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
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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
Leadership skills being developed to a high degree Headteacher Dominic Malins gives a special mention to the Student Leaders who are setting the perfect example...
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As the faithful gathered at St Peter’s Square for the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis reminded us all that leaders must be discerning, just and merciful. Student leadership, in many forms, is a really important part of the fabric of La Retraite and contributes immensely to its success. It also enables the students to develop further those skills they will need to be our future leaders. Student Leaders come in many forms. For example, it was really impressive to see a number of Year 9 students running a retreat for nearly 90 primary school students. They showed confidence and maturity, but, most importantly, they were kind and considerate of the younger students. The primary school teachers were glowing in their praise. As you walk around the school at lunch time, you will see students managing dinner queues, supervising corridors and running clubs. There is a dance club run by students for students – an amazing example of student leadership. Three Year 7 students who volunteer to manage the dining hall every day, ensuring it remains neat and tidy at all times, deserve a particular mention. They are Aurelia, Chevonne and Rihanna. Sports Leaders run events and umpire a range of primary school events throughout the year and Student Cadet Leaders organise and lead their fellow cadets through the learning and parading. Student leadership is a vital part of La Retraite and we are immensely proud of these young people setting a brilliant example for the rest of us.
Students to play their part in Phoenix prize Students from Years 7 and 8 will read, review and then champion a Phoenix Book Prize shortlisted author for Book Club. They will read a selection of books shortlisted for the prize before picking one to champion, ahead of a vote to decide the winner. They will also get the chance to
meet the authors, as well as take part in arts projects inspired by their chosen books. Student Zeinab said: “It is exciting because we will get a chance to meet different authors but also read books that we may not have picked on our own. “It gives us a chance to step out of our comfort zone with book
Year 8 students designed their own Day of the Dead-inspired skulls for a textiles project.
Stay up to date with latest school news
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FAMILIES are being encouraged to join our Friends of La Retraite RC Girls School page on Facebook. Search Friends of La Retraite RC Girls School and click to join.
choices but it also means we have to make sure we are reading every week to stay up to date with Book Club.” The Phoenix Prize is run by Lambeth Libraries and features primary and secondary schools from across the borough. The final vote will take place in May this year.
Getting to grips with cookies STUDENTS learned problem solving and communication skills by applying science to separating the ingredients in a cookie. Using scientific concepts and limited tools, they had to test the best way to separate the dough from the chocolate chip, and record the results. Working and developing their methods independently, tweezers, spatulas, pestles and other pieces of equipment were used to crush, mush, sieve and mine the chocolate from the dough. They were each given three of the treats to test and review which technique was the most effective. Chemistry teacher Dr Bertini said: “I was very proud of them, and they got excellent numerical results. Benefits encompass a plethora of fields, such as problemsolving skills, understanding of challenging scientific concepts, communication skill and, not last, the enjoyment of science.”
Aaliyah’s dreaming of career in armed services
Get in line: Some of the students on parade
STUDENT Aaliyah has moved one step closer to her dream career in the armed services after joining the Navy Combined Cadets Force. The Year 11 pupil is among around 40 students who have been taking part in military-themed activities during weekly sessions held at the school. Since November, they have learned about uniforms, the different ranks in the Navy as well as how to lead parades and
take part in drills. Aaliyah said: “I want to serve my country and think the best way of doing that is by being part of the military. “These cadets have been my first real taste of what life would be like in that environment so for me it has been really exciting. “There is so much you can learn being in the cadets, not just in terms of skills but also how to improve your character.”
Sprinter Manon on course for Jamaica A RISING athletics star picked to run at an international competition is hoping to raise £1,000 to fund her once-in-a-lifetime trip. Manon has been invited to compete at the International Athletics Outdoor Championships in Portmore, Jamaica, in April, after a string of domestic victories on the track. The school has agreed to pay £400 of the cost of flights and accommodation but the sprinter still needs to raise the remainder of the cash. Manon, who runs with Herne Hill Harriers and trains at British
Paralympic wheelchair athlete David Weir’s Leisure Centre in Sutton, said: “I cannot thank my school enough for being so generous and funding part of my trip. I go to such an amazing school with such kind and supportive teachers. “I will be up against the very best athletes in the world in my age group at this event so if I do well, then it can really help my career. Without support, I would have no chance of being able to afford to go and so will be so grateful to anyone who can help.” Manon’s coach Matthew
Thomas said: “This event is the climax of the outdoor athletics season during which Manon has been competing regularly. “Her improving performances means she has now met the selection standard required to be eligible to compete at this competition. La Retraite headteacher Dominic Malins said Manon is an inspiring young person. He added: “She has overcome a number of challenges but has always remained focused on her studies and her training whilst being an excellent role model for others.”
Year 11 drama students performed extracts from Carol Ann Duffy’s play Beasts and Beauties to family and friends in February.
Why not join the new school alumni page?
ARE you a former student at La Retraite? Join our new alumni page on Facebook. Search La Retraite RC Girls School Alumni and click to join.
Budding pilot Daina takes to the clouds A TALENTED La Retraite student found out first-hand how to pilot a plane – even completing barrel rolls and loop-the-loops. Year 12 Daina described the moment she took the controls of the light aircraft as “surreal and scary”. She said: “It was an amazing opportunity but a bit of a challenge. The pilot took us up and then just said ‘now you take the controls. We did loops and a few tricks. “When we first went up it was a bit scary and then it was surreal and then I just started enjoying it.” Daina volunteered to take up the challenge as a member of the 43F Mitcham and Morden Air Cadets. She added: “We were up in the air for an hour but it went so quickly. “After I finish school and university, I’ll be looking at a career that involves air travel.”
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Auschwitz trip an unforgettable experience for pupils TWO Year 12 students have spoken about their “humbling” experience visiting the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland. The girls from La Retraite toured the camp and listened to a Holocaust survivor speak to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. Kiara and Syah (right) passed through the infamous gate before visiting the piles of luggage, shoes and personal items which once belonged to victims. The aim of the trip was to teach the students about the atrocities of the second world war and ensure they are never forgotten. Kiara said: “It was such a humbling experience. I’d read about the war and the
News in brief
An insight into career in law
STUDENTS got a boost to their career prospects on a visit to top international law firm CMS. They learned about the various pathways they can follow after obtaining a law degree and got advice on career journeys from trainee solicitors during the visit in March. Student Anita said: “We students gained a lot out of this experience and it will help us plan our own future choices.”
Project focused on park estate
STUDENTS are being encouraged to take part in a collaborative storytelling project describing the past, present and future of the Clapham Park Estate. They will get a chance to work with artists and residents to tell the story of the neighbourhood in creative ways—including through art, photography and film, oral history and performance. There is a creative residence featuring work from Marcia Chandra and Justin O’Shaughnessy taking place until May 4.
Pruning lesson
STUDENTS have been learning how to prune the fruit trees in our school orchard in workshops with the Orchard Project.
Holocaust but seeing it up close was very different to learning about it in class. It made it all so much more real. “Looking at the camp and seeing how hard it would have been, how impossible
to escape, made me see my studies in a new light and I’m so glad we were given the chance to go.” The girls made the trip from London to Poland in just one day but said it was an experience they would never forget. Syah said: “We heard a Holocaust survivor speak about what happened to her. She described how her family were split up and divided. “That was really difficult to hear and definitely one of the hardest moments of the trip. “I think it made us all realise we have to remember the past. It was an experience I won’t ever forget.”
Silvia’s essay could lead to Canada tour A YEAR 7 student could be on her way to Canada after impressing judges with her essay that aims to inspire the world to work towards a sustainable future. Silvia was honourably mentioned in the International writing competition hosted by the Trust for Sustainable Living. Her essay focused on ways to reduce waste and those shortlisted have been invited to join a tour of Canada in the summer. She said: “I wrote about ways to go further than just recycling. Reducing waste would mean reducing recycling too. “It was a surprise when I found out I had an honourable mention. I felt very honoured. “To get an honourable mention when you are competing against
students not just in the UK but all over the world is a huge achievement.” The competition received entrants from all over the world, from Kenya to Vietnam and the Philippines to Portugal. Just 24 young people from the United Kingdom were shortlisted. Silvia is now focusing on ways to raise money for the trip to Canada . She said: “The school were really supportive and my teachers helped me lay out my ideas. Now we’re thinking up fundraising ideas. “I would love to go to Canada and speak at this conference. It is such a huge issue, particularly among young people and I want my voice to be heard.”
Honoured: Student Silvia
School chosen to pilot new T Levels
Students’ debating challenge
OUR students faced tough questions at the Sheriff’s Challenge while debating the impact on the digital revolution on the finance sector. Sixth form students went head-to-head at an inter-school public speaking competition, which is supported by the City of London Corporation and financial services-focused City livery companies.
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Director of Learning for the Sixth Form Ms Coyle says the school is fortunate to be among 50 schools nationwide piloting the new T Level programme next year. Ms Coyle said: “We are delighted that La Retraite Sixth Form has been chosen as one of only 50 centres in the country to pilot the new T Levels. “T Levels are the government’s new flagship Vocational Qualification that will rival the gold standard of the A-Level. “In today’s society we need to prepare young people for the job market of the future. “La Retraite sixth form will be offering T Levels in Digital and Childcare and Education from 2020. Opportunities open doors.”
Students go behind scenes of BBC politics programme STUDENTS quizzed MPs on politics, education and Brexit during a visit to the BBC studios in central London. The girls were given a behindthe-scenes tour of the studios and saw how the broadcaster puts together its famous politics shows. They watched MPs being questioned on air and discussed issues such as Brexit and their admiration for female public figures such as Michelle Obama. Journalists were particularly impressed with Year 12 student Esther, who got to ask Education Secretary Damian Hinds a question on air. Esther said: “It was a fascinating day. Seeing everything that went into the shows was amazing. “Politics affects us all, no matter how old you are, so it was great that we got to talk to the politicians who are making these big decisions. Year 12 student Hosanna added: “I was really surprised about how much work you do not see that goes into the shows. “When you watch television you just see the presenter and the guests. “But there are so many people behind the scenes – in production, script-writing and behind the cameras. “That was not something I had
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Memorable day: The La Retraite students were given a tour of the BBC Studios thought much about before but the trip has made me think about that kind of work as a future career.” After the visit, the students were even praised by the Minister
of State for Energy, Claire Perry, who said she “enjoyed their very interesting discussion”. The MP added: “It was a delight to meet the La Retraite students at
the BBC Daily Politics studios. “We enjoyed a very interesting discussion about politics and current affairs. They are a credit to the school.”
Marketing pupils got so close with presentation OUR very own Dream Team took their football business ideas all the way to the final of the Premier League Enterprise Challenge this year. Having won their semi-final at Stamford Bridge in November, the group took their excellent presentation to the American Express Stadium in Brighton at the end of January. There they explained their marketing and app ideas on behalf of Chelsea Football Club, pitching their business idea to a panel of experts from the sport and entrepreneurial world. Year 8 Alice, who took part in the challenge, said: “We really honed and improved our presentation from the semi-final and the team really took the
challenge on. We looked at how an app would help the football club and aimed to market our ideas at young football fans. “Teachers really encouraged us and we had a lot of props in our presentation, which made it really fun.” The team narrowly missed out on the top spot, which was won by the home team Brighton. Alice added: “It was a shame we just lost out but I’m really proud of what we achieved.” The Chelsea Football Club Foundation said: “A huge well done to our students from La Retraite, who delivered an engaging, entertaining and modern-day business plan.”
Challenge: the girls with Brighton mascot Gully the Seagull
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Legacy Launch: Celebrating 135 years of tradition
Christina’s career path started at La Retraite FORMER student Christina Josiah has urged current pupils to start thinking about their careers while still at school. Christina credits support and advice from teachers at the school for helping her break into the banking sector with Metro Bank. The 28-year-old left the school in 2008 and went on to study for a degree in international business and marketing at Bedfordshire University. Speaking at the La Retraite Legacy book launch, the fraud manager said: “No doubt
everything that I have become started with my time at this school. The support and the grounding at this school was the foundations on which my career has been built.” She also paid tribute to her former Health and Social Care teacher Miss BaxterBatchelor. She added: “She was the best teacher. Kind and always prepared to talk to you and help you if you needed support. I could really relate to her as a motherly figure.”
Actress Diana hopes pupils will be motivated ACTRESS Diana Bermudez, who has recently starred in Danny Boyle’s Beatles biopic “Yesterday”, said the school had always encouraged her love of drama. Speaking at the launch of the La Retraite Legacy book, she said: “I had a brilliant time here and made amazing friends. The teachers really encouraged students to excel academically and in the arts.
“It is truly an outstanding school. Standing here with my former classmates and those who have attended this school is a real privilege. “You only have to look through the book to see just how many have left this school to go on to achieve great things. “I truly hope the success of former students at the school will be motivation for the current students to push for their goals.”
Your help needed to identify former students CAN you help the school identify the girls in this picture? Thought to have been taken in the early 1940s, though possibly earlier, the picture shows our hockey team. It was dropped in by a neighbour after clearing out her attic in preparation to move home. Two of the pupils have been identified as Yvonne Muller and Irina Muller, though it is not known which girls they are. If you have any information please email the school on schsec@ laretraite.lambeth.sch.uk We also have our own alumni page on Facebook. Search La Retraite RC Girls School Alumni and click to join. 6 La Retraite Newsletter n Easter 2019
Wembley Arena experience for school’s gospel choir OUR gospel choir took part in a “once-in-alifetime” performance in front of thousands of spectators at Wembley Arena. The choir sang moving renditions of Blinded By Your Grace and It’s Gonna Rain, at Flame 2019, the largest Catholic youth event in England and Wales. Singers from the school joined 800 other students from around the globe to perform at the world-famous venue, which has hosted some of the biggest acts in music. The audience of more than 8,000 at the arena included many people from throughout the Archdiocese of Southwark. The performance was broadcast on Gospel Radio. Year 8 Ilanah Rennalls said: “Performing at Wembley was amazing. I felt like a truly oncein-a-lifetime experience. “We sang my favourite songs and the atmosphere was so intense. I love being a part of the choir, not just because you get to do amazing things like performing at Wembley, but because you get to express yourself. It’s a chance to be really creative.” The theme of this year’s Flame festival was Significance and focused on self-esteem among young people in the era of social media. Year 8 student Natalie said: “Performing was
a surreal experience. I was nervous at first. But when we got on stage all the nerves melted away and we just sang. “The choir is a great part of the school. I never thought I would be able to perform at an event like that.” Year 11 student Manuela
added: “The school really encourages us and organises competitions and events like this. They are such an amazing opportunity.” Videos of the choir’s performance are available on YouTube and the Flame 2019 website.
Concert showcase
OUR pupils wowed an audience of friends and family with a series of stunning performances at our Spring Concert. Over 120 students took part in the showcase which featured turns from our string band, gospel choir and orchestra. There was also a string of hugely impressive solo acts with performances of songs from the pop, rock classical and spiritual cannon.
German exchange visit created new friendships THE school welcomed visiting students from Germany as part of our building bridges exchange programme. A meeting at the Eurostar in King’s Cross was the jump-off point for a five-day sightseeing trip around the capital for students from the Bischoefliches Gymnasium Marienberg in Düsseldorf. Among the many cultural highlights of the exchange in March was a trip to St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tate Modern, and the Barbican Centre. Students made new friends during trips to the Thames markets near the Cutty Sark and watching musicals in the West End.
Before saying goodbye, there was a celebration evening with families invited to bring in food from their cultural backgrounds. Year 8, 9 and 10 students from La Retraite will spend a week in Düsseldorf Neuss in June for the second part of the building bridges project. EAL Co-ordinator Ms Jarrett said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome the German students. We hope sightseeing around London and spending time with our pupils was an enjoyable experience. “We very much look forward to the second part of the exchange where will get to sample the delights of Düsseldorf.”
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THE School Council made Valentine’s Day platters for staff meetings in February.
YEAR 11 and 12 scholarship medics learned about careers in medicine at the Medical Careers Carousel in March. In February, they heard from inspirational speaker Dr Dutton on careers in medicine at the launch of the Medics Society.
All dressed up to raise charity cash STAFF and students dressed up as their favourite literary characters to fundraise for charity as the school celebrated World Book Day. Dressing up as Alice in Wonderland, Where’s Wally? and 101 Dalmatians, among others, helped to raise £300 for World Book Aid. Year 11 pupils got a unique insight into one of the world’s biggest stars after listening to a talk from June Yawson, who edited rapper Stormzy’s biography. Meanwhile, Year 7 students learned how reading can take you to a different world, galaxies and universes from the comfort of your seat in an extended assembly run by Miss Faith.
There were also Harry Potter-themed literary quizzes throughout the week and a guess the book covers competition. Every student got a token which they can exchange for books at a range of retailers and supermarkets. Just after midday students stopped their lessons to take part in Drop Everything and Read (DEAR), where they read for 15 minutes. Librarian Ms Fernández said: “La Retraite Students enjoyed fantastic events around the school celebrating another magnificent World Book Day. “The whole week was organised with the express aim of getting our students to read for pleasure not only on World Book Day but all year round.”
Top maths effort earns certificates
BRIGHT Year 9 and 10 students were ranked among the top students in the country in a worldwide maths challenge. The school achieved six silver and eight bronze certificates in the prestigious UKMT challenge, marking them out as among the top performers. The intermediate second round test involved 25 multiple choice questions in one hour. An estimated seven million students from across the globe are said to take part in the challenge.
Follow us... FORMER student Holly took time out from her degree in civil engineering to give advice to our current sixth form students about A-Level revision and applying for university.
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