Leigh studied Law, Sociology and Psychology at A2 and graduated from Notre Dame in 2007. She went on to study Law at Nottingham Trent University from 2007-2011 and took a year out to work as a Paralegal and obtain a Diploma in Professional Practice. She has recently commenced studying the LPC at BPP Law School and now works as a Paralegal at Dickinson Dees. Her lasting memory of Notre Dame is “The friends that I made, and the fun that we had.”
Stephen studied Geography, History and Law at Notre Dame and graduated in 2009. He is currently a supervisor at Lyons Davidson Solicitors in Leeds. Aside from studying and work Stephen has also continued swimming for Scotland in Open Water events across Europe, training a total of 25 hours a week. Stephen’s lasting memory of Notre Dame was Leavers Day and the high spirits by all the staff and pupils.
Richard Ryan was at Notre Dame from 1995 until 1997, studying Law, History and Computer Science. He studied Law at Leeds University and in 2002 began a training contract in London with a law firm. He moved to Newcastle in 2004 to specialise in employment & trade union law. Richard now works as a solicitor in Leeds, at Squire Sanders. His lasting memory of Notre Dame is “The mix of students and the quality of the teachers. I really enjoyed the Law A-level; my 3 older sisters also went to Notre Dame and we all have fond memories.
Amy O’Connor was at Notre Dame from 2005 until 2007, studying Biology, Chemistry and English Literature. She came to Notre Dame with lots of her friends from Cardinal Heenan High School. Amy chose Notre Dame because it was the only Catholic Sixth Form in Leeds. After finishing her A Levels, and having put her place at Liverpool University on hold for a year, she took a gap year where she went to Thailand to teach English to 7 – 11 year olds. After her year out, she returned to study Orthoptics at Liverpool University and on completion secured a place with North Lincolnshire Trust NHS Foundation, where she has her own Clinic of patients. Her lasting memory of Notre Dame is “A warm college community which gives you confidence to develop and which went the extra mile to help its students achieve their best. I loved my time there”.
Since a young boy my aspiration in life was to pursue a career in Veterinary Surgery however by the time my A-Levels were upon me the mismatch between academic prowess and career aspirations was readily apparent. The staff at Notre Dame helped me focus on my aspirations and provided me with the support and guidance all teenagers require to help them reach their academic capability. Without the tireless encouragement and personal dedication of the tutors at Notre Dame I would have without doubt allowed my career aspirations slip from my grasp. Happily after a long struggle with revision, and a good talking too from a certain biology tutor who will remain unnamed, I gained the required grades in the disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics I received an offer to study Veterinary Surgery. I qualified as a Veterinary Surgeon from The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, in 2007 and sad though it seems this was one of the happiest days of my life. I now work in a busy orthopaedic veterinary practice in Surrey (www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk) taking care of Cats and Dogs from all over the country and the job is everything I dreamed of as a child! I look back on my time at Notre Dame with extreme gratitude; I am only where I am today because the tutors that taught me ensured I fulfilled my potential – thank you!
Joanna Matheson was at Notre Dame from 2009 until 2011. She studied Law, Psychology, Maths and English Language.
Joanna currently studies Medical Imaging/ Diagnostic Radiography at The University of Bradford (2011- Present).
Joanna is currently undergoing her clinical experience at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and blogs about her passions of fashion, health and beauty in her spare time.
To students who are currently pursuing their studies in Psychology, I would say this helps you in every aspect of life, even if you don’t know it yet. It was my favourite subject to study and the knowledge I gained is very useful on my current course.
My proudest achievement to date is my progress so far in fulfilling my future ambition this including great grades.
My lasting memory of Notre Dame is that it was a great platform for building my independency and prospects for the future.
