Inspicio Vol. 6

Inspicio

“I have come so that you may have life, life in all its fullness” John 10:10

Inspicio | Vol. 6

INSIDE Words from Mr Walton Curriculum Enhancement Day The Assisi Building Little Shop of Horrors Author Visit Careers Day World Book Week and World Book Day Globe Trip | Romeo & Juliet Science Week Betrayal | Tenebrae with Schola Spelling Bee Sports Success Teacher interview | Mrs Mwendwa Key Dates

Inspicio | Vol. 6

INSPICIO ( def. review, inspect, look into ) VOL NO.6

www.allsaintscc.org.uk

FROM OUR ACTING HEADTEACHER

Mr Paul Walton

Welcome back to all our families for the Trinity Term. We hope you all had a very Happy Easter and a peaceful and restful break.

It has been an incredibly busy and exciting half-term here at All Saints, filled with a wide range of enrichment opportunities that continue to bring our school community together. Our front cover captures a wonderful moment from our recent musical production of Little Shop of Horrors, which was performed over three evenings and supported brilliantly by parents, pupils and staff alike. The production involved nearly 70 students and featured an impressive stage and set — including a fully operational man-eating plant — which certainly created a talking point during the interval. The performances were a real triumph and a credit to the dedication and talent of our students, who delivered an outstanding show under the direction of our performing arts team and the leadership of Dr Slimmings.

Alongside this, students across the school have enjoyed a number of curriculum enrichment experiences. Our Curriculum Enhancement Day provided opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. Year 11 students attended a theatre performance of Blood Brothers, while other groups took part in Escape Room challenges designed to develop teamwork and problem-solving skills. Year 8 students visited the Natural History Museum and our Year 10 music students enjoyed a fascinating trip to the former homes of Handel and Jimi Hendrix. Experiences such as these are incredibly valuable in helping students see the relevance of what they study, deepening their understanding while also enhancing their enjoyment of school.

Preparing students for their futures beyond All Saints also remains a key priority. This half-term we hosted two careers-focused events. Year 8 students participated in a CV writing and apprenticeships workshop, helping them begin to think about the range of pathways available to them. Meanwhile, our Year 10 Careers Event saw students arrive at school dressed in professional 'business' attire before attending a series of talks from inspirational guest speakers representing a variety of industries. The maturity and engagement shown by students throughout the day was extremely impressive and commented upon by several of the speakers.

World Book Day also provided a fantastic opportunity to celebrate reading across the school. This year we hosted our inaugural Spelling Bee competition, which created a real 'buzz' of excitement among students. We were also delighted to welcome author Tim Tilley, who visited to speak with students about his book 'Harklights' and the creative writing process. A special mention must go to our Maths team, who won the award for best dressed department thanks to their highly creative portrayal of The Very Hungry Caterpillar — a literary classic I am sure many families will recognise!

Finally, we rounded off the half-term with our first ever Science Week. Students enjoyed a range of engaging activities including visits from a mobile zoo and a mobile planetarium, which provided an immersive experience that sparked curiosity about the universe and the natural world. Thank you, as always, for your continued support of the school and I look forward to a busy but exciting term ahead.

Curriculum Enhancement Day Last term, the entire school embraced a dynamic change of pace with Curriculum Enhancement Day — a whole day dedicated to stepping outside the traditional classroom and bringing learning to life across London. With an exciting and wide-ranging programme of trips and experiences, students explored their subjects in meaningful, memorable and immersive ways.

Students travelled across the capital to take part in a variety of subject-specific visits, including the Escape Room on Caledonian Road, the Saatchi Gallery, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Natural History Museum (where the Hyde Park visit was replaced), and a dedicated Biodiversity Workshop at the museum.

Other groups explored the Handel & Hendrix House through an interactive workshop, visited the Harry Potter Studio Tour, experienced the immersive art exhibition at Frameless as part of Art and Photography, and took part in a Food and Business Studies visit to the Museum of Brands.

Many students also enjoyed a powerful live performance of Blood Brothers at the theatre, with some groups returning to school before attending the production later in the day.

Back on site, the energy continued with a range of engaging activities including Bubble Football, Gel Blaster, Archery, and even a dramatic re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings. Students also celebrated culture and language during French and Spanish Culture Day, baking traditional dishes and exploring customs and traditions from around the world.

Curriculum Enhancement Day was a resounding success, offering students the chance to deepen their learning in new and exciting ways. Whether through history, geography, art, drama, business, finance or culture, the day celebrated curiosity, creativity and exploration. Our pupils returned with stories to tell, new skills developed and a deeper understanding of the world around them — proof that learning doesn’t always happen within four walls.

Curriculum Enhancement Day

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The Assisi Building

We are delighted to share a selection of new photographs on our website from our architects, 3BM Studio, following the completion of our new Assisi Building.

This wonderful new space has been thoughtfully designed to support our students’ learning, wellbeing and development, and we are very proud to see it now in use by our school community. The Assisi Building provides high-quality facilities that will enhance teaching and learning and create calm, purposeful spaces for students to thrive.

Parents and carers are invited to read the new overview on our website, which explains what the Assisi Building has to offer and how it will benefit our students both now and in the future.

We would like to thank 3BM Studio for their creativity and commitment in bringing this exciting project to life.

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

It has become a tradition that we announce the musical at the Summer Concert, but this year we got on that hype train a little bit earlier, putting 10 musicals in the drama studio window and taking one down every week until we were left only with two to choose from.

While the reaction was loud, I’m not convinced that the students actually knew just how much fun (and bizarre) the plot of Little Shop of Horrors is! When we tried to explain the concept of an alien plant that eats humans and is hell bent on world domination I think the question of ‘how will you make a man eating plant’ was at the top of everyone’s mind.

For each production we concentrate on one particular aspect - last year it was the audience experience with our immersive Guys and Dolls and the year before we focused on costumes for Beauty and the Beast. This year we knew we wanted the set to steal the show. With thanks to our friends at Lords Builders Merchants, Scenery Solutions in Southampton, and AliStage in Watford I think that we really did elevate the experience out of school show and in to something I’d be happy to put on a real professional stage.

Mrs Moss and her scenic design team worked tirelessly to create the incredible world you saw, the detail and care (and sheer amount of green glitter) that went in to this was gargantuan.

Bringing the cast together, and particularly the days over February half term, are the best time in the lead up to performing. We coalesce into a real company, with everyone mucking in to help with whatever we need. Watching young people believe in each other, be their champion, and be proud in what they have produced is the reason we put so much effort in to the show.

After the Friday warm up, we asked students to turn to the person next to them and tell them a reason they are proud of each other, and some of the genuine support shows the lived values of All Saints pupils in abundance.

Never standing still, we are already working on our next project, A Midsummer Nights Dream as a fully staged production in Shakespearian English. Rehearsals started 3 weeks after Little Shop went down. The show must go on at All Saints!

AUTHOR VISIT Tim Tilley came to visit All Saints in March of this year to talk to Years 7 and 8 about being an author. His presentation focused on what inspired him to write, the writing process, and encouraging students to follow their dreams.

Tim Tilley wrote the stories Harklights and Witchstorms. Harklights, is his most recent book and is a fantasy story about a young orphan, Wick, who lives in the harsh conditions of his orphanage where he must work in the Harklights Match Factory. The orphanage is run

by Old Ma Bogey, a cruel woman who is reminiscent of fellow villains such as ‘Darth Vader.’ Wick’s life changes when he finds the Hobs, miniature protectors of the forest, who offer him a chance to escape his cruel life and live in the forest with them.

Tim Tilley’s presentation on ‘Harklights’ emphasised how every story comes from its predecessors, highlighting that there are seven basic plots such as ‘the quest,’ ‘rags to riches,’ or ‘voyage.’ He also did an interactive story planning activity with the students showing them how every story and hero needs an objective, obstacles, and a resolution. His interactive presentation helped to simplify and make creative writing for students feel attainable and accessible. Pupils gained practical experience in planning stories with an author who moved around and worked with them and encouraged them to follow their dreams.

Tim Tilley explained how he grew up in nature and this upbringing gave him inspiration for the wonders of nature and storytelling from a young age. After years of hard work, he was able to attain his dream of writing adventure stories close to nature, meaning students can also attain their goals. His presentation was personable and accessible.

After his presentations, a select group of fifteen Year 7 students were invited to the library for a special Q&A and book signing with Tim Tilley.

These students were chosen based on their consistent engagement with the library and reading as well as their excellent contributions and work in their reading lessons. These students enjoyed asking an author questions about his life and how he became an author and what the career is like. These students asked wonderful thought-provoking questions that Tim Tilley answered with enthusiasm. After the Q&A was completed, students had one on one time with the author as he dedicated each book gifted to the student where they talked about their love for books and reading.

Overall, the visit from Tim Tilley was such a privilege to all students because they were able to interact and ask an author questions about writing and learn more about the creative writing process, which will prove to be an invaluable skill for their future careers and GCSEs.

CAREERS DAY We were delighted to welcome a fantastic range of speakers and organisations today for our Year 10 Careers Day, giving students valuable insight into the wide variety of pathways available to them.

This year’s event featured sessions on Skills for Employment, democracy and civic engagement for young people, apprenticeships (including interactive activities and games), social entrepreneurship, careers in medical radiography, studying Economics and understanding inflation, as well as opportunities within banking and retail.

We were proud to host representatives from organisations including Coca-Cola, Fit for Life, the Home Office, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), leading banking professionals, and Nando’s, who generously shared their time and expertise with our students.

Hearing from young speakers not much older than them gave students real insight into university routes, apprenticeships, and future career pathways.

They left feeling motivated, informed, and excited about work experience opportunities and post‑16 choices!

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BOOK WEEK & WORLD BOOK DAY

All Saints Catholic College celebrated Book Week in the lead-up to World Book Day with a range of exciting activities designed to bring reading to life across the school.

The week began with Year 7 and Year 8 students receiving a special visit from children’s author, Tim Tilley. Tilley explained how the natural world and personal experiences shaped and inspired his magical book ‘Harklights’ and engaged students in an interactive creative writing workshop. Following the talks with Y7 and Y8 students, Tilley led a meet and greet with select Y7 students who have demonstrated excellent contributions to the reading culture of the school; all of them received a free, signed book.

The week continued with some form competitions, as forms went head to head to recreate scenes from books and bring books to life; the winners (7I and 9T) were awarded a form pizza party at the end of the week. All students were also given free book vouchers to be used to purchase a new book, and students also had the

World Book Day featured a thrilling Spelling Bee Final between KS3 student Paylan (Y8) vs Ms Dalton, and KS4 student Mia (Y11) vs Mr Forshaw. The students and staff competed in the playground in front of the school, spelling words such as ‘fallacious’ and ‘didacticism’, much to the audience’s delight.

opportunity to take part in a book swap in the library.

As in previous years, staff joined in the fun by dressing up within departments, with Team Maths coming together to make ‘The Hungry Caterpillar’ and the Admin Team reenacting

‘The

Addams

Family’

very

convincingly.

Students were also tested on their literary knowledge through a book quiz, an interactive scavenger hunt, and a creative workshop on the morning of World Book Day.

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This was a lively and exciting week at All Saints and a memorable celebration of reading, and the students had a fantastic time bringing books to life!

LOBE THEATRE TRIP Romeo and Juliet

During the Lent Term students had the opportunity to watch Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet at the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in central London.

The

performance

allowed

students

to

experience one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies in the historic theatre setting that closely reflects how his plays were originally performed. Watching the play brought to life on stage helped deepen students’ understanding of the characters, themes and language they have been studying in English lessons.

The trip provided a fantastic cultural experience and a valuable opportunity to connect classroom learning with live theatre.

A huge thank you to the staff who organised and accompanied the visit.

SCIENCE WEEK 2026

Science Week at All Saints provided an exciting range of hands-on experiences, giving students the opportunity to explore science beyond the classroom and opening their minds to the possibilities within STEM. The week began with a visit from ZooLab, where Year 8 students handled animals including White Tree Frogs, Hissing Cockroaches and a Corn Snake. Year 7 and 8 students carried out a pig trotter dissection, while Year 9 and 10 explored exchange surfaces, examining fish gills and the structure of the eye.

Year 7 students experienced the WonderDome, taking an immersive journey through the Solar System, while Year 9 attended a STEM Roadshow focused on material science and careers. Students across all year groups also baked cricket flour cookies, linking science to sustainability.

The week also featured the popular “Bangs and Explosions” event, showcasing a range of exciting demonstrations, and concluded with a staff bushtucker trial, providing a fun and memorable finale.

Artwork by Miss Kennington, Teacher of Art

On Tuesday 24th March, the Schola presented a truly memorable and moving evening of music and reflection at St James’ Church, Spanish Place. Betrayal – An Immersive Tenebrae Concert took the audience on a powerful journey through the story of Jesus’ final hours, brought to life through a combination of music, readings, lighting and movement.

The programme featured the music of Tomás Luis de Victoria, alongside works by Pablo Casals and Kenneth Leighton, capturing the depth and solemnity of the ancient Tenebrae service. To enhance the immersive experience, the choir was divided into two groups positioned on either side of the nave, surrounding the audience with rich, resonant sound and creating a striking “surround sound” effect.

A particular highlight of the evening was the outstanding contribution of our students. Twenty-seven pupils performed solos, either singing or reading, demonstrating impressive confidence, sensitivity and maturity.

The concert was a remarkable success, showcasing both the richness of this sacred tradition and the exceptional talent, dedication and spirit of our young performers.

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SPELLING BEE This term, All Saints Catholic College proudly launched its first ever ASCC Spelling Bee – and it was a fantastic success!

What began as a whole-school literacy event quickly became one of the most exciting and talked-about highlights of the term, with pupils across Years 7 to 11 taking part with enthusiasm, determination and real pride. From the very first rounds to the final showdown on World Book Day, the competition brought energy, excitement and a real celebration of language to the heart of our school community.

Across the early rounds, pupils competed in their form groups before progressing through to the Year Group Heats, where the standard was incredibly high.

Our Year Group Champions A huge congratulations to our brilliant Overall Year Winners, who each performed exceptionally well throughout the competition:

Andie 7A Paylan H 8T Students impressed staff with their confidence, focus and spelling accuracy, and it was wonderful Millie R-J 9C to see so many pupils embracing the challenge and enjoying the opportunity to represent their Victorio P 10A peers.

Mia M 11N

Each of these pupils should feel incredibly proud of their achievement. Reaching this stage of the competition was no small feat, and they represented their year groups brilliantly.

As

the

competition

progressed,

the

This brought a fantastic sense of fun and anticipation to the day, with pupils and staff alike fully invested in the outcome. There was a real buzz around the event, and the atmosphere reflected just how much the competition had captured the imagination of the school community.

atmosphere around school continued to build, with pupils eager to find out who would be crowned the top spellers in KS3 and KS4.

Following a series of highly competitive heats and semi-finals, two outstanding finalists emerged:

Mia McKenzie also represented KS4 superbly in her final against Mr Forshaw, showing excellent confidence and composure on the big stage.

KS3 Champion Paylan Hakizimana (8T)

A Wonderful Celebration of Literacy The ASCC Spelling Bee has been far more than just a competition – it has been a wonderful celebration of reading, vocabulary, confidence and student achievement.

KS4 Champion Mia McKenzie (11N)

Both pupils demonstrated excellent spelling knowledge, calmness under pressure and fantastic determination as they earned their place in the final.

The

competition

A very special congratulations goes to Paylan Hakizimana, who delivered an outstanding performance and won against Ms Dalton in the KS3 final – a brilliant achievement and a moment of great pride.

reached

its

exciting

It has been especially pleasing to see pupils across the school engaging so positively, stepping out of their comfort zones and showing such determination throughout. Events like this play an important role in helping to build a culture where language, reading and academic success are celebrated and where pupils feel proud to challenge themselves.

conclusion on Thursday 5th March 2026, as part of our World Book Day celebrations.

In a brilliant twist, our finalists did not just compete for the title against other pupils – they took on members of staff in a live student

Most importantly, the Spelling Bee gave pupils the opportunity to shine, and it was fantastic to see so many students rise to that challenge with such maturity and enthusiasm.

vs staff grand final, making the event even more memorable for everyone watching.

The final match-ups were: KS3 Final: Paylan Hakizimana (8T) vs Ms Dalton KS4 Final: Mia McKenzie (11N) vs Mr Forshaw

We are incredibly proud of all our participants and very grateful to the staff who helped make the event such a success.

The first ASCC Spelling Bee certainly created a buzz – and we are already looking forward to next year!

At St Charles, our U14 boys’ basketball team delivered a remarkable performance to be crowned champions. After losing to Holland Park in the opening round, the team showed incredible resilience and determination, fighting their way back to face them again in the final and securing an impressive 8-point victory. This outstanding achievement marks their third consecutive title, a testament to their perseverance and team spirit.

Equally impressive were our U14 girls’ basketball team, who also triumphed at the RBKC Basketball Tournament at St Charles. The team performed brilliantly throughout the day, culminating in a well-deserved victory over Holland Park in a closely contested final. Their teamwork, respect and selfless play were evident at every stage, making this a fantastic achievement and a proud moment for the school.

SPORTS SUCCESS

It has been an exceptional period of sporting success at All Saints Catholic College, with our students demonstrating outstanding skill, determination and teamwork across multiple competitions.

Our U14 boys’ basketball team were crowned champions.for the third year in a row!

Success continued on the football pitch, where our Year 7/8 and Year 9/10 girls’ teams represented the school at the Westway Sports Centre, finishing an impressive 3rd overall against strong competition from across the borough.

In addition, our Year 9 and 10 girls’ football team secured a superb 3–0 victory against Hammersmith Academy, showcasing excellent teamwork and confidence throughout the match.

A special mention goes to Juliette F, named Player of the Match, for her outstanding goalkeeping and unwavering commitment.

These achievements reflect the dedication, resilience and sportsmanship of our students, as well as the support of staff who continue to champion sport at All Saints. We are incredibly proud of all our players and look forward to even more success in the future.

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MRS MWENDWA

Joining the school in September 2024 our Head of Maths tell us her vocational story and what her role at ASCC means to her

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Q+A Why did you come and work at All Saints?

After more than two decades in my previous school, I felt it was the right time to embrace a new challenge and fresh perspective.

From my very first visit to All Saints, I was struck by the wonderfully warm and welcoming atmosphere. There was a genuine sense of community — staff and students alike — that immediately resonated with me. It felt like a place where relationships matter, where people are valued, and where I could contribute meaningfully.

It also helped that I already knew quite a few members of staff here at All Saints, either as former colleagues or students!

Tell us about your background and upbringing.

I was born and raised in Kenya, which is also where I trained as a teacher and began my career, teaching for four years before moving to the UK. From a very young age, I knew I wanted to become a teacher — perhaps not surprising, as there have been teachers on my maternal side of the family for at least three generations!

Inspiring young minds has always felt like a calling rather than simply a career choice.

However, my A Level careers adviser had other ideas and encouraged me to pursue Electrical Engineering instead, suggesting it would be a more lucrative path. Although I successfully completed the course, I quickly realised that my heart simply wasn’t in it. I therefore returned to university to train as a teacher — and I have never looked back.

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Over the years, I’ve stayed in touch with some of my former students, and seeing the people they have become — including a few who are now colleagues — is a constant source of joy, inspiration and motivation. It reminds me why I chose this profession, even on the days when teaching feels particularly demanding and challenging.

What hobbies and interests do you have?

I am an avid reader — once I start a gripping book, it’s almost impossible for me to put it down. I have been known to read well into the early hours just to finish “one more chapter”!

Music is another great passion of mine. I have sung in several choirs over the years and am currently part of the singing team at my Church.

There’s something incredibly uplifting about singing as part of a group and blending voices in harmony.

I also love long walks, especially in places of outstanding natural beauty such as the Chilterns. There’s nothing quite like fresh air, rolling hills and good company to recharge the batteries.

What is your role at ASCC? I serve as Head of Maths.

What is your focus?

My focus is on working collaboratively with our fantastic Maths team to nurture confidence, curiosity and a genuine appreciation for Mathematics. We are passionate about helping students see that Maths is not just a subject confined to the classroom, but a powerful tool with real-world applications that shape everyday life. In particular, I am committed to supporting students who may not initially find Maths easy. With the right encouragement, strategies and belief, every student can make progress and achieve their potential. Our aim is simple: to spread the love of Mathematics and ensure that every learner feels capable, supported and inspired.

KEY DATES Trinity Term 2026

15th April | Y7 Exam Preparation and Workshop evening 6 - 7pm 20th April | Politics Week 21st April | Year 10 Exam Preparation and Workshop Evening 6 - 7pm 4th May | Bank holiday 12th May | Curriculum Enhancement Day Half term | 25-29 May 4th June | A Midsummer Night’s Dream 11th June | Schola 5 year anniversary concert at Cadogan Hall 19th June | Grenfell Mass 25th June | Y11 Prom 29th June | Shoulder Day (only Y9 and 10 in school) 30th June | Y7 Awards evening 3rd July | INSET DAY 6th July | Awards Evening for Y8 - Y10 9th July | Summer Concert 10th July | Sports Day 14-17th July | Activities Week 17th July | School Breaks up (early finish)