Boys have begun studying at Roedean School for the first time in its 135-year history.
Year 10 children from across Brighton are participating in the Roedean Academy programme, with Wednesday evenings spent studying subjects ranging from genetic engineering to philosophy, language code-breaking to the psychology of crime.
“We just saw no reason why boys from the city couldn’t start enjoying the classes too,” said headteacher, Oliver Blond.
“They are tackling subjects that stretch and challenge them and go beyond what’s on the curriculum and what they need to know to pass GCSEs.
“It’s learning just for the love of it – something Roedean has espoused throughout its history – and we have seen children absolutely loving it.”
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Fourteen boys and 39 girls from local secondary schools are currently enrolled in the sessions.
Stanley Bradley-Scott, from Dorothy Stringer School, is among them. “There is a massive range of modules, so you can be super science-y or you can be the complete opposite,” he said.
“My friends are curious to see what it’s actually like – we drive past here a lot and see this incredible building, but we never knew much about what was going on.”
“I think that Old Roedeanians would be really proud that we are able to have this experience of working with boys sometimes,” said current pupil, Lola Clarke.
“It’s great to participate in discussions with people who are bringing in new ideas and new perspectives.”
