A Trio of Cambridge Psychologists

This October, three alumni of Hasmonean Girls will be embarking on their next academic adventure. Hannah (Kings), Hannah (Jesus) and Aurelia (Lucy Cavendish) will all be taking their places at Cambridge to read Psychology.

Hannah studied Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Psychology at A-level, following her academic success with a year at MMY. She wrote of her time in Sem: ‘It just made me appreciate the diversity within our nation and the connection we all have to each other – there’s a reason why almost everyone has an “only in Israel” story. My favourite part outside of the learning was visiting ancient places and walking where our ancestors did.’ While in Cambridge, Hannah is excited to ‘start the journey of learning how I can positively affect the future of healthcare, mental health and psychology.’ Ultimately, she would like to work with schools helping to improve approaches to neuro-divergent children.

Aurelia had two gap years after completing A-levels in Maths, Economics and Psychology (as well as an EPQ). For her first gap year, she attended TVA, a Bnei Akiva Sem. The programme included learning, working on Kibbutz, teaching English and touring the Land. Her second year was spent working as a special needs (SEN) teaching assistant in a primary school. At Lucy Cavendish, Aurelia will be studying PBS (psychological and behavioural sciences) with the option of adding sociology and philosophy modules. Her dream is to be a clinical psychologist but as she loves working with children the path of educational psychology is also an option.

Hannah studied Psychology, Maths and Chemistry at A-level followed by a year at Michlalah. She particularly appreciates the support given by Hasmonean in creating her Personal Statement and giving her the confidence to apply for Jesus. Her year in Jerusalem was an amazing experience where she was able to be completely immersed in Torah studies, whilst also discovering more about our connection to Eretz Yisrael through the many Tiyulim organised by Michlalah. Hannah is really looking forward to the next three years at Cambridge. Her time in Israel has affirmed her desire to make Aliyah and train as a clinical psychologist once she has completed her degree.

All three young women are wonderful examples of what can be achieved through sheer hard work and the support of school, family and friends. It is not easy for a young, religious woman to go up to Cambridge- by going together, they can support each other and contribute to the rich Jewish student life around Thompsons Lane, as well to the wider student community.

Good luck to you all!

Editorial 07.10.2021

Dear Parents,

The Parsha this week focuses on keeping people safe during dangerous and treacherous times.  Noach built an ark which represented security and safety for him, his family and the animals during a world-changing flood.  The meforshim explain that “taiva,” the Hebrew word for “ark,” also means “word.” Interestingly, they can be viewed as being two sides of the same equation.  We need to build an ‘ark’ to protect ourselves and our family but, concurrently, we should be using the power of words and dialogue to reach out and help others.  Noach was given 120 years to build his ark; we are PG given 120 years to protect each other and help the community.

As the days are drawing in and winter is on its way, please can I remind you how to protect your children in the following ways:

  • They should be covid testing twice a week using the NHS lateral flow devices to ensure that we try to protect the school community to the very best of our ability;
  • If your children use their bicycles to travel to school, please ensure that their lights are working and that they wear fluorescent clothing in order to be seen. We receive a number of complaints from drivers who inform us that the students are not visible enough on their journeys home from school;
  • There have been a couple of incidents which have taken place on our bus routes over recent days. We will be reminding the students about looking after their personal safety during form time over the next few days.  We have been in contact with the police about these incidents and have offered the students involved our support

Wishing you all a safe and relaxing Shabbat,

  

Mrs D Lebrett
Headteacher
Hasmonean High School