Roedeanians at the Keswick Hotel 80 Years On

During the summer holidays, three of our Sixth Form students took part in a hike across the Lakes to raise money for charity. They managed to stumble across the Keswick Hotel, the hotel that Roedean students were evacuated to during World War II.

"As part of our 5-day hike to raise money for the WWF, Mia, Merla, and I briefly visited the Keswick Hotel where the Roedean girls were evacuated to during WW2 (- this is how Keswick house has its name!). We ended up having a fantastic time, and it was super-fulfilling to raise £250 for charity – thank you to everyone who contributed! We visited Skiddaw House, the

highest hostel in England (1550ft up a mountain), saw the RAF performing training exercises by flying planes through the valleys, and we walked over 50 miles! Overall, it was a fantastic experience with equally fantastic panoramic views!"– Lydia (Yr12)

Year 9 Enrichment Afternoon

As part of Enrichment afternoon, our Year 9 students had visiting artist, Kate from Out Of The Box Creative Arts, working with them. She led them in various collaborative art activities which involved using materials they had foraged from the school grounds. The end result was some incredible group artwork which was displayed around the School.

The students had a fabulous afternoon and kept smiling, even through the rain!

House Shout

The start of the academic year meant the return of the infamous House Shout! The Quad was filled with students from all year groups, all dressed in their House colours. There was a brilliant atmosphere with chanting, pompoms, face paint, and even mascots. The shout was judged by Senior Team and prizes were awarded for Volume, Clarity, Style and House Spirit. Everyone did a brilliant job with each House having strengths in different areas, but the overall winners were House 1.

Trinity’s Triathlon Success 

Year 13 student Trinity took part in Brighton Triathlon’s 1500m swim event this month, the first sea swimming event since she participated in the incredible Roedean Chanel-crossing attempt back in June.

It was a beautiful day on Brighton seafront as she took to the water cheered on by the crowd. She did a great job of pacing herself and really got into her stride in the sea pushing herself to get a remarkable time of 27.11. This gave her first place in the overall female category, despite being one of the youngest competitors!

This really was an amazing achievement and will no doubt pave the way for future open water successes.

Teatime Recital

It was wonderful to hold our first Teatime Recital of the year, even more so because we were back in the Old Ref following months of renovation work.

The performers ranged from year 9, all the way up to Year 13 and the talent on show was remarkable. The youngest musicians were three students from Year 9, and it was clear to see how mature their performances were and how far they have come over the last year. Jemima sang in Italian, Amyra played Bolero on the Violin and Tilly performed on the Lever Harp.

There were performances from Year 11 and Year 13 students, three on one of our Steinway Grand Pianos and one on Double Bass. From contemporary pieces to the iconic first movement of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, they were in complete control and really showcased the instruments.

Ellen, who has only just joined Roedean, was the star of the recital as she performed particularly difficult Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen on the violin. She was able to encompass the full range of the instrument, along with double-stopping, and sections which required her to bow with the right hand and plucking the strings with the left at the same time.

The Music Department did an excellent job, not only arranging the recital, but accompanying many of the musicians during their performances.

Boarding Round-Up 

As we started the new academic year, it was lovely to welcome both new and returning boarders into the Houses.The first week saw everyone settle in really well with a whole range of activities on offer including rounders, toasting marshmallows, and board games.

Many of the boarders decided to get creative, making signs and decorations to put on their bedroom doors, while others took part in a mini clay masterclass.

Mid-Autumn Festival was celebrated, and the students marked the occasion by baking banana bread and moon cakes, decorating lanterns and taking an evening walk to admire the full moon!