ASA TODAY - Issue 53

Sixth Form Open Evening

Alumni

Monday 24th January 6-8pm

We catch up with some of our fantastic Alumni.

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ASA TODAY

Issue 53, Term 2, 2021

The All Saints’ Academy Newspaper

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www.asachelt.org

‘A real source of hope for its students and for the local community.’

By Mr McNiffe

The principal gives inspirational leadership to the academy and is passionate about knowing and assisting students and staff.

Principal

I’m delighted to welcome you to this edition of ASA Today.

We have had a busy start to the academic year and our students continue to make us proud through their achievement and attitudes towards their studies.

We are pleased to announce that we have been awarded a ‘Good’ judgement with excellent features during our statutory SIAMS inspection.

The Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) is undertaken approximately every five years, schools are subject to an inspection which explores the question, “How effective is the school’s distinctive Christian vision, established and promoted by leadership at all levels, in enabling pupils and adults to flourish?”

Our SIAMS report gives the true context of our Christian vision, ethos and values. I am so proud of our Academy family, we have come a long way in living out our vision to have ‘life in all its fullness.’ We now look forward to building on this fantastic affirmation of our work.

Please see the full report on our website.

SIAMS 2021

Inspirational and relentless leadership produces creative partnerships with a wide range of organisations. These partnerships lead to students thriving in many areas of their lives.

‘The vision of ‘life in all its fullness’ drives the academy forward in its particular service to the disadvantaged and is aspirational for both students and adults.’

SIAMS 2021

‘Students in all years talk movingly about how the academy is giving them positive life choices and how their expectations of themselves are constantly being raised.’

SIAMS 2021

‘The values of love and service prompt a deep sense of compassion. Students and adults engage willingly in social action and charitable giving.’

SIAMS 2021

SIAMS 2021

‘The academy’s vision effectively promotes strong relationships, a sense of belonging and respectful behaviour.’

SIAMS 2021

Academy students deliver Christmas

By Mrs Spence Roman Catholic Lay Chaplain

This time of Advent is a time of preparation and waiting to celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus. Giving has been part of our preparation here at All Saints’.

Each Tutor Group has been tasked

with assembling and decorating a Christmas Hamper filled with food and a few special treats. Great thought, creativity and ingenuity has been devoted to the hampers by the students and staff. Cheltenham Town FC have once again joined our Christmas appeal, generously donating a huge amount of food items. All the donations are divided between the Springbank Community Group and the YMCA.

Issue 53, Term 2, 2021

SPIRITUALITY www.asachelt.org

Spirituality Leaders Programme Expanded

By Mr Round

Anglican Chaplain

September 2021 saw the expansion of the Spirituality Leader Program, building upon the foundations that were established last academic year.

Throughout the Academy, there are now over 130 students who have volunteered to take on additional leadership responsibility, playing a key role in developing the Academy’s awareness and understanding of our own individual and collective spirituality.

The vision for the program is simple: ‘Life in all its fullness,’ seeking to provide opportunities and create environments where fullness of life can be experienced by all.

A primary task for all Spirituality Leaders is their involvement in Extended Worship. This takes place within Tutor Groups once a week and provides an opportunity for both students and staff to explore the relevance of Spirituality and

Above: A selection of All Saints’ Academy Spirituality Leaders

the Christian faith within today’s society. The Spirituality Leaders assist in the planning and delivery, facilitating the discussion within their respective Tutor Groups, with the aim that each session results in the practical application of the spiritual theme, building character and setting culture.

As well as Extended Worship, each Spirituality Leader has been given the opportunity to support a particular Focus Area within the

Academy, such as Eco, Cyber, Sport or one of the many other Faculties. The Focus Areas intend to provide Spirituality Leaders with additional opportunities for leadership and personal development in a topic that they are enthused and passionate about. Each Focus Area will deliver various projects throughout the academic year, designed and implemented by the Spirituality Leaders themselves, with the assistance and guidance of a staff member.

Focus Areas will also seek to provide additional opportunities both inside and outside the Academy, such as attending or hosting events, gaining qualifications, meeting experts in their field and collaboration with external organisations.

One area in particular that we are super excited about regarding the Spirituality Leadership Program, is the opportunities to engage and work along side external organisations, such as Primary Schools and Community Groups. From

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the delivery of Collective Worship, assisting local projects, to setting up Junior Eco Councils, we hope to build upon and continue to develop strong working relationships with neighbouring organisations, providing our Spirituality Leaders with a vast amount of opportunity to grow and experience life in all its fullness.

Address: Blaisdon Way Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL51 0WH Phone: 01242 711200 Absences: 01242 711203 Email: admin@asachelt.org www.asachelt.org

@asachelt

Remembrance A Christmas Surprise

By Mrs Spence Roman Catholic Lay Chaplain

The service began with the Academy Prayer led by Mr McNiffe, Principal and included the Bible passage from Matthew’s Gospel 5:1-12 read

by Rev Hamilton, West Cheltenham Parish, prayers led by students, a short reflection

by Mr Round, Chaplain, The Academy Choir sang a beauti-

ful rendition of the song ‘We will remember them’. Academy Cadets led the two-minute silence, which was followed by the laying of wreaths and Rev Carmichael gave the final blessing to end the Service.

Our Academy Service of Remembrance was once again filmed in advance in the Chapel due to present circumstances and it was watched and participated in by the whole Academy on the morning of the 11th November.

Above: All Saints’ Academy Remembrance Service

By Mrs Spence Roman Catholic Lay Chaplain

The theme of this year’s end of term service was ‘A Christmas Surprise’ and began with the Academy Prayer led by Mr McNiffe, Principal and included the lighting of the Advent Wreath, scripture passages, a drama piece, two carols performed by the Academy Choir, short reflections on the readings by Mr Round, Chaplain and a final blessing brought the service to a close.

Mr McNiffe then wished all staff and students a Happy and Peaceful Christmas.

The Service was once again filmed in advance and students and staff watched and participated in the service on the last day of term.

Sixth Form Open Evening Monday 24th January 2022 6pm

www.asachelt.org

@asachelt

01242 711200

All Saints’ Academy, Blaisdon Way, Cheltenham. GL51 0WH

Issue 53, Term 2, 2021

SIXTH FORM www.asachelt.org

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A Sixth Form to be proud of

By Mrs Cain

Head of Sixth Form and Assistant Vice Principal

At All Saints’ Academy, enabling our students to ‘have LIFE in all its fullness’ is at the centre of everything that we do. We provide excellent opportunities for students to pursue academic and social interests within our modern Academy setting.

We have created a Sixth Form that puts the success of our students first. Our employability program allows students to build a vision for their future and supports them to gain the qualifications that they will need. Our specialist and dedicated teaching staff support them through their Sixth form studies, aiming to achieve high standards in their exam results. We offer a competative range of A level and level 3 BTEC subjects for students

Above and right: All Saints’ Academy Sixth Form Students who aspire to continue their studies at university or pursue career paths within business and industry.

All of our most recent year 13 cohort (summer 2021) achieved their first choice university place. We also a level 2 Key Skills course for

those wishing to benefit from the nurturing and supportive atmosphere that our Sixth Form offers.

Our enrichment program allows students to understand themselves, the world around them, and gives them the tools to

live life in all its fullness. This includes: tailored PSHE sessions, extra-curricular lectures and presentatations, and opportunities to complete work experience.

Our students are members of a tutor group with a dedi-

the specification has been fascinating as it allows me to analyse further than what is at face value. I feel that my thorough research into the subject really confirmed my interest in the content we study. Therefore, I highly encourage anyone who has to make their choice soon to do lots of research into what each subject entails. Reading the specification, looking at articles and speaking to teachers were the ways I found most helpful!

Literature is a true escape for me in my personal life.

I read a lot in my spare time and while I enjoyed the GCSE literature content, when I was made aware of the A Level texts and poetry, I knew that it would be a subject I would find thoroughly intriguing. I couldn’t have made a better decision. So far, I’ve studied the dystopian literary text The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood and Christina Rossetti’s poetry. My favourite part of the subject is that I’m learning about the historical and political aspects of every-

thing that is studied. For example, Rossetti’s poetry can only be truly comprehended and appreciated once her Victorian and highly religious upbringing is considered. Aside from my own interest in English Literature, the thing that really helped me confirm that I’d like to pick it is speaking to my teachers about the texts we study. This is something that varies within each school, and it is important to be aware of them and decide whether you would find them engaging beforehand.

My third A level choice was quite difficult for me. I wasn’t sure whether to take a more scientific route by choosing Biology, or to take Philosophy & Ethics. However, after looking through the specification and talking with my teachers, I was inclined to pick Philosophy & Ethics and I am so glad that I did.

Already, I have noticed that philosophy is connected to everything in our lives, and I can even make many parallels between it and my other subjects. Learning about different philosophers’ ideas, theories and approaches

to subject matters has been captivating. Having the ability to apply ethical guidelines, such as Natural Moral Law and Kantian Ethics, and form arguments regarding their usefulness has been the part I have found most compelling. A point that I’d like to make here is to remind you all to look at how you will be examined. One of my strengths is essay writing and so a very essaybased subject like Philosophy & Ethics is suitable for me, but this may not be the case for others.

In terms of the future, my top three university options are Oxford, Bristol, and Exeter.

I’d like to pursue Psychology as a career and there are two principal areas that I’m interested in.

The first: the psychological aspect of marketing as in our highly capitalist society, this is vital and very engaging. The second: clinical psychology and therapy, specifically because I love how varied it is. Therefore, my course options are Experimental Psychology at any of the universities mentioned or Oxford’s Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics

cated personal tutor to support their pastoral needs. They also benefit from the expertise of a study supervisor to support independent study periods and help to facilitate the EPQ program.

I am proud to be the Head of Sixth Form at All Saints’ Academy and value each student that chooses to study with us. All our students are individuals and we work very hard to recognise and celebrate their differences, enabling them to ‘have LIFE in all its fullness’.

My next step, Oxford University

By Viktoria Velkova Student

A lot of people wonder what goes in to deciding which Alevel subjects to pick and so I thought it would be useful, especially to those of you in year 11, to let you know a little about the process I went through to ensure that I selected the most suitable and enjoyable subjects for me! Throughout my time at sixth form, I’ll be studying Psychology, English Literature and Philosophy & Ethics.

Choosing Psychology has been a definite for me since early in year 11. Despite it not being a subject which I studied at GCSE level, I have had a strong interest in it for a long time. The combination of reading psychological journals and researching key studies ignited my interest in the subject and the more I found out, the more passionate I became. Evaluating the different studies that are part of

Above: Student Leader Viki course which brings all my A level subjects together at a higher level. I cannot stress enough how crucial it is to look at courses in universities before picking your subjects since many courses have at least one subject which is compulsory for you to take in order to be accepted.

Overall, I feel extremely satisfied with the subject choices I have made, and I cannot wait to study the rest of my topics and take part in any opportunities that they present!

Issue 53, Term 2, 2021

SIXTH FORM www.asachelt.org

Learn - Train - Play

By Mr C Wands

U19 Development Manager Cheltenham Town

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both at CTFC, and other elite clubs in the UK and abroad.

All Saints’ Academy Sixth Form works in partnership with Cheltenham Town Football Club.

Students join the Sixth form as full-time students, studying 3 qualifications. Outside of their studies, players benefit from up to 10 hours of additional football a week.

The U19 Development and Education Programme is an established and professionally organised initiative that enables students to develop their footballing abilities whilst representing a professional club, alongside completing their education at a high performing Sixth Form.

Our main aim is to de- Above: All Saints’ Academy and Cheltenham Town Football Club U19 Development Team velop students individually so they can play at their highest level emy, the U19 Development team typically consists of 2-3 training al Development Plans (IDPs) and possible, whilst continuing their have access to a number of com- sessions a week, plus a midweek regular feedback from coaches to studies and be in an environment ponents such as elite training and fixture against other professional ensure that each individual is supthat allows each player to be chal- match facilities, video analysis, development teams. Following ported in their footballing journey.

Our programme is a provlenged and to enjoy playing foot- constant Academy standard coach- from this, the training topics and ing and other tools to support in session designs run in line with the en success which is highlighted ball.

Academy coaching curriculum. with a number of alumni having

Due to having a direct individual player development.

Our training schedule Players will also receive Individu- received professional contracts link with the official CTFC Acad-

‘I have been able to see my child’s progress through the GCSE curriculum into A level. It has been clear to me that she has been thoroughly supported through both the academic aspect of her education and the other endeavours she has undertaken.’

‘The opportunities available to the children are exceptional and the teachers always work hard to ensure that each pupil has the chance to fulfil their individual potential.’

‘All Saints’ Academy provided many opportunities that encouraged my personal development, most notably my volunteering trip to Africa.’

Lyubomir Velkov, Parent

Tara Kelman, Parent

Christian, Sixth Form Alumni

Where every member of our extended family realises our God-given potential, inspired by John 10:10. Jesus said, ‘I have come so you may have life in all its fullness.’

‘The Academy offers the opportunity to develop oneself as a person. The annual Christmas Hampers completed by every tutor group encourages us all to think about those in society who are in need. This has made me a more considerate, caring person.’

‘The support that staff provide is unmatched, and the passion that the teachers have for their subjects is incredibly motivating, especially for a student who is looking to move further with their education.’

‘The staff at All Saints’ Academy always go above and beyond to help their students. The Christian Academy ethos and values are actively promoted and embedded throughout.’

Satwinder, Student Leader

Sofiya, Student Leader

Chelsea, Sixth Form Alumni

Issue 53, Term 2, 2021

NICK DAVIS

ALUMNI www.asachelt.org

DIGITAL SUMMIT CONTENT MANAGER

AIRCRAFT TECHNICIAN

BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST

IAN BERNALES

BETHANY HALFORD DANCER AND PHOTOGRAPHER

COVID PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

Nick Davis, 24, studied Creative Media Production, Hospitality and Catering, Music Technology and IT at All Saints’ Academy Sixth Form.

He graduated with a First Class Honours in TV Production from the University of Gloucestershire.

Nick is currently working for One Young World as a Digital Summit Content Manager.

We caught up with alumnus Isaak Falzon, 27 who graduated with a First Class Honours in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering from the University of South Wales.

Isaak is working for Airtanker as an Aircraft Technician

Ian Bernales, 23 graduated with a 2:1 in Biomedical Science from the University of Kent.

Ian is currently working as a Biomedical Scientist in Haematology with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Biomedical scientists carry out tests on samples taken by doctors and nurses in order to diagnose a range of illnesses and diseases.

Bethany Halford 23, graduated Stella Mann College with a Diploma in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre. Beth has been signed by an agent and is awaiting work as a dancer and actress. She has also successfully launched her own photography company. She specialises in portfolio, family and wedding photos.

Jake Parker, 24, graduated University of Gloucestershire with a 2:1 in TV Production. He has begun his Masters but is taking a break currently as he was offered an opportunity to fantastic to refuse - an internship at Walt Disney Studios in London.

What opportunities have you had since leaving university and what role are you doing now/where are you working etc?

All Saints’ helped me become a better independent learner and take my studying more seriously.

Since leaving university I’ve worked a range of contracted and freelance jobs including working on TV shows for BBC, Channel 4 & ITV including Little Mix the Search & Britain’s Got Talent, I’ve been the Main Stage Camera Head of Department at Insomnia Gaming Festival and currently I am the Digital Summit Content Manager at One Young World in London. This role sees me leading on our video output for our Tokyo Summit as well as coming up with new content ideas across all of our channels.

This role sees me filming and editing often and working on many international projects. I’ve worked on content with VIPs such as Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Terry Crews, a whole host of Governments from Palau to Colombia and even those developing Vaccines at AstraZeneca and Oxford.

What opportunities were you given at All Saints’ Academy to help pursue your chosen career path?

Whilst at ASA - much like my time at university - I took on as many opportunities as I could to grow my experience in the areas I wanted to work in. This mainly included filming and editing projects both internally for courses and externally for clients. The Media Tech course and Kerri Edgar (PR and Communications Manager) were extremely supportive of this and acted often as a bridge between me and opportunities with businesses and individuals.

How exciting is it that you have the opportunity to go to COP26 along with all the world leaders?

One Young World was at COP26 in Glasgow from October 31st to November 11th. COP - Conference of Partiesis the annual UN Climate Conference

ISAAK FALZON

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How did All Saints’ help you in reaching your goals for university?

What advice would you give our Sixth Form students when looking at their next steps?

Decide what type of job/career you want to pursue and explore all of the options available to you, whether it be an apprenticeship or a degree. If you still have no idea in what you want to do, then base your next step on a mixture of your strengths and what interests you.

What achievement have you been most proud of post Sixth Form?

Representing AirTanker at the Royal International Air Tattoo a couple of years ago.

What do you aspire to be doing in 5 years time?

I hope to be a fully Licensed Aircraft Engineer, responsible for signing off maintenance tasks declaring serviceability. designed to bring world leaders and those affected (everyone) together to plan the next steps for us as a human race to make.

One Young World was present both on The Ferry at The Extreme Hangout on the River Clyde - where we created 11 days of content and in the GreenZone where we put on four special sessions.

I also had the absolute pleasure of being contracted by World YMCA and YMCA Scotland to direct, produce and edit 6 short documentaries which was 7 international shoots to be premiered at COP26 in the GreenZone!

The most inspiring part for me was listening to and interviewing the extremely passionate and intelligent young activists who are working to fight the climate crisis everyday.

How did All Saints’ help you in reaching your goals for university?

What was your biggest achievement at Dance School?

JAKE PARKER

What opportunities have you had since leaving university and what role are you doing now/where are you working etc?

What advice would you give our Sixth Form students when looking at their next steps?

Whilst studying for GCSE and Sixth Form I was able to explore many different fields in different industries. The one that appealed to me more was the creative one more specifically TV and film. Whilst explaining to my teachers they took it onboard to provide many opportunities to explore this with me.

This included allowing me to help with making promo videos for the school and Diocese, going on trips to studios including Gems TV, Warner Brothers in London and an evening watching a multi-camera talent show being filmed in person.

What advice would you give our Sixth Form students when looking at their next steps?

Do what you love, whatever that may be and work hard at whatever cost it may take.

What opportunities were you given at All Saints’ Academy to help pursue your chosen career path?

Do what you enjoy and don’t feel like you have to figure out EXACTLY what you want to do in your future career/ life. If you need guidance or advice, networking with people who are in the field you’re interested in is a great way to gain knowledge. Also, if you feel like university isn’t for you, don’t feel like university is the only way forward. Doing apprenticeships and paid internships are also just as invaluable.

How did All Saints’ Academy Sixth Form help you in reaching your goals for university?

Since finishing university I was able to work on many projects. I was offered an internship at the Walt Disney Studios in London for a year starting in September 2021. In the last four months I have been able to work for many studios under the Walt Disney umbrella including Marvel and Lucasfilms. Films such as Eternals and Antman and the Wasp, Pinocchio and Snow White.

Apart from Disney I have also worked on many other projects and companies including Warner Brothers (Wonka, Barbie and Ken and Fantastic Beasts) and big 2021 motion pictures like 007 No Time to Die and TV series like The Witcher for Netflix.

One of my proudest moments is starting as a Covid Marshall and research and moving my way up to 3rd Crowd Assitant Director in a very short time period.

Having studied Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and Maths at All Saints’ Academy Sixth Form, I received great support from all my teachers, especially the Science department. Mr Mudge and Mrs Sharpe both made learning Biology interesting and helped me achieve a good grade in a paper I wasn’t too confident on, which in turn helped me to secure a place to study Biomedical Science. Also, a big thanks to the IT department for giving me extra printing budget to print out loads of past exam papers to help with revision.

What achievement have you been most proud of post Sixth Form?

Graduating university, getting the opportunity to do my registration portfolio to become a Biomedical Scientist (which is highly competitive) and securing a job afterwards.

What do you aspire to be doing in 5 years time?

I’d like to do a Master’s degree and then complete my specialist training to become a Specialist Biomedical Scientist in Haematology and Blood Transfusion.

Performing at Move It on the mainstage at the EXcel Arena with my college.

What did you enjoy most about your course?

I loved how busy I was and the schedule and discipline I was given, we received a lot of feedback and I felt very invested in.

It inspired me to focus on the present in my studies and keep an open mind to where my qualifications can take me, Sixth Form also empowered me to make decisions on what I wanted to do with my career and how to achieve this and not to worry about what other people think.

What were your highlights at All Saints’ Sixth Form?

Going to Berlin, performing in the Academy musical Loserville and not forgetting roast dinner days.

What are you hoping to do now you have graduated?

Continue building my photography business and increase my clients.

Perform in theatres in the UK and at events and cruises.

What is the most famous person you have met since working with Disney?

Hard question, I think the most famous person I have met at Disney would be Samuel Jackson, Paul Rudd and Henry Cavill.

Issue 53, Term 2, 2021

NEWS www.asachelt.org

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The Great Progression

By Sofiya Kuzniatsova Student

As a student body, All Saints Academy has begun to see the influence of today’s politics in regards to climate change. Following the pandemic, it has now become more apparent than ever that we should begin to panic - because our planet is dying. If we took anything from the summit of COP-26, it’s that the climate emergency is more significant now than ever. As a school, we made it our mission to hold our community, our MPs and ourselves accountable for the role we play when it comes to rescuing our planet.

Our Ecological Society began their involvement in this new initiative with a visit to the local climate group, Planet Cheltenham, which was then followed by informative Q&A with our local MP, Alex Chalk. By giving our students the opportunity to speak with our own MP, we enabled young people to have a voice, to declare their concerns, and to receive an expla-

nation for what the government is currently doing. However, actions to aid the climate emergency should not have to be explained, and questionable parliamentary decisions should not have to be justified. Helpful initiatives should be concrete, easy to understand, and realistic.

We recognise that many young people may feel like their voices are ignored when it comes to climate change and other global issues. Many feel hopeless, insignificant and unmotivated, and as an Academy we are trying to change that. Our Eco Society is student run, and supported by staff, allowing for pupils to come together and freely voice their opinions to fellow members of the Eco Society.

We brainstorm ideas and then one by one, we make sure they are destined to be put into action. One of our recent involvements as a group included the Cheltenham Education Partnership’s (CEP) Changemakers event, which shed some light on the questions many young people have today regarding our wildlife, the meaning behind the climate emergency, and the importance of our role as the youth in helping

Harry Potter Actress ‘Spills The Tea’

Planet Cheltenham

Cheltenham Education Partnership CoOrdinator

activist focusing on animal rights, animal welfare and veganism.

This interview took place in front of a large public audience at Cheltenham Literature Festival’s 2021 new Voicebox (#HearMyVoice) venue.

This podcast is brought to you by hosts All Saints’ Academy, in association with the Cheltenham Education Partnership

As an Academy, we have begun taking this process in steps, rather than leaps, which is why our students have chosen to start by meeting the Catering team, and discussing possible alternatives to food options, encouraging a healthier, more sustainable choice to be offered, such as Meat Free Mondays and the removal of single use plastic bottles from our cafeteria. Some other ideas we have discussed include; Electric vehicle charging ports on site, introducing smart metres in order to monitor energy usage, drink dispensary in canteen to reduce plastic

waste and Usage of spare field space for native wildflowers in order to replenish the local ecosystem, also using the spaces for planters and trees

Trying to create influence as a generation is difficult.

Trying to create a physical, visible change is even harder. However, what we have learnt is that when the politicians and corporations don’t work for us, uniting as a community is so much more significant.

The Eco Society take part in a range of different events, meetings and talks, which is how we guarantee that every student is heard.

Above: All Saints’ Academy Staff and Students attending the CEP Climate Changemaker event

Cheltenham’s Community Climate Space

By Raechel Kelly

By Emily Buirski

‘Spill the Tea’ is a unique student led Podcast hosted by a collaborative team of students from a variety of Cheltenham schools. Students ask the questions and encourage our guests to bare all and ‘spill the tea’.

In this inspirational podcast students from All Saints’ Academy, Dean Close School and Pittville School interview the fabulous Evanna Lynch.

Evanna is an actress famously known for her role as Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter film series. She recently published her first book ‘The Opposite of Butterfly Hunting’, which gives a raw glimpse into the challenges she faced when transitioning as a girl into womanhood. Evanna is also an

save our planet. The Changemakers event which was hosted by GCHQ and attended by a number of local schools gave young people the chance to hear from business owners, climate specialists and local politician in regards to the climate crisis. This event enabled us to gain further insight into the matter, advising us on how we could implement our ideas in our communities, and begin implementing action. However, one thing we as a student body agreed upon, was the fact we don’t think politicians are doing their part.

The climate crisis, as of right now, appears to be a movement pushed onto the people alone, and we don’t think that this is right.

Without a doubt, we can display our eco-consciousness by using metal straws, reducing plastic and cycling to work. However who is holding the corporate giants accountable? Our generation’s efforts will simply go to waste unless we start holding companies responsible for their actions, ensuring that saving our climate becomes a priority for those who play the biggest part, and have the biggest influence in consumerism and climate change.

An exciting new project is coming to St Pauls, organised by local charity Vision21 who run the Reclaim furniture shop, the Regeneration repair cafe and Annecy Gardens community allotment.

The Planet Cheltenham hub will be a community climate action space on Malthouse Lane where residents from across the town can come along for events, advice and information on climate change and how we can tackle it together.

Someone once said that with climate change, you can either be overwhelmed by the problem or fall in love with the solutions, and the hub will showcase solutions in an effort to inspire and support people to

make changes in their homes, for 16-24 year olds. At All Saints’ their lifestyles and their wider Academy we believe it is vital communities. As Rob Hop- to listen to the voices of young kins of the Transition Network people and get their thoughts on says, ‘if we wait for govern- what the future should look like, ments it will be too late, if we as well as supporting them with act as individuals it will be too climate worries and empowerlittle, but if we act as commu- ing them to share their ideas. nities it might just be enough.’

If you have any

Whether it’s saving questions or would like to money on energy bills, reduc- get involved then email; ing food waste, arts and crafts planetcheltenham@gmail.com sessions, learning a new skill or sharing local knowledge, we’re excited to bring people together and empower them to tackle the climate crisis. We also want to hear from the local community in St Pauls about the types of projects and events you’d like to see running in our space.

Until our building is ready, Planet Cheltenham are Above: Raechel Kelly, presentrunning a free climate youth club ing at CEP Changemakers from the School House Cafe, Event every other Wednesday 6-7pm,

PERFORMING ARTS

Issue 53, Term 2, 2021

www.asachelt.org

Students shine in Academy production of ‘Into the Woods’

By Miss BaynhamWilliams Director of Performing Arts

Over the last 18 months, theatres all over the nation were forced to close down throughout the National Lockdown. The industry stopped still and the stage lights in the West End were turned off. Live performances weren’t allowed for months and months on end whilst the world tried to adapt to the global pandemic.

But this year, after two difficult years, the All Saints’ Academy stage curtain finally rose again and we were delighted to welcome audiences back to our stage. Our whole Academy production of ‘Into the Woods’ was dedicated to the late Stephen Sondheim himself as a tribute to his ever-changing time signatures and complex music. Over 100 students in year 7-13 formed the cast and crew of ‘Into the Woods’ and our students performed to a sold out audience each night. We welcomed Mayor of Cheltenham, Councillor Steve Harvey to our final show and after having to postpone this due to the pandemic, this performance was an absolute triumph.

A story based on forgiveness, reconciliation and a wholesome realisation that ‘people make mistakes’, this musical had our Academy values at the heart of its storytelling.

I am so proud of the tenacity and perseverance that our students have shown whilst trying to rehearse throughout a pandemic and their determination to never give up has been inspirational.

It was lovely to see alumni returning to support the Performing Arts family in the audience as these familiar faces were the young actors and actresses that inspired our current generation of performers. I continue to be exceptionally proud of the legacy that the whole Academy production has built and am so relentlessly proud of all the students for their sensational performance.

We were lucky enough to be joined by returning students Natali and Freddie who returned to finish the production journey that they started as the Witch and the Baker, who kept the audience on the edge of their seats and completely enthralled throughout, thanks to their captivating and elite performance.

Owain led the story telling as the engaging Narrator whilst Lucy shone as Little Red. Katie delivered a sterling performance as Cinderella and Shannon showcased her raw vocal talent as the Baker’s wife. Faraz and Paul won audiences over as the surprising

Prince double act and Lottie and Mikey formed the perfect bond as Jack and his mum. Maddox sparkled his way into the audience’s heart as the malicious ‘Big Bad Wolf’ and Maisy amazed audiences with her gentle tones as Rapunzel.

Congratulations to all students involved and thank-you for bringing life and passion back on to our stage. Our students are proud to perform and they showed this when inviting us all ‘Into the Woods.’

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