Lauren Mackenzie

Which school did you go to?

Cantell School

What subjects do you study?

Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics

What are your plans for when you leave Barton Peveril?

“I was delighted to receive and offer to study mathematics at Balliol college Oxford. I received amazing support from Barton in terms of entrance exams and interview preparation and practice. Throughout my second year I have been attending two lunchtime sessions a week that focused on both competitive university applications in maths and related degrees as well as additional modules to extend beyond A level maths and further maths. Barton’s careers department also arranged a range of trips and talks to, and to do with, Oxbridge as well as from a huge range of speakers. My teachers and tutor have been excellent in supporting me both in and out of my A levels.”

Are you part of any clubs, societies or teams at Barton Peveril?

“I captain the girls’ and sometimes mixed hockey teams competing in league and cup fixtures as well as friendly and competitive tournaments. Last year we won the mixed league which I hope to achieve again this year. We are also though to the semi-finals of a national girls’ cup (yet to be played). The team at Barton is friendly, sociable and a load of fun! Alongside this I was nominated by Barton to trial for the GB Colleges Women’s hockey team, which I was selected for!

Barton encourages students to compete in a range of subject-based completions including the Maths and Chemistry challenges, both of which I achieved Gold awards in. For the maths challenge there is then a team round that evolves four students competing in a range of timed maths puzzles and problems. This year we won our regional heat thus getting a place in the national final in London! This was an enjoyable and academically challenging experience in which we competed against 85 other teams from around Britain placing 25th overall!”

Why would you recommend studying at Barton Peveril?

“Barton is such an alive and welcoming place that gives students a level of freedom and independence not received at school whilst providing a huge number of support systems, extra-curricular activities and sessions.”