Launch of the More Able Programme 2025-26

We are excited to launch the More Able Programme for 2025-6. Saint Cecilia’s is committed to the equality of opportunity for all. Every learner, regardless of ability, has the right to be challenged and supported to reach their full potential. Meeting the needs of More Able pupils ensures they remain engaged and continue to progress. By raising expectations and achievement for these pupils and students, we help drive success across the school. Our enrichment programme for More Able pupils and students provides support in three key areas: high-quality teaching, educational opportunities beyond the classroom and social and emotional well-being. More Able members are invited to enrichment sessions throughout the year. We encourage them to take part in five sessions across the year and discover new ideas, skills and opportunities. Though aimed at More Able pupils and students, these sessions are available to everyone, subject to availability.

Music Conservatoire Offer!

We are delighted to share that Finlay W (Year 13) has been awarded a scholarship to study Classical Guitar at the Royal Welsh Conservatoire of Music and Drama, beginning in September 2026. This is an outstanding achievement and a testament to Finlay’s exceptional talent, dedication and many years of hard work and practice. We are incredibly proud of him and look forward to seeing all that he will accomplish as he continues his musical journey.

Artists of the Week: Year 8 Self-Portraits

This term, Year 8 pupils are exploring Pop Art, in particular the art of Roy Lichtenstein. They are creating  preparatory studies ahead of their final pieces, experimenting with self-portraits and gradually building up techniques inspired by Lichenstein - including his signature Ben-Day dots. I look forward to seeing the final outcomes.

Reader Leaders Ready to Inspire

A brilliant group of Year 10 pupils and Year 12 students have completed their Reader Leader training and are ready to support our Year 7s with reading each week. Our young trainers revisited phonics, sounds and intonation and explored ways to spark a love of reading in younger pupils. At the end of their training they met their Year 7 reading buddy and chose a book to enjoy together. We are excited to see these partnerships grow as sessions begin next week!

Acting for Screen for GCSE and A Level

On Monday 20th October, GCSE Drama pupils and A Level students enjoyed an Acting for Screen workshop with alumnus, Esmonde Cole. Esmonde is a professional actor and voice-over artist with credits in theatre, short films and television, including Apple TV’s ‘Ted Lasso’ and the upcoming series of Netflix’s ‘Heartstopper.’

He captivated our pupils and students through script work, encouraging them to explore subtext, emotion and intention in their performances to create more convincing character portrayals. Later, pupils and students experienced self-taping for auditions. Esmonde shared expert advice on lighting, sound and positioning when performing for camera.

This workshop offered a fresh perspective on acting, giving our pupils and students the chance to develop new skills and techniques that will enrich their future performances.

Senior Netball

Before half term, our Senior 1st and 2nd teams (pictured right) played The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School at home. Despite a few injuries, everyone stepped up. The 1st team won by six goals and the 2nds claimed a strong 31–11 victory. Congratulations to Talia B and Evie F for being Players of the Match. Team spirit was high and the support for each other was fantastic.

An Evening of Justice and Community

Last week, members of our Junior Leadership Team (JLT) attended the Citizens UK Assembly at St George’s Cathedral, Southwark. We are a partner of Citizens UK, the UK’s biggest, most diverse and most effective people-powered alliance which brings everyday people and local organisations together to build a better, fairer society. As a result of the Assembly, Citizens UK have secured an NHS site in South East London for affordable housing and new homes for homeless people in Merton, due to be ready this winter!

JLT members took part in the opening ceremony, proudly holding posters made by children and families to represent South London boroughs. Pupils and students attending were Reuben C (Year 13), Dexter C (Year 9), Ronan F (Year 13), Angel G (Year 10), Freddie M (Year 12), Kayden P-S (Year 13), Chloe V (Year 13), Shane W (Year 12).

A special mention goes to Angel G (pictured right), who wrote a poem on homelessness and housing and represented both Wandsworth and Saint Cecilia’s in the roll call. Well done to Dexter C who created a photo collage and poem displayed in the crafts and food room and to Reuben C who brought chess sets to promote play for mental health and well-being.

JLT members witnessed first-hand how meaningful action can lead to real change. 

National Park Ecology Day

Green Futures is an ambitious and innovative programme connecting young people with nature conservation in the Royal Parks, gaining new skills to help combat the climate emergency. Saint Cecilia’s is one of fives schools who were invited to take part in the project, involving Years 8 and 12. Mia M in Year 8 has written about her experience:

“Last Tuesday, the whole of Year 8 spent the day outdoors at the LookOut Discovery Centre in Hyde Park for National Park Nature Day, learning about nature and helping with conservation alongside teachers, Sixth Formers and park staff.

“We cleared the ground, spread seeds and planted hundreds of daffodil and tulip bulbs along the trails, creating a colourful display for spring. After lunch, we explored the stream, discovering pond snails, mayfly larvae and tiny fish and learnt how important clean water is for the ecosystem. The day finished with cutting back overgrown areas to make space for new plants.

“Everyone got muddy, worked hard and had fun whilst learning how small actions can make a big difference to the environment.” Mia M, Year 8