Recently, six of our Year 9 students had the incredible opportunity to travel to Johannesburg, South Africa, for an unforgettable three-week exchange program at our sister school, Roedean South Africa. This exchange was designed to not only strengthen the bond between our two schools but also immerse our students in a new culture, broadening their perspectives, fostering intercultural understanding, and enhancing their skills and experiences in an exciting new environment.

With a mix of excitement and nerves, Sorcha, Saffron, Bella, Greta, Georgia, and Andrea arrived at the Roedean boarding house, which would be their home for 21 days. From the moment they arrived, they were met with warm, welcoming smiles. After settling in, they finally had the chance to meet their exchange partners and their host families. Though they had been communicating online since October, seeing the instant connections form in person was truly special.

‘It is lovely how kind everyone is! When we pass girls in the corridors, they always stop and wave with a nice welcoming smile.’ – Georgia

One of the most exciting aspects of the exchange was discovering the similarities and differences between our two schools. Although there are many shared values and traditions, it was the cultural contrasts that provided the most enriching experiences. For example, the school day at Roedean South Africa starts early, with the first lesson beginning at 07:30 AM, and sports practices beginning at 05:45 AM! The students also wear a distinct uniform with a blue jibbah over a white blouse, brown socks and shoes, with the Head Girl proudly wearing a green blazer.

‘I think that our schools are similar in their underlying ethos and beliefs in every girl standing out and being appreciated and celebrated as individuals’, and this is very evident in the warm interactions between students and staff. With genuine interest, every single student you pass smiles and greets you –
the feeling of collegiality is palpable.‘ – Sorcha

The school’s natural environment plays a big role in student life. Set in a lush, green campus, Roedean South Africa exudes a sense of calm, with secluded spots offering a tranquil escape from the heat. The outdoors is an essential part of school life, with students often spending time in nature. Traditions at the school are also an integral part of the experience. One of the most striking features is the school’s emblem, a statue of a springbok, which stands proudly on a rocky outcrop, or “kopje.” At the heart of Roedean South Africa is Bears’ Lawn, a sacred space where only Matrics (Year 13 students) are permitted to walk.

Another fascinating tradition is “hand-shaking,” a custom in which students shake hands as a sign of respect, and the school bell being rung 22 times at the beginning and end of each day to honor the original number of students who first attended the school. On the first and last day of every term, the bell rings once for each of the school’s students, which currently number around 700.

‘This week so far, I have been to watch some of the exchange girls play a water polo match, and done some clubs such as choir and squash again, which I find very fun, I have also enjoyed going to all my lessons and learning different things.’ – Bella

Over the past week, they participated in a marimba workshop and had a meaningful opportunity to volunteer at Siyakhana, a community space that grows food for those in need. They also took a city sightseeing bus tour with their exchange families, exploring the area and taking in the sights. Along the way, they stopped at the Apartheid Museum and visited the Rosebank Sunday Market, immersing themselves in the local culture and history.

‘Going to the museum was really special for me – I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and will undoubtedly remember it for a long time to come.’ – Saffron

This exchange program has proven to be a valuable learning experience for our students, offering them a deeper understanding of different cultures and customs while also forging lasting friendships. We are so grateful to Roedean South Africa for their hospitality, and we look forward to continuing this incredible partnership for years to come.