Newsletter SUMMER 2019
Million enjoys a first taste of Cambridge possibilities Y
EAR 12 student Million took her first step to achieving a lifelong ambition of winning a place at Cambridge to study medicine after taking part in a taster day. Million was among a very select group of 20 students from across the country chosen to take part in the session held at the world-renowned St John’s College. During the day in March, she took part in sample lectures on pharmacology and genetics, met professors and sat in on tutorials. Million, who is studying A-Levels in biology, maths and chemistry, is aiming to become the first in her family to win a place at university. She said: “I know I am aiming high considering I will be the first in my family to go to university but it has always been my ambition. “It has to be medicine and it has to be Cambridge because I know that I am capable and that I have the right support from my school. “I really like the traditional style of teaching at Cambridge and they have among the very best professors in the world to learn from. “Visiting just reaffirmed my belief that this is the place that I have to be. I felt a real connection with the university.” Million is also a member of the school’s Academic Scholarship Programme, which saw her take part in a four-day introduction to studying the subject at King’s College during the Easter holidays. She added: “The support you get at La Retraite is just incredible. Being part of the
Academic Scholarship Programme has opened up a world of opportunity that would not be available to me normally. “The help I have been given in terms of
preparing for my application, with personal statements and interview preparation, has really improved my confidence. I now have a strong belief I can get to Cambridge.”
Good Samaritans STUDENTS were joined by pupils from local Catholic schools in prayer and solidarity for the Good Samaritan Mass at St George’s Cathedral. The 12 students travelled to the Mother Church of our Diocese in Southwark, to celebrate the services led by Archbishop Peter Smith in May. They joined the celebration in catholic generosity, specifically the Catholic Children’s Society, which operates the Southwark Diocese Crisis Fund. Year 8 Alice said: “It was a joy for us to join with so many other Diocesan secondary schools in prayer and solidarity.”
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Church performance from school choir
OUR choir was in fine voice when given the chance to sing at the Sunday Mass at St Anselm’s Church. The choir performed a host of songs, including The Lord Bless You and Keep You, Day By Day and A Gaelic Blessing at the service in March. Year 8 Alice said: “We not only improved our musical skills, but also experienced and enjoyed representing the school and community. “Everyone at the church was extremely friendly and we hope to visit again in the future.” Meanwhile in April, students from across our musical groups attended the Fukushima Youth Sinfonietta recital at the Southbank Centre. The Sinfonietta, survivors of the 2011 tsunami in Japan, performed a host of well-known classical pieces including Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture, as well as sharing their personal experiences.
Dilys delighted as her poem is published STUDENT Dilys says she is “thrilled” to have had her poem published in the Wimbledon BookFest’s schools anthology book. The Year 9 pupil was highly commended for her submission and was among just a handful of entries selected for the publication. The descriptive poem was inspired by the BookFest’s theme of “The Island” to mark the 300th anniversary of the publication of Robinson Crusoe. Dilys said: “It was an incredible feeling when I found out my work, something I had written, was going to be published. It is hard to explain and put into words. “I have always loved reading, ever since I was really little. My mum would read to me and since then I have always had a book in my hand. My dream is to be a writer. “I have got off to a good start having my work published at such a young age.” Year 7 Harmony was commended for her poem.
Pupils play key part in award of Phoenix prize OUR students took the top prize at a quiz as schools from across Lambeth gathered for the ceremony of the coveted Phoenix book prize. They got to meet their favourite authors from the award shortlist, including Ally Sherrick and Ross Welford, at the event held at Streatham and Clapham High School. Along with pupils at other local Lambeth schools, La Retraite pupils were among those responsible for choosing the winner. They championed Do You Speak Chocolate, turning an extract from the book into a dramatic performance for the gathered audience. However, after heated debate and much consideration, Christian O’Connell was crowned the winner for his book Radio Boy. Year 7 student Joelle said: “Having the chance to meet the amazing authors and actually take part in the judging of the
First choice: Students gave a dramatic performance of Do You Speak Chocolate competition was so much fun and really insightful.” Fellow Year 7 Andrea added: ” It was shame our book was not the winner but winning the quiz was a really great achievement against other local schools.” The school’s Medics Society learned about career paths into medicine from a range of speakers, including Dr Conrad von Stempel, Julie Welch and Professor Kevin Murphy at a conference held at St Paul’s School.
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Pupils get an insight into their own brain
STUDENTS took part in an interactive workshop on the teenage brain as part of a research project led by the University of Oxford. The researchers from the MYRIAD project tested the cognitive function of Year 8 students, including risktaking, focus and attention at the school in April.
During the research, part of a four-year trial aimed at improving resilience and managing their emotional health in teens, students were also tasked with modelling their own brains and took part in a question-and-answer session with researchers. Alice Phillips, a researcher on the MYRIAD Project, said: “We were so
pleased with how well students engaged in the workshop and hope they enjoyed the day. They gave our team a wonderful experience of what a friendly, caring environment a school can be. As a school, you can be very proud of them all.” If you are interested in finding out more about the MYRIAD project, please visit www.myriadproject.org
No problem for our talented maths experts in challenge TALENTED Year 9 students were ranked among the top performers in the country in a worldwide maths challenge – despite competing with those a year older. The school achieved six silver and eight bronze certificates in the prestigious UKMT challenge, marking them out as among the top students nationwide. The test involved questions on problemsolving and mathematical thinking skills in the form of multiple choice questions, lasting one hour. An estimated seven million students from across the globe, including 250,000 from the UK, are said to take part in the challenge. Year 9 Renee scored a silver award. She said: “It was tough and it is something that you can’t really revise for because the question is about problem-solving. “I did look at some of the older papers though, to practise the skills that I would need to do well. I am very pleased with my performance.” Fellow silver award recipient Ajrienne said: “To do so well despite being in the younger age group is a big achievement. It means I can go back next year and try to get the gold and do even better.”
Professionals offer tips to ambitious dozen STUDENTS got the chance to pick the considerable brains of some of the top STEM professionals during an event at UCL university. ThinkHERambition, hosted for students who want to study STEM subjects at university, introduces career options in the field. The 12 students were introduced to complex topics including mathematical modelling and qualitative research during the visit in April. It also focused on improving soft skills such as communication and teamwork needed for university applications and career progressions. Year 12 Blessing said: “The day was filled with many activities that have given us an insight to methods of research used at university level but also will help prepare us for the competitive application process next year.”
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Hospice benefits from staff and students’ hard work STAFF and students helped to raise a whopping £700 in support of the Trinity Hospice. The money was raised by making and selling handmade seasonal trinkets and decorations as well as food treats to staff during this term and last. The fundraising partnership, led by Ms Laszki, was started eight years ago in 2011. Ms Laszki said: “It was something we got involved in almost by accident. The chaplain asked me if I would help with fundraising for the hospice and I
Portsmouth trip proved an active one for cadets OUR cadets got a unique insight into life in the services by spending the night on a naval ship during a trip to Portsmouth. They also spent time at a sports centre, went rock climbing, paddle boarding and got to swim with seals. It came before family and friends arrived for the official opening ceremony of our Naval Cadets programme in partnership with Streatham and Clapham High School.
Opportunity for pupils to meet the pros Students learned about university and career pathways at the third annual Careers Fair and Speed Networking day. They were able to chat with professionals from a range of industries including the clergy, fire brigade and animal care. Universities from across the country attended including Dundee, Southampton, the University of the Creative Arts, London South Bank and St Mary’s Twickenham.
was happy to help. It is a charity very close to our hearts at La Retraite as lots of members of the school community have been supported by the hospice.” As part of the partnership, students in the sixth form are encouraged to volunteer in the charity’s retail shops. Currently, 21 students are volunteering at stores across Balham, Clapham and Camberwell, among others. Year 12 Emmanuelle volunteers in the Balham store one day a week. She said: “It is really
important to help out in your community and give something back to a charity that helps so many people in our community. “Aside from being a very worthwhile project to be involved in, it has also helped me gain very valuable employment skills and experience.” Ms Laszki added: “We are very proud of the students who take part in our volunteer programme. They are learning hugely important life lessons about community, duty and compassion.”
Bede’s Infants School sports day so smoothly was noted by all the staff and the parents. Recently Anjola, Keisha and Angelina from Year 9 gave up a Friday evening to help at St Bernadette Junior School summer fair, running a face-painting stall
– they were a real credit to the school. The school continues to be a hive of activity and the list of trips and activities continues to be very impressive. This term included Year 7 retreats, drama workshops, sports coaching courses, geography field trips, a choir tour and a German exchange, to mention just a few. The Navy Cadets have been a roaring success since their debut in January 2019 and we are looking forward to the official opening on 10th July when the cadets will parade and be inspected officially for the first time by Commodore E Ablett MBE RN. It has been a real pleasure to work with so many talented young people, to see them overcome their challenges and to achieve their best. Wishing you all a restful and peaceful summer.
Our talented pupils deserve credit for their determination Head teacher Mr Malins reflects on a busy term at La Retraite. I would like to firstly thank all our families for their excellent support, participation and hard work this term. The Year 11 and 13 students have now finished their exams and they must be congratulated on their determination and hard work, as do all the staff that supported them so well. It was great to see them enjoying themselves and celebrating at the prom on the Thames. We wish them a wonderful summer and look forward to a strong set of results. It has been a great pleasure to welcome so many primary schools to La Retraite recently and it has been really impressive to see so many of our students involved in leading their activities. Their leadership in managing the St
Mandarin students set sights on China visit Students have been learning Mandarin in the hope it will encourage them to visit China one day. They have been copying characters into their books and practising their pronunciation with a teacher, as well as taking part in
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conversation with a partner. All the students in the Mandarin club have passed their HSK1 (beginners) course and have learned 150 characters in the language. Students are hoping to start studying for their GCSE next year.
Student Klotilda said: “Our teacher, Ms Chang, is an amazing teacher, makes us laugh and makes the lessons fun.” Fellow student Lilian said “Ms Chang gave us little gifts and postcards to keep us motivated and learning.
STUDENTS are being trained to support the mental health of their family and peers thanks to a programme run by the Lambeth Young Carers Service. Students will learn life coaching, cognitive behaviour therapy, nutritional education and creative arts as part of the sixweek course. The sessions are partly led by former La Retraite student and Clinical Nutrition masters graduate Amaeze Madukah. One student said: “This programme is really good. It is a safe place to share our thoughts
and feelings and we can share in discussions with adults who understand what it is to be a Young Carer. “I am inspired to make a difference in the future and to go into a caring profession and to be a spokesperson.” Meanwhile, four students from younger age groups recently completed a 10-week after-school Drama Therapy programme. Young Carers at the school meet regularly for sessions, are involved in activities and are offered bespoke one-to-one support via the service.
Learning Mentor Miss Ungaro said: “The staff are exceptionally professional, caring and hard working. “They have formed some excellent relationships with our students. “The activities offered outside of school have been most rewarding and have offered a welcome respite for our students from their caring roles. “Having worked with Young Carers for a number of years I have found the current set-up to be the most supportive and rewarding for all parties involved.”
Session aimed at boosting cadet forces OUR cadets got the chance to learn the ropes – both literally and figuratively – from a former Royal Navy officer during a workshop. Three former service personnel gave our combined cadet forces a lesson in rope work, drills and had them design their own lesson plans. The session was part of a drive to encourage more students to join the cadets service and part of a wider programme to involve girls. Year 12 Mariana said: “Today has been really interesting. Aside from the skills we have learned it has been great to hear from and talk to someone who has actually been at sea with the Navy.”
Helping trafficking victims KIND-HEARTED La Retraite students helped to organise a charity drive in support of victims and survivors of human trafficking. They donated and helped to collect a boxful of toiletries that were delivered to the Medaille Trust in April. Those interested in making further donations please visit www.medaille-trust.org.uk/give for further information.
Pupils reflect on Virgin Mary
WE said goodbye to the fully hatched, cheerful chicks that students spent the first part of the term cultivating, tending to and studying.
THE school celebrated the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, by asking students to reflect on Mary’s many titles and bring a gift at the Offertory. During May, the month dedicated to Mary, students and staff were encouraged to think of new life, while also spending lunchtimes praying to the Rosary.
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School Counsellor Debra Tweed explains her role
In my role as School Counsellor at La Retraite RC School, I provide one-to-one counselling to students in key stages 3 to 5. The counselling service is accessible to all students that present emotional difficulties and issues associated with suicidal ideations, self-harm, anxiety, bereavement and depression. I am motivated and passionate about making a difference in the lives of the students I support. One of my core principles as a counsellor is to establish a conducive and effective counselling environment that will enable students to feel comfortable and safe. I also strive to promote and encourage positive behaviour, selfefficacy and self-worth in all student support therapeutically. Over the past year I have implemented various counselling tools to achieve and accomplish effective therapeutic outcomes in one-to-one counselling interventions with students experiencing a range of psychological and mental health concerns. I apply an integrative approach, using person-centred cognitive behavioural therapy, brief solution focus therapy, and mindfulness. However, my aim is to always provide core conditions such as empathy, unconditional positive regards and congruence; as this sets the foundation, which enables students to be trusting and transparent in the counselling process. I adopt a positive and non-judgmental attitude in communicating and listening, with a desire to gain understanding of the students’ presenting issues. This is often achieved when the student engages in a self-reflective process of evaluating their experiences. Students are given strategies to help develop resilience, self-belief, self-motivation and self-awareness.
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Programme helps to support Young Carers
Making pupils feel safe and comfortable
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Chance to aim for new qualification THIS time next year our students will be among a select group in the country to be offered the opportunity to study for the new T-Levels. The two-year qualification, equivalent to three A-Levels, will be offered in Digital and Childcare and Education in the sixth form from 2020. Students will spend the majority of the time in the classroom but will get a taste of the working world on 45-day placements. The school has been chosen as one of only 50 centres in the country to pilot the government’s new flagship vocational qualification. For more information, please speak to Director of Sixth Form, Ms Coyle, or visit the government website at www.gov.uk/dfe/t-levels
Year 10 drama students learned stage craft before watching the professionals perform during a visit to the Royal Court Theatre for a workshop and to see a production of White Pearl.
New project helps improve creativity BUDDING singer-songwriters, poets and instrumentalists got help honing their craft thanks to an exciting new musical project at the school. The School Grounds Sounds songwriting course boosted the creative industry skills among students from across a range of year groups. The students met each Tuesday over the course of the summer term to work with professional musicians from the Raw Materials recording studio in Brixton. They helped students write the lyrics and music for their own song that was performed at the La Retraite’s Summer Concert in July. Year 8 Zarah said: “Getting up in front of an audience of friends and family to perform your own song was incredibly nerve-wracking. “But the sense of achievement and the fact you have created something with your school friends was really an incredible experience.” Piano-playing Year 10 student Maame said: “Knowing where to start when it comes to writing a song is really difficult when you have never done it before. “Working with exceptionally talented
professionals who are encouraging you and giving you support and advice has really boosted my confidence.” Mentor Mariam Akintokun, who performed with the Kingdom Choir that sang at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, said: “Everyone is a beginner at some point, so don’t be scared, because there is room for everybody in music. “Hopefully this course will help students feel encouraged to continue their journey as writers and musicians, and I wish them all the best for the future.”
CATHOLIC Voices speaker Brenden Thompson talked to our scholarship students about religion, new media and career paths.
Duke’s award helps build new skills
YEAR 12 students Leandro and Esther performed a beautiful rendition of ‘Best Part’ by Daniel Caesar and H.E.R. to Year 10 students during assembly.
STUDENTS volunteered at the school, took part in sport and went on a camping expedition to complete their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award this term. They had to put in 50 hours of volunteering, three months of physical activity and practise a skill to receive the prize. The expedition part of the award saw pupils learn map-reading skills while negotiating a nature trail in Godalming, Surrey, in May. Year 10 Leah said: “You learn so much
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about yourself when you take part in the Duke of Edinburgh. I really enjoyed helping out at the school because I wanted to give something back to them. “As it has three different parts, it pushes you to do things that you might not have done if you were not involved.” Classmate Oherne said: “The best part by far was the expedition. Learning new skills and being out of London was really fun. I would recommend the Duke of Edinburgh because you really learn a lot of skills.”
A taste of German culture STUDENTS travelled to Germany for five days of culture and sightseeing in the second part of our building bridges exchange programme. Taking in cities to the west of the country, pupils visited cathedrals, art galleries, museums and even had chance to meet a German MP in Bonn. They also sat in on classes and took part in workshops with their hosts, Bischoefliches Gymnasium Marienberg in
Dusseldorf. They also got to practise their German with the exchange students while having fun at a bowling alley and going dancing. Students from the German school were shown the sights and sounds of London including a trip the West End when they visited last March. Year 8 Alison said: “It was really interesting to see a different country with people who are from there. You get so
much more out of it than just being a tourist. “It is important to meet different types of people and
to build bridges with people from other countries because you get to understand them a lot better.”
Young interpreters sharing their experiences on radio OUR multilingual students told their story of acting as translators for their parents to BBC Radio 4. The radio programme, broadcast in June, discussed the challenges for youngsters interpreting for their mums and dads. The broadcast follows a four-year partnership project with University College London, researching our young translators. As part of the project, students created hand sculptures inspired by their identities of being bilingual and trilingual interpreters. The group also meets regularly to discuss the challenges of being a young translator and to support one another. Year 9 student Marian said: “It is slightly unusual to have to translate for your parents, particularly as you are not always completely understanding what is being said. “It has been great to be involved with this project and to get support and friendship from the other students in the school in a similar position.” Year 12 Esmeralda said: “Being part of the project and also take part in the radio programme was a very good experience for me. “Being able to talk honestly about my experiences and share my story has made my feelings around it a lot more positive.”
Language celebration
Challenges: Multilingual students told their stories on a BBC programme
EAL Co-ordinator Ms Jarrett said: “We have many students at La Retraite who speak multiple languages, some are bilingual, others trilingual. “As a school we are incredibly proud of the diversity of languages spoken by our pupils and their families. “Some of students also translate and interpret for their parents too. This is a great skill and it’s not easy to switch from one language to another.”
PORTUGUESE-speaking pupils performed a poem in front of highranking diplomats and politicians at a cultural and language celebration. Two cousins, Year 7 Nicole and Year 11 Jessica, read the poem Ulisses, by Portuguese writer Fernando Pessoa, to an audience that included the Ambassador of Portugal at a celebration of the Day of the Portuguese Language, held in May. Year 7 Jessica said: “It was an honour to represent the school and my native language at such a prestigious event.”
Save the Bees project YEAR 7 students have been printing a honeycomb pattern on to fabric for a ‘Save the Bees’ project in textiles classes.
Exam preparation
YEAR 12 medical students tackled practical questions and prepared for their UCAT exams at a workshop.
Opportunity to try brass instruments OUR music department has invited students to a free brass instrument taster session with a view to joining the school orchestra. They can learn to play instruments including the trumpet, trombone and French horn at weekly 30-minute sessions during the school day. Students who play a brass instrument also have the opportunity to perform in concerts and attend trips with the LR Orchestra. Brass teacher Miss Hodges has performed
with some of music’s top names, including the London Symphony Orchestra and multiple Grammy Award winners Adele and Kanye West. For more information regarding brass lessons here at La Retraite, please see Mr Owens or Miss Whitmarsh in the Music Office. This story was sourced from an article written by Year 8 student Alice, who has produced a series of articles looking at life for aspiring musicians at La Retraite.
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Esther’s GB call-up can help her achieve American dream STUDENT Esther took a further step towards her dream career after being selected to play for Great Britain Basketball at a major European tournament. The Year 12 lost her place in the team two years ago due to injury but was recalled after impressing scouts in the London Youth Games final earlier this year. The A-Level student was part of a 12-strong team that will represent the UK at the FIBA European Youth Championship in June. Esther (left) hopes the tournament will be a showcase for her talents as she looks to secure a place at a top American university on a basketball scholarship. Esther said: “It was an absolute privilege to once again have the chance to represent my country at a major tournament, playing the sport I love. “Playing for Great Britain means that the top coaches in America are going to take notice of my application when it comes to getting a scholarship to play basketball. “I had all but given up on getting back in
after my injury two years ago but there were scouts at the London Youth Games final and they were obviously impressed with the way I played.” Esther hopes to follow in the footsteps of her uncle, who played pro basketball in the NBA for the LA Lakers in the early 1990s. She said: “My uncle and I are going to put together a video of me in action and send it out to universities in America. It would be incredible to play college basketball out there.” Despite her success on the basketball court, Esther remains committed to her studies. She said: “Becoming a professional sports person is a big dream for a lot of people but actually making it is quite rare. “That is why I am so grateful to La Retraite. The school has made sure I stay on track with my A-Levels and that I don’t get too distracted with my basketball. “I am on track to do well in my exams so if I don’t make the grade at basketball, I know I will have a very good education to fall back on.”
OUR Year 7 and 8 football team narrowly missed out on the borough title after finishing runners-up in the Lambeth Girls’ League.
YEAR 10 drama students devised their own exam performances, delivering thought-provoking and moving pieces.
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STUDENTS learned about pathways into careers in sport at the Women in Sport conference held at Chelsea FC.