Religious Studies and Chaplaincy at Saint Cecilia’s

“Glorifying God through outstanding, enjoyable education”

“The distinctiveness and effectiveness of Saint Cecilia’s as a Church of England school are outstanding.”
— SIAMS November 2016


Our Christian ethos runs through all we do. We are a proudly Christian school that values the uniqueness of each individual made in the image of God. Faith, courage, justice, hope, reconciliation and community are at the heart of Saint Cecilia’s - firmly rooted in our school ethos.

Religious Studies

Religious Studies is an important and valued subject and all our pupils take Religious Studies to GCSE level. A unique academic subject, it provokes challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, allows learners to explore beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality. It develops pupils’ knowledge and understanding of Christianity, other principal religions and worldviews, whilst also offering opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development. Students can continue to study religious, philosophical and ethical issues and theories in the Philosophy and Ethics A Level.

Chaplaincy

We have a full-time Chaplain which shows the high regard we place on Chaplaincy at Saint Cecilia’s. Our chaplaincy programme includes assemblies, Collective Worship at the end of every day and throughout the year we have parents’ and staff prayer meetings in school. We have an attractive Chapel for the use of pupils and staff, both for voluntary services and private prayer and reflection. Mentor meetings also include a time of Christian reflection, meditation and prayer.

Our Worship in the Community events celebrate key dates of the Christian calendar. Each Year group will visit different local churches to learn more about them and to experience a Communion Service. Whilst with us, pupils take part in two retreats organised by our Chaplain to promote team spirit and encourage conversation about their differences. The first retreat for our new Year 7s happens at the start of the school year and is a day for pupils to absorb everything the school has to offer, to build relationships with their Mentors and to meet new class mates. Click on the picture (left) to see the picture gallery and feedback from our most recent Year 7 retreats. In Year 9, half-way through their Saint Cecilia’s journey, pupils meet again to reflect on what has gone well and to think about goals and future focus. This helps with their Preference exercise when they choose the subjects they’d like to take to GCSE.

Our Christian Union group is an established, strong and growing part of our School. This weekly after-school club is open for all - both Christian and non-Christian pupils and students are welcome to join local youth leaders from other churches who take sessions.

At a governance level, our Faith Committee, drawn from members of our Senior Leadership Team, key staff and Governors, supports various aspects of the school life and ensures that Christian ethos is the reason and a driving force of everything that happens at Saint Cecilia’s. The group also focuses on delivering high standards of spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through PSHE and RS curricula, the Chaplaincy and many various events that take place in the school.

The Diocese of Southwark covers 12 local authorities across South London and part of Surrey.  They offer support and advice to 106 Church of England Schools (including Saint Cecilia’s Church of England School), academies and universities. The aim of the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education (SDBE) is to provide professional, expert advice and assistance to support schools, colleges and universities in their endeavours to develop Church of England education and an understanding of the Christian Gospel.
For more information about the SDBE, please click here to access their website

“I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full”
— John 10:10
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Alex Shoderu joined Saint Cecilia’s in January 2020. Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Alex came to the UK aged 10. Though he had a Christian upbringing, he became a Christian aged 19 at university where he studied Forensic Science. Whilst at university, Alex began working with young people on Summer camps. This is where his passion for helping young people connect with their faith in a real way started. He completed an MA in Theological and Pastoral Studies before joining us as Chaplain.

Alex leads a programme we call Restorative Practice. If there has been conflict between pupils or students, Alex will bring parties together to help restore relationships. Pupils and students leave his sessions having had the chance to explain how they feel and apologise, clear the air and move forwards. This is now a well-known and well-respected practice at our School which is an extremely effective part of our Behaviour Policy.