November News
Congratulations on Computing Awards
Big congratulations to Joshua D in Year 13 for completing his SoloLearn Python for Beginners course. Joshua has moved onto the SoloLearn HTML and CSS courses as part of his revision plan for his upcoming A Level Computer Science mock in December. A great way to revise, test himself and gain additional certification to enhance his future CV all in one go. Well done Joshua.
Student Selected by the Royal Academy of Arts
We are delighted that Ruby S in Year 13 has won a place at the Royal Academy of Art’s programme of artist-led creative workshops for people aged 15 – 19. The workshops, named ‘attRACt’, are free monthly events at the Royal Academy led by professional artists, architects and creatives. Ruby will learn about art, architecture and other creative industries. The sessions will be a mixture of practical workshops, group discussions, tutorials and portfolio reviews. To win her place, Ruby attended a session at the Royal Academy, where students were asked to explore various artworks and then experiment with the potential of clay. These photos show Ruby’s experiments which helped her to win her place. Ruby says, “I’m so excited to explore art techniques with other students as well as professional artists”.
Well done Ruby!
Careers
University of Cambridge visit
Earlier in November we welcomed our link college, Robinson College, to support those in Year 13 who have applied to either Oxford or Cambridge with interview preparation. They also gave an overview to some pupils in Year 11 about what to consider when making A Level choices.
Advertising Unlocked Masterclass with Havas
Have you ever wondered who creates the stories behind the brands we use every day or how adverts are made? Year 13 Business Studies students got to find out when they visited Havas, one of the world's largest advertising and communications companies, through the Advertising Unlocked scheme. The scheme provides students with a practical insight into careers in advertising through workshops, interactive discussions, office tours and creative challenges. Working in small groups, our students were given a brief and had to pitch their new Lego idea to a panel of experts.
Autumn Concert Programme Design
A huge thank you to Oliwer B, one of our very talented A Level Art students in Year 13, for his intricate pencil design for our Autumn Concert programme. Oliwer is now working on a series of designs for our remaining school concerts and events.
Careers
We are delighted that several of our Year 13 students attended the National Apprenticeship event this month to explore post-study opportunities. One of our students was given a special mention by British Airways for their 'career readiness’.
We are also pleased to share that nine Year 12 students successfully applied to attend a healthcare careers event at St George's University of London on Wednesday, where they explored a range of career paths within the NHS.
Citizens UK
Our new partnership with Citizens UK is already proving invaluable. This month we witnessed their work in action when two Sixth Form students, Ruby S and Isaac I, presented to the full Governing Body on their aspirations for our school and change they would like to see on a national level. The work Citizens UK are doing is part of our drive to offer more opportunities for pupils and students to impact the world beyond the walls of the school.
October News
Iceland Adventure 2024
In October, our adventurous Year 12 and 13 students embarked on a five-day journey through Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes and geothermal wonders, to support their A Level Geography studies. The group’s exploration began at the Bridge Between Continents, a stunning fissure between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
Other highlights included an exhilarating glacier walk on Sólheimajökull, where students donned crampons and ice axes to explore its melting ice formations and learn about climate change. The group then marvelled at the iconic Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls and even enjoyed a unique Lava Show, feeling the intense heat of molten rock!
Parliament Visit
“On Monday 7th October, Jonas and I were invited to a work experience day in Parliament with the local MP Fleur Anderson. We had a tour, Q&A and valuable speech writing session with Fleur. For me, the highlight of the day was sitting in the viewing chamber to see the Prime Minister’s speech, followed by debate and questions from the House. The day was an incredible opportunity for me as an A Level Government and Politics student and as someone applying for a politics course at university.“
Grace E, Year 13
Head Girl
Sixth Form Greet and Go
Sixth Form Prefects arranged a Greet and Go event over two days in the Chapel. The event was designed as a way of Year 12 and 13 getting to know each other better using a ‘speed dating’ style format, with Year 13 moving along a seat every 90 seconds to engage with a new Year 12 student. The event created a fantastic buzz of conversation.
English National Opera Trip
Some of our Year 12 and Year 13 A Level Music students were lucky enough to see both ‘La Bohème’ and ‘The Turn of the Screw‘ operas for free at the London Coliseum recently. Here is a photo of some of them enjoying ‘The Turn of the Screw’.
Wings of Hope 2023/24 Award Winners!
On Friday 11th October, we had the pleasure of attending the Wings of Hope awards ceremony and witnessed sisters Martha E and Grace E receiving the award for overall winners 2023/4. This is a truly amazing achievement! Their hard work and dedication made them truly deserving winners. They entered the Gold award, which required them to raise £1,000, but they raised over £2,000! Part of their prize is an all expenses paid trip to India to teach at one of the schools WOHAA supports. Congratulations to the girls who went by the name - Sister Strength. Click on the picture top left to read about the finalists on the website.
We received the following wonderful feedback from Wings of Hope: “We are incredibly proud of Team Sister Strength from Saint Cecilia’s. Throughout the competition, Team Sister Strength has demonstrated incredible passion, dedication, and leadership. Their commitment to making a difference has been truly inspiring, as they worked tirelessly to raise vital funds and awareness in their communities, becoming shining examples for us all in support of the Wings of Hope’s international projects.
As young leaders, they have shown remarkable teamwork, creativity, and a strong sense of social responsibility. We couldn’t be prouder of the positive impact they’ve made, and we look forward to seeing the amazing things they will continue to achieve in the future. Thank you for representing your school so wonderfully and for your outstanding contributions!”
Biggest Annual Careers Fair
On 4th October, we welcomed employers, colleges and universities to our annual Careers Fair for pupils and students in Years 10- 13. We were delighted that over 75 volunteers representing many jobs, industries and sectors attended and took time to talk to our pupils and students. We would like to thank the parents, family and friends of staff and previous Saint Cecilia's students who were able to offer their time to support our young people.
September and Summer Term News
Italian Music Tour
Pupils an students had a brilliant time on the music tour to Lake Garda in July 2024. The concerts were very well attended, with an audience of over 300 for our first concert in Cremona. Pupils and students enjoyed some sight-seeing around the lake and a fun day at a local water park. This year’s tour to La Rochelle in July 2025 has just been announced and will be open to all members of Concert Band, Jazz Band, Strings and Choir. Information has been sent out this week to eligible pupils and students.
On 21st September, 33 former pupils from the Wandsworth School Choir returned to Saint Cecilia’s for their annual reunion. Wandsworth School closed in 1985 and Saint Cecilia’s was built on the grounds of the former boys’ school in 2003.
The world famous choir won Grammys for the best classical choral performance in 1971, for Berlioz’s Requiem, and in 1974, for Berlioz’s The Damnation of Faust with the Ambrosian Singers. The reunion evening included a presentation of photographs of memorabilia that are now held in the national archives at the Red House in Aldeburgh. The archives are open to the public and free of charge for anyone to view.
Saint Cecilia’s has forged strong links with the Old Wandsworthians and we host the annual choir reunion, which is always such a super event. Food was provided by chefs Alex and Grace from our catering team, and service from some of our Sixth Form students (Grace E, Jonas B, Amelie M and Chukwudi E), supported by Mrs Peacock and Mrs Doohan.
