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 

Year 7 Prefects

Saint Cecilia’s new Year 7 Prefects have just been appointed, following a thoughtful selection process that recognised the enthusiasm and leadership potential of our youngest pupils. Pupils were invited to apply by explaining why they wanted the role and how they could contribute to school life. Staff were impressed by the quality of applications and the maturity shown throughout the process.

The successful candidates have already begun their duties, helping welcome new starters, supporting teachers and acting as positive role models for their peers. Their commitment and positive attitude embody the values of Saint Cecilia’s, and we are confident they will make a fantastic contribution to school life.

Battle of the Bands 2025 Rocks Saint Cecilia's

On Thursday 16th October, four talented bands - Thorns & Roses, Wisp, Birds & the Bees and Spree - took to the stage to compete for the title of Saint Cecilia’s Battle of the Bands Champion 2025.

With a mix of cover songs and original tracks, each band delivered a stand-out performance to a packed audience of 150. The crowd were on their feet: dancing, cheering and singing along in an electric atmosphere from start to finish

While the judges deliberated, we were treated to a fantastic three-song set from our 2024 winners, 33% Ginger. Then came the results!

1st place: Spree!
2nd place: Birds & the Bees
3rd place: Thorns & Roses
4th place: Wisp

Year 9 A and B Netball

Recently, Year 9A and 9B netball teams faced tough competition in two matches. They played Lady Margaret School. Both teams made a slow start, trailing by four goals after the first quarter, but soon found their stride. The 9B team fought back brilliantly to secure a thrilling two-goal victory, while the 9A team showed great determination before narrowly losing 14–10.

Later in the week they took on Ursuline High School, and what a difference a day made! A sharper, more focused warm-up set the tone for two excellent matches. The 9A team dominated with a confident 28–15 win, while the 9Bs battled hard for a well-deserved 13–10 victory. Huge credit goes to all the girls, who managed two fixtures, a triple PE lesson and an early morning training session in less than 48 hours.

Year 10 Artists

Year 10s are exploring the theme of ‘Structures’, particularly within natural forms and have been researching and responding to the photographer Karl Blossfeldt. They have experimented with reductive charcoal drawing for the first time, creating some bold outcomes.