Newsletter Easter 2019
Cambridge offer motivates Rachael for exam success Y
EAR 13 student Rachael says support from our sixth form gave her the confidence to apply to study at Cambridge University. Rachael has accepted an offer to study land economy at the prestigious Homerton College, Cambridge, next September. The sixth form student came through the admissions process after passing an entrance exam and impressing during a series of interviews. She now has to score straight As in her A-Level English literature, economics and psychology exams to secure her place. She thanked La Retraite sixth form for giving her the belief and motivation to apply for the course. She added: “These big world-famous universities are quite intimidating. There is so much history and so many well-known people
have studied there. It was my tutors in the sixth form that really helped me believe that I belong at this type of institution. “They gave me the confidence to apply and have been with me every step of the way through the application.” Rachael says being accepted on the course has given her the extra motivation to study for her exams. She said: “It is all very real now. I could be going to Cambridge, I could study at one of the best universities in the world, I know have to get on with my studies.” Head of sixth form, Ms Coyle, said: “With hard work and determination Rachael has exceeded her expectations at sixth form. “La Retraite sixth form is about giving young people the opportunities that will open doors for them in the future. We are so proud of Rachael and all of our Year 13 students and wish them the best in their summer exams.”
Legacy launch: Celebrating 135 years of tradition Book remembers school’s long list of high achievers DOZENS of former La Retraite students travelled from all over the country to attend the school’s Legacy book launch. The book celebrates high-achieving alumni, who include lawyers, diplomats, academics, actresses, a Grammy award winning singer and even a television BakeOff contestant. Pages were dedicated to the likes of global entrepreneur Barbara Amono-Oceng, actor and Grammy award-winning singer Cynthia Erivo and Bake-Off star Benjamina Ebuehi. The daughters of campaigner and charity fundraiser Sheila Whitehead attended the event on their mother’s behalf. Sheila was a pupil at the school in the 1930s and died last year aged 95. Her daughters said she always spoke fondly of her school days. Helen Whitehead, who came from Chester to attend the launch, said: “She used to talk about her time at La Retraite all the time. “She looked back on her school days very fondly and was always saying what fun
La Retraite Newsletter n Easter 2019
she had. Mum made friends here that she kept her entire life, and it is an honour to be representing her.” Headteacher Mr Malins said: “It is lovely to have all of these students back here today. They have all been successful in completely different ways. Here are actors, singers
but also former students who are aspiring doctors, having been successful in business and academics. I think that shows La Retraite is a place where any talent will be nurtured and can thrive.” More news from the Legacy launch: Page 6