Roedean tries to instil a 'social conscience' in its pupils
Two brilliant and bold women — Theresa Lawrence and Katherine Margaret Earle — founded Roedean 114 years ago. Their goal was to create a school in South Africa to emulate the ethics and ethos of its sister school in the United Kingdom, Roedean Brighton, which would provide young women with the tools required to face the various challenges relevant to their world. Today, the school still upholds these beliefs and blends the past with the present as it focuses on providing girls across Southern Africa with a superb quality, well-rounded education.
“The story which lies behind the creation of Roedean, the vision and courage of these women to establish this school at a time when women faced significant gender challenges, are what remains part of who we are today,” says Murray Thomas, Executive Head of Roedean School (SA). “Our girls have a work ethic which is second to none. This is enriched by the expertise of our excellent staff, culminating in young women who are equipped for the future.”
Roedean offers an open application process for girls who have high aspirations and will thrive in an academically rigorous environment. Early applications and appropriate diagnostic assessments offer entry points for girls starting Grade 0, and again at grade eight and where occasional spaces open up in other grades. Thomas is quick to point out that Roedean’s waiting lists are not dissimilar to other top independent schools.
Broad successes are evident across many subjects. “Our matric results this year are a testament to our exceptional teaching staff and the support structures that are part of our commitment to a holistic education,” says Thomas. “Our 100% pass rate and a 100% university degree level entry in 2016 is not atypical; the average of 3.8 distinctions per candidate in 2016 was a brilliant achievement. But this doesn’t show the full story of how our students got these results. Three of them were at risk throughout their school careers and yet, true to the ethos of the school, they worked hard and obtained results of which they can be proud.”
Roedean has, however, invested strategically in mathematics and science through the Rene and Fred England Mathematics Centre and their recently refurbished science facilities. “The evidence is overwhelming that girls who complete advanced programme [AP] maths at school have a far higher chance of success in university mathematics or science courses,” says Thomas. In 2014 6% of Roedean’s matriculation group took AP mathematics. In 2016 24% of the matric class took AP mathematics with a 79% average. “The growth in mathematical confidence and the goals our girls set for themselves are a credit to an eclectic set of innovations. Given the critical skills shortage in so many science, engineering and other technology-related fields, it’s tragic that only 0.4% of all matriculants across the country, from government and independent schools alike, write AP maths”.
Aside from their academic strengths and a strong record of acceptance into competitive universities overseas, Roedean girls have access to a full range of sporting and cultural pursuits. Boarding accommodation is available for busy families or pupils whose homes are outside Johannesburg. The music programmes encompass classical and contemporary forms, exceptionally well-staffed in the Hersov Buildings. Social outreach programmes are active across all levels, working towards greater understanding and cohesion with girls from humble homes. The Old Mutual Prestige Water Polo Tournament combines strong competition in the best spirit of inter-school rivalry alongside a Learn-to-Swim outreach programme. The Roedean Academy connects 60 Barnato Park High School girls to an afternoon maths, science and English consolidation programme staffed and run by Roedean teachers and made possible by committed corporate sponsors.
“Although Roedean’s ethos is inherently academic, we are committed to shaping broad-minded pupils who have tremendous confidence and empathy, a critical eye and an enquiring mind,” says Thomas. “We want our girls to move into adult life with a clear social conscience, which allows them to see the world as their stage for both professional and public service. They have a zest for life and graduate each year to lead lives of tremendous significance.”
Roedean has more than a century of English public school tradition bolstering its legacy, and it blends this with a remarkably diverse demographic, a rich sporting and cultural environment and a forward-thinking philosophy to maintain a truly impressive and timeless institution.