20k target.

Finally, Women Working Together to Make Change in the world. Perhaps the biggest impact of any experience at Roedean was this summer’s trip to South Africa to meet children orphaned by HIV and AIDS (see page 8). It was a very poignant moment when we went to local schools to help with their reading schemes. We were there to provide an image of a bigger sister to them. What touched me most about it was the way they looked to each other for comfort. Amidst such abject poverty and uncertainty brought about by HIV, one might expect deeply sorrowful children. However, in fact, I found an inner radiance had blossomed in all of them.

So armed with these three Ws, which have in very different ways formed my character, I am ready to go, further reassured by Nelson Mandela’s advice that, ‘there are few misfortunes in the world which cannot be turned into personal triumph.’

www.debra.org.uk

writer Liz Mbu, Head Girl


THE LAST WORD— Liz Mbu

‘Once uni starts, I know I’ll be able to call on a great Work Ethic.’

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