Year 9 visit the University of Oxford

A group of pupils from Year 9 had a great day at the University of Oxford. They had the opportunity to quiz a current and recently graduated student about applying to Oxford and what studying there is really like. 

They engaged in a workshop about language, the origin of words and how language changes over time, as well as being encouraged to question the world around them. Finally, they had a tour of the city and some of the colleges. A highlight was learning where C.S Lewis took his inspiration for ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' as shown in the picture (left). It was encouraging to see how engaged our Year 9 pupils were by the great questions they asked throughout the day. 

Girls' Football U15 Match Report

Captain Lily G reports: “Yet another win this week for the Saint Cecilia’s U15s girls’ football team with a thrilling 4-3 win against Ashcroft Technology Academy! Spirits were high for a highly anticipated game. The scoring was opened by Beatrice E (Year 9) with a beautiful finish, but shortly after Ashcroft found the back of the net with a lovely equalizer. At half time, the game was at stalemate, but things became more exciting in the second half. Throughout the game, both teams showed determination, but Saint Cecilia’s had that winning edge as Bea E scored two more goals to seal her hat-trick and Cassielle M also got on the scoresheet.  

As a long time member of the team, it has been wonderful to see it grow with such enthusiasm and flare, with growing numbers each week. My chosen Players of the Match were Bea E, Chloe B and Cassielle M for their eagerness to make a difference in the game.“

Year 7 Prefects

Here is our fantastic group of newly-appointed Year 7 Prefects! Pictured from left to right: Mia M, Arthur J, Charlie B, Chloe S, Reuben C, Muneeb K, Zaynab A, Kasper CS, Tahlia D B-E, Nate G and Casandra S. Julia K is also a Prefect, but not pictured.

Pupils had to apply, outlining their strengths and qualities for the role. Over the year, they will support staff by helping out with break and lunch duties, school events like the Year 7 disco and open events and guiding visitors around the school - always with a smile!

Sixth Form Annual Pancake Race

This week, our Sixth Formers engaged in a very active way with the start of Lent with the annual pancake race. Congratulations to Mr James Aldridge and his mentor group, who were the winners! Huge thanks to the whole Sixth Form team for making the energetic and memorable event happen.

Oxford University Visit Year 12

 We were visited this week by our link college from Oxford University, Jesus College, to help Year 12 students prepare for applying to university. The most critical part to a successful application is to demonstrate genuine love for a subject by engaging with materials outside of the A Level syllabus. Students learnt how to listen to their inner five-year-old by asking, 'why do I want to study a subject?’ and 'what do I think?' about everyday questions and problems.

Year 10 Royal Holloway, University of London Trip

Year 10 pupils visited Royal Holloway to see a campus-style university and the courses that are on offer. They learnt about the wide-ranging subjects available to study (Comparative Literature, Culture and Philosophy through to Video Arts Games and Design) and the different pathways, such as a foundation year, placement year and the option to study abroad. During the campus tour we visited the Chapel and we were delighted to find Saint Cecilia featured in the stained glass.

Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge

Before half term, in the semi-finals of the annual Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge, Year 10 pupils delivered their two-minute speeches to a panel Year 12 students. The competition was especially tough this year, and we are delighted that Yvette D and Adeeza D (pictured left) made it through to the finals.

Yvette spoke eloquently and persuasively on ‘Your name is your superpower’ and Adezza spoke emotively on the subject of stereotyping. The finals will be held on 6th March at Graveney School and we look forward to following the progress of these two remarkable pupils.

Wimbledon Championships 2025

We are absolutely delighted to announce that a record number of our pupils and students have been selected as ball boys and ball girls for the Wimbledon Championships 2025. The selection process is arduous and hugely competitive, so this is a massive achievement. They will be amazing ambassadors of the school - look out for them on the TV in July demonstrating their agility and focus.