Roedean

[giddybiddy]

Has anyone with a DD here currently any feedback, particularly relating to the music and drama please? Many thanks

DD at Roedean. There is simply masses of both. Some girls just do one from music or drama. There are plays for scholars, plays for year groups and plays for houses (highly competitive I would add. Likewise there are several choirs, orchestras and musical recitals throughout the year. Many girls participate right through to Year 13. There is no sense of "I am too old / too cool to do extra-curricular activities". Nearly all the children specialise in at least one from music, drama or sport.

Thanks so much, is the standard good?

DD not into either so I had a hunt on their website and here is their info on music and drama found under Co-curricular - Performing Arts. I am aware of most of the events and I know there is a whole calendar of musical concerts. Having found what you are interested in, you could find the Head's Review (a summary of each week's event) for that week which are published weekly. They are found under the News - Head's Review. There is a Drama Scholars’ Production in February so keep an eye out as this should feature in the weekly review.

Re Music:
Roedean girls were entered for ten Grade 8 ABRSM exams over the last year, and five were awarded Distinction.
A wide range of ensembles come together every week, including Senior Strings, the Guitar Ensemble, the Roedean School Choir, as well as a number of chamber groups, such as a Piano Trio and two String Quartets.
Some pupils also attend Saturday music colleges in London.
Our musicians also go on to study Music at tertiary level at Oxford, Birmingham, Cardiff, Bristol, York, the Royal Academy of Music, and Trinity Laban.

And here is the same for drama:
There are three major productions each year:
The Winter Production in December is for girls in Years 8-13
The Drama Scholars’ Production takes place in February
The Summer Production in June is for those in Years 7-9.
Entry to all these companies is by audition and competition is fierce.
In addition, there are House Plays, run by girls, in early autumn, as well as a vast number of examination performances, the latter usually running through the Easter Term.

The School is also involved in writing schemes at a national level and is engaged with The National Student Drama Festival; girls are also current members of The National Youth Theatre.

Seems like I am doing a major sell but this gives you some detail. One thing to add is that there are several choirs at different levels. Also, she has friends in productions who are going on to do Drama at Uni. They do amazing open days and worth the travel - I wish we could go again as they are really fun (yes I know that sounds ridiculous).

Also I know Roedean has a reputation of Chinese students - this is changed under new Head although they still take a few at 6th Form. DD says there are now a large number of UK boarders from Year 7 (L3 I think). If you need anything else I could dig around the Parent Portal.

Sounds really great interesting, thank you. What about pastorally - is it a kind, nurturing school? Do you feel your DD has flourished there? Is there a 'type' of girl that would do well at Roedean?

Personally it has been the making of her. She actually said she would love to join in Year 7 as it is now and do it all over again. She will be devastated to leave. She says groups of tiny Year 7s are always rushing about laughing - they try to choose carefully to ensure a nice year group - the end result is most of them look about 9 and you want to give them all a hug. There is competition but maybe more so for day girls as a lot of local girls apply and from what I can tell they try to keep a balance between boarders and daygirls. They are trying to do everything right and so far, so good. I would add that the open days are very formal and I don't think they convey how much fun they have as well. Bear that in mind when you visit.

Thanks so much! Am looking forward to visiting..

I heard people said all students are required to take Mandarin in Roedean, is it still true or it is only a rumors? Even though I do not against taking any foreign language in particular, just whenever heard people saying this, they sound "negative" to me.

No but I will check for you.

Compulsory Mandarin at Roedean is just a rumour. I believe Brighton College teaches compulsory Mandarin.
Your dd can study French, German, Spanish and they’ve started Russian.
Hth

Have just checked with DD - it was true under the previous Head but stopped around 4 years ago. Btw they are currently building astroturf - it will be finished by the summer.

When chit chat with friends about Roedean, their comments were still linger on the articles read 4-5 years ago like how Roedean had over 50% Chinese / Asians, obligated to learn Mandarin, not British anymore etc... Thank you for clarifying all these rumours!

I read from Roedean's website knowing they are building a new all-weather pitch, how exciting and it looks amazing!

I am interested to apply Roedean for my DD and she is a sporty type. Does Roedean put much emphasis and efforts on sports?

Thank you!

giddybiddy: How's the visit?

Have 2 DDs at Roedean, both are sport mad, both playing various sports at county level. Excellent sports dept; dedicated and passionate. Sports clubs everyday - recommend that you and your daughter attend an open day

Starling123: thank you for your sharing. How lovely your DDs had enjoyed so much sports in Roedean!

Just to add...yes, my girls are sporty but have also enjoyed the drama and music opportunities.

Just to let you know that school production of Oliver is coming up if giddybiddy is still watching.

It’s one of the very few schools where the girls are genuinely supportive of each other. It’s a very kind environment. Bullying is stamped on in all its forms by the girls themselves. It just isn’t tolerated. No one sits alone at lunch; girls who sit on their own are rapidly invited on to other tables. No one has been instructed to do so; that’s just the way they are. It really is very inclusive. Some teachers are better than others but that’s the case at all schools. Current headmaster seems to fail to grasp how unique the ‘Roedean sisterhood’ is and has done his best to erode old traditions such as 6th form prank; the rallying of houses at house plays. Unlike previous head does not know all students by name but the school has grown a lot in recent years. Lots of Brighthelm scholars in sixth form which has created some friction. Particularly since they are constantly highlighted and almost paraded which is socially quite damaging. By the way the long promised Astro turf is now in its 5th year of promise but still hasn’t arrived. Girls call the teachers ‘Madame’ or ‘Sir’, which really is a term of endearment and shows the respect the girls have for their teachers. Huge exodus after GCSEs unfortunately with many leaving for Brighton and Hove Sixth form college. In wanting to appeal more to the local market the school has also simultaneously encouraged more competition and does considerably less well than Birghton College at A level and gets fewer to Oxbridge than Brighton and Hove Sixth form college. Never the less almost all go on to Russel Group universities after sixth form. Open days are a VERY carefully orchestrated PR event. I suggest if you’re seriously considering it much better to ask the girl touring you round the school some burrowing questions. Although they will have all been given a list stock answers so make sure you really ask them to be frank and honest. Mine isn’t sporty at all but she loved house plays. (All four houses put on a play which compete against each other, although there are rumours that this too will be stopped.) Having said all that, knowing what I know I would still send my daughter there. In the end if they’re happy it’s the right place, and she’s definitely really very happy at Roedean.