This Week at St Faith’s

Sustainability Day

St Faith’s marked Sustainability Day with an assembly that invited pupils to look closely at the natural world around them and to reflect on their role in protecting it. With spring now unfolding and nature beginning to wake up, the theme felt especially timely. The assembly opened with a reminder that this season of renewal is a powerful cue to notice the plants, animals, and landscapes that shape our daily lives.

World Wildlife Day was celebrated globally on 3^rd March, as a moment to appreciate the extraordinary variety of life on Earth. Pupils were asked a simple but thought‑provoking question: What would our world be like without wildlife? Their answers captured the scale of what is at stake—without wildlife we would lose animals, colourful flowers, trees, fresh air, food sources, and even the medicinal plants that underpin many modern treatments.
Members of the Eco Committee highlighted some of the remarkable natural spaces in and around Cambridge that support a rich array of species. These included:

The River Cam
Wandlebury
Fulbourn Fen
Trumpington Meadows
Cherry Hinton Chalk Pits
Wicken Fen

Each location plays a vital role in sustaining habitats for birds, insects, mammals, and plant life. Pupils were encouraged to visit these places, observe the wildlife they support, and consider how human actions can help or hinder their survival.

Mrs Scott also explored the major pressures facing wildlife today, and encouraged the children to think about ways they can help to protect wildlife. Pupils learned about five key threats:

Habitat Loss — the destruction or fragmentation of natural environments
Pollution — from plastics to chemicals that harm ecosystems
Overuse — including overfishing, overharvesting, and unsustainable land use
Climate Change — altering weather patterns and habitats
Invasive Species — non‑native plants and animals that disrupt local ecosystems

Understanding these challenges helps pupils see how everyday choices can have a wider impact.

Mrs Hughes-Morgan shared several upcoming initiatives designed to help pupils actively demonstrate care and responsibility for the environment.

Easter Community Day this Saturday, offering hands‑on environmental activities
Plate Waste Day on 29^th April, encouraging mindful eating and reducing food waste
The Green Wyvern Award, recognising sustained commitment to eco‑friendly behaviour
Nature and Poetry Competitions, inviting creative responses to the natural world

These opportunities aim to build a culture of stewardship and curiosity, helping pupils turn awareness into meaningful action.

To conclude the assembly, winners of the CREST Science Awards received their certificates, recognising pupils who have demonstrated creativity, rigour, and enthusiasm in scientific enquiry. Their achievements offer an inspiring reminder that understanding the world is an essential first step toward protecting it.

A large group of pupils in striped uniforms sit on the floor of a hall, facing a speaker at a lectern. A projected screen reads St Faiths Sustainability Day 2026 with a green dragon graphic.

A woman stands at the front of a classroom full of pupils with their hands raised. A second woman stands by a lectern, and a screen displays a slide reading “Would our lives be like wildlife?” with an image of flowers and wind turbines.

Children in red and black striped uniforms stand on stage in front of a group, presenting near a hill-like prop. A large screen behind them displays the words Trumpington Meadows over an image of a field.

A woman stands at the front of a classroom giving a presentation to a large group of children, many of whom have their hands raised. A projector screen displays an image of a deer.

A woman speaks to a large group of children in a school assembly. She stands near a presentation slide that reads, What would our world be like without wildlife? Many children have their hands raised.

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Invisible Love – Year 7 & 8 Assembly

Mr Gorick writes,

“This week’s assembly explored how invisible love becomes real through action. The pupils considered the example from the Christian faith, of the moment at the cross when Jesus entrusts his mother to the disciple John. We reflected how small, practical acts reveal genuine care. Three simple images (Wi‑Fi signals, bank accounts, and footprints in sand) also demonstrated the concept that we can recognise love by what it does.

Drawing on C. S. Lewis, the assembly also highlighted how quiet temptations can pull us away from kindness. For example, in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Edmund is tempted through flattery and Turkish Delight, while in contrast, Aslan shows true love through costly sacrifice – an image of love made visible. Pupils were encouraged to watch, pray, and value community. God is love and wherever love becomes visible, God’s presence can be seen.

In Tuesday’s assembly we sang Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise, a hymn that beautifully echoed this theme. Its words describe a God who is often unseen, yet known by the goodness and life that flow from Him; much like the “invisible love” explored on Monday. The hymn’s image of God sustaining all creation also connected with Tuesday’s focus on sustainability: the idea that the world is a gift we are called to protect. Just as love becomes visible through action, our care for the environment is a practical way of honouring the God who “givest life to all”.

A group of children in red and black striped uniforms sit on the floor facing a man speaking in front of a projector screen displaying a Bible verse in a bright room with large windows.

A group of students in red and black striped uniforms sit on the floor facing a speaker at a lectern. A large screen behind him displays Bible verses in a bright, spacious room.

A group of students in red and black striped uniforms sit on a gymnasium floor, facing a speaker at a lectern. A projected Bible verse, John 19:25-27, is displayed on a screen behind him.

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Year 1 Trip to The Leys Chapel

Mrs Button writes,

“On Tuesday afternoon, Year 1 walked to The Leys Chapel. In Religious Studies we have been learning about what it means to belong to the Christian community. When inside the beautiful chapel, the children enjoyed looking for the different features, such as the pews, lectern, stained glass windows, pulpit and organ. We learnt about what happens in the chapel, sang the hymn ‘Give Me Joy In My Heart’ and received a blessing. Many thanks to the parents who accompanied us and Reverend Coleman who led the tour.”

A teacher and a group of young children in red uniforms are sitting together in wooden pews inside a church or chapel, smiling at the camera. The setting has ornate woodwork and engraved plaques on the walls.

A man stands at the front of a church holding a book, speaking to a group of children in red uniforms seated in wooden pews. Stained glass windows and ornate details decorate the background.

Left: A man speaks from a church pulpit to children seated in pews, stained glass windows behind him. Right: Children in red uniforms and adults in yellow vests walk and run through a grassy, tree-filled area outside a church.

Young children in red uniforms sit on wooden pews, reading from books inside a building with black-and-white tiled floors.

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What’s Your Superpower? – 1AMD Class Assembly

On Thursday, the 1AMD assembly was all about superheroes and several interesting questions were considered.

For example, what superpower would you wish for? Could it be that you never get anything wrong, or that you can answer the really hard Maths questions?

Pupils also considered is a superhero always someone who wears a special cape?

In fact, superheroes don’t all wear capes – many wear uniforms, or even just a smile. For example, our nurses, doctors, firemen and police officers use their gifts to care for us and our community. And our first superheroes, our parents, grandparents and wider families, support us every single day. The pupils reflected that a superhero can be anyone, someone who listens, cares, shares, is kind, helpful and loving. We can each be a superhero, simply by being ourselves and using our own special powers to make life brighter for others.

To celebrate, the whole class joined together in song, finishing with “Love Can Rule the World.”

A group of young children in costumes perform on stage. Five sit in a row, while three stand in front wearing capes and shirts with letters or symbols. Colourful artwork and props decorate the background.

A group of young children in colourful costumes sit in a row on stage during a school assembly. A screen behind them reads 1AMD ASSEMBLY. They appear to be performing or waiting to perform.

A group of children in colourful superhero costumes stand in a line onstage, smiling and waving, with a large screen behind them displaying the word “SUPERHEROES” and comic book graphics.

A colourful drawing of a smiling superhero with brown skin, wearing glasses, a blue S emblem, yellow sleeves, and a purple cape. The picture is mounted on card with a sign reading iReal Superpowers.

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Celebrating Mother’s Day

Mrs Clarke writes,

“Through art and poetry, Year 2 have been busy preparing a special gift for a special person in their lives. Children have used similes, metaphors and adjectives in their poetry and have especially enjoyed creating patterned vases inspired by Delftware pottery.”

Two young children sit on chairs, each holding up a drawing. The girl on the left shows a vase of pink tulips, and the boy on the right displays a handwritten letter bordered with coloured patterns. Both are smiling.

A boy and a girl sit side by side, each holding up their artwork. The boy shows a handwritten letter in a decorated border, whilst the girl displays a drawing of orange flowers in a patterned vase, both smiling at the camera.

A boy holds a handwritten and decorated poem, while a girl smiles holding a drawing of a vase with colourful paper flowers; both are seated on green chairs and wearing red tops.

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Year 2 Artwork inspired by Van Gogh

Mrs Sheppard writes,

“This week Year 2 have been exploring mixed media art inspired by Vincent Van Gogh and his famous painting, ‘Starry Night’. The children explored the swirling sky, bold colours and lines that make this piece of art so distinctive. Using a variety of media, pupils created their own take on this famous piece using paint, crayons and colouring pencils. Their finished pieces demonstrate their developing artistic skills and increasing confidence in using mixed media to create expressive artwork.”

Four children holding colourful, swirly paintings inspired by Van Gogh’s Starry Night, surround a collage of similar artwork in the centre. The children are smiling and wearing red tops.

Two children stand outside holding up colourful artwork inspired by Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” Both wear red shirts and smile, with greenery and a brick wall in the background.

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Art Department

Ms Ankin writes,

Pablo Picasso Owls

“Year 4 have enjoyed learning about sculpture and Pablo Picasso this term. They have loved creating owl sculptures in Picasso’s style from “found” materials such as old newspapers and cardboard tubes.”

Lino Printing

“Year 7 have been learning how to create colourful lino prints this term. This week, they have started to present and evaluate their artwork in their Arts Award book.”

Four young children in red tabards stand indoors holding white and black owl sculptures they made, with more owl sculptures displayed on the windowsill behind them. They are smiling and posing for the photo.

Three smiling children wearing red aprons and school uniforms hold up their white, bird-shaped art projects in a classroom. Similar bird sculptures are displayed on the windowsill behind them.

Two children in red shirts use rollers to apply paint onto paper at a cluttered art table, covered with newspapers, tubes of paint, and printmaking supplies. Drawers and art materials are visible in the background.

A young girl sits at a table covered with colourful art supplies, drawings, and papers in a classroom, working on a creative project with another pupil.

Students in red aprons create colourful linocut prints and sketches in an art classroom, using rollers, ink, and carving tools at tables covered with their artwork and printmaking supplies.

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This week in the Science Labs

Mrs Pritchard writes,

“This week, our school has been buzzing with curiosity and creativity as we celebrated British Science Week. Pupils across the school have been busy preparing entries for the British Science Poster Competition, which this year explored the thought‑provoking question: “What will a positive childhood look like in the future for young people your age?”

This theme has sparked many thoughtful discussions, encouraging pupils to reflect on what a positive childhood means to them. They have considered the aspects of their lives that bring them joy, the challenges they face, and how they can help ensure that future generations enjoy the same positive experiences. You might even find our budding scientists keen to practise their interviewing skills by asking you what your own childhood was like!

We were also delighted to celebrate the achievements of the Michaelmas cohort of Superstar Scientists, who were awarded their CREST Award certificates during Assembly. This is a fantastic accomplishment and reflects their dedication to scientific thinking and enquiry. Throughout the programme, pupils demonstrated excellent teamwork, problem‑solving skills and resilience as they worked collaboratively to tackle real‑world challenges.”

A group of children stand in front of an audience of students in a school hall, receiving recognition from two adults—one applauding and one shaking hands—during a presentation.

A group of children sit on the floor of a room, watching adults on stage handing out papers or awards. A presentation is projected on the wall, and some adults stand and move around among the pupils.

A man hands an award to a pupil on stage in front of a seated audience of children at a school assembly, whilst another pupil walks away holding a certificate.

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The Beauty of Red Cabbage

In Year 5, pupils have continued to deepen their understanding of their Acids and Alkalis topic this week. Building on their knowledge of everyday household acids, they have progressed to exploring substances more commonly found in a science laboratory. This has included investigating how different indicators react with chemicals such as hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. The week culminated in pupils creating their own natural indicator using red cabbage, resulting in a truly beautiful and memorable array of colour changes.”

A group of school children and a teacher are gathered around a science laboratory table, observing and conducting an experiment with beakers and test tubes. Shelves with stacks of papers are in the background.

Three children wearing safety goggles work together at a science lab table, examining beakers and test tubes filled with liquids. They appear focused and engaged in a classroom experiment.

A student wearing safety goggles and a school uniform uses a dropper to add liquid to a beaker in a science classroom, with other pupils and lab equipment visible in the background.

Three children wearing safety goggles and red jackets conduct a science experiment at a lab table, using droppers and beakers with colourful liquids; one child mixes a blue liquid while another writes notes.

Three boys wearing safety goggles and school uniforms stand at a science laboratory bench, talking and holding equipment. Various glassware and laboratory tools are on the table in front of them.

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Thermal Insulation

Mrs Davidson writes,
“In Science, Year 4 are learning about Thermal Insulation. This includes using and understanding different types of thermometers. 4B, (in their World Book Day outfits), have been using digital thermometers to measure the temperature loss of hot, warm and cold water and, from their experiment, working out which water lost the most heat and why.”

Three children sit at a classroom table, working on an activity with cups of liquid, sheets of paper, and a small device with buttons. The child in red is making a gesture with their fingers. Others watch and participate.

Three children sit at a classroom table, working together on a science experiment involving cups of liquid. They are focussed, using pencils and wearing colourful clothes. Educational materials and blue cupboards are visible in the background.

Two children sit at a classroom desk conducting a science experiment with cups of liquid, dropper bottles, and worksheets. One child wears glasses and a green jacket; the other has curly hair and is writing in a notebook.

Three young students sit at a desk, recording observations on paper. In front of them are cups of water labelled with different names and pink sticky notes. Other students work in the background. A pencil case is on the desk.

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UK Maths Trust Team Challenge

Mrs Rainsford writes,

“On Wednesday, four pupils from Year 8 took part in the UKMT Team Challenge competition at The Leys. They collaborated superbly throughout the event, supporting one another and ultimately securing 10th place overall. Among the 20 schools competing, our pupils demonstrated impressive resilience and determination as they tackled a range of demanding tasks.

After a set of thought‑provoking starter questions, they completed four rounds: group, shuttle, cross number, and relay. The group round involved solving ten challenging questions collectively. In the shuttle round, the team split into pairs, with each pair responsible for two linked questions—each answer feeding into the next. This round included four timed shuttles, with bonus marks awarded for finishing each round within six minutes.

The pairs then moved on to the cross‑number round, with one pair tackling the ‘across’ clues and the other the ‘down’ clues. To finish the day, the relay round required pairs to solve a question in order to collect the next one, creating an energetic and fast‑paced finale as pupils moved between their desks and the markers at the front of the room.

It was a fantastic day, and the pupils, who are also all STEM prefects, were excellent ambassadors for the school.”

Four students in red and black striped blazers stand indoors, smiling and holding participation certificates and a sign reading “School Award.” They are positioned side by side in front of a wooden backdrop.

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Chaucer Choose-day

(Written by a Chaucer House Captain)
“This has been an exciting time of year for Chaucer House, with our House event Chaucer Choose-day on Thursday the 5^th of March! On this day, pupils chose to come to school in home clothes, and donated £2 each for our Chaucer charity, the Arthur Rank Hospice. In addition to the Arthur Rank Hospice, every Chaucer Tutor group from Years 3 to 8 voted for another charity to support, and Tom’s Trust was chosen. Chaucer House is proud to raise money for these charities, and we hope everyone enjoyed taking part. So far an incredible £789 has been raised!

The Arthur Rank Hospice provides specialist aid, both in-patient care in Shelford and a day centre in Wisbech. This incredible charity supports people nearing the end of their lives and people being treated for serious illnesses, but in a homely environment. Unfortunately, recent funding cuts have forced the hospice to raise money needed to run its services, so those living there can continue to be treated in comfort. Fundraising opportunities, such as Chaucer Choose-day, are important for the hospice, as it relies on these donations to continue doing its exceptional work.

Our second charity, Tom’s Trust, was set up in memory of an Old Fidelian and member of Chaucer House, Tom Whiteley. Tom sadly died from a brain tumour when he was only nine years old, and St Faith’s have continued to have a close relationship with his family, and the charity set up in his memory. Having experienced the journey of finding support for their son, the charity funds psychological support for children with brain tumours as they receive a diagnosis and treatment. Not only does this charity care for children, but it also supports the families of affected children. Tom’s Trust have funded a psychologist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, and have also expanded to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool and the children’s hospital in Newcastle. At school, pupil’s might recognise Tom’s Garden- built in memory of Tom Whiteley and his time at St Faith’s.

In terms of house points, Chaucer House is doing incredibly well – only just 6 behind Bentley in second place. Everyone in Chaucer should be very proud of their efforts and keep up the brilliant work!”

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Evensong at Rugby School

In last week’s newsletter we reported on The Chamber Choir’s trip to Rugby School to sing alongside their choir for a joint Evensong. We thought that you might enjoy this clip of the choir rehearsing the anthem ‘The Road Home’ by Stephen Paulus, that our choir sang during the service.

Evensong rehearsal

ECB U13 Girls’ Indoor Cricket County Finals

Mrs Fordham writes,
“On Monday, the U13A cricket team travelled to the University of Cambridge Sports Centre to compete in the county round of the ECB Indoor Cricket Tournament. We were placed in a pool with The Perse and North Cambridge Academy. Our first match was against a very strong Perse side. We played well, but we were unable to match their run total. The team responded positively in their second match, defeating North Cambridge Academy convincingly by seven wickets.

As only one team from each pool progressed to the finals, sadly this marked the end of our competition. However, the girls should be immensely proud of their performance, especially this early in the season.”

U11 Boys’ IAPS Hockey Regionals

Mr Thompson writes,
“On Friday, 6^th March our Year 6 boys travelled to Oundle to compete in the IAPS East Regionals on a quest to qualify for the National Finals.

High expectations were matched by the nerves of both the players and parents! We always target these tournaments in three stages. First is to get out of the pool, second is to get into the semi-finals, and third is to try and win a medal.

The boys couldn’t have completed phase one any better, winning every pool game without conceding a goal. Expectations growing, nerves subsiding.

The second phase was completed with a 2–0 win and, most importantly, with the boys playing some lovely flowing hockey.

Onto the semi-final where we faced St John’s, a team we had beaten earlier in the season. 1–0 up at half-time, with the only cautionary reflection being that we hadn’t scored more goals. Then two very challenging minutes saw us concede two goals, meaning we had to win the 3rd/4th playoff game to grab the final qualification spot.

An incredibly dominant performance without scoring put us into a five-minute period of ‘golden goal’ against Stamford, who came out with real intensity. Under considerable pressure for three minutes, we produced some outstanding defending, which gave us the platform to counter quickly and score the decisive goal to finish third, get a medal and qualify for the Nationals.

Whilst this is an amazing achievement in itself, the greatest sense of joy I got was from the way the boys reacted so bravely and positively to losing the semi-final, an important life skill on their journey. Repton, here we come!”

A boys’ hockey team in red shirts poses in front of a goal, smiling and showing off medals. Two adult coaches stand at the back. Some boys kneel or sit in front, and one holds a hockey stick.

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The East of England at Milano Trios National Gymnastics Finals

Mrs North writes,
“On 7^th March, 3 teams from St Faith’s represented The East of England at Milano Trios National Gymnastics Finals in Stoke on Trent. Our U13 mixed team performed solid routines and excellent vaults. While their 5^th place overall finish position did not get team medals, their efforts were combined with a second school from the East in the regional competition, Great Baddow, and the teams gained 3^rd place medals. This was a brilliant bonus for the team, two of whom were visiting Stoke for the very first time.

Our U11 boys had recently made huge strides in their performances. They might have been a little disappointed not to win medals, but in such high quality competition, we were delighted with their composed and professional approach. It was particularly impressive to see a member of Year 3 participating in our team and representing the school with fantastic professionalism.

The U11 mixed team performed with poise and assurance. This was their second visit to Stoke and they were thrilled to gain bronze medals in the team competition, matching their result from 2025.

We are now preparing for Floor and Vault Regionals, hoping to take at least one team to Stoke in May. Special thanks must go to Miss Butler and Mr North for coaching the teams on the day and to Mr North for driving the minibus both ways.”

Three young gymnasts wearing black uniforms with red and white designs stand side by side, smiling and displaying medals on ribbons around their necks in front of a competition banner.

Three boys wearing matching white and red gymnastics leotards stand in front of a blue banner with a red and white design. They are smiling and posing for the camera.

Three young gymnasts in matching black and red kit pose together indoors: on the left, kneeling and smiling on gym equipment; on the right, balancing in a group pose with arms outstretched on a gym mat.

Three children in gymnastics uniforms lie on a bright red floor, heads close together in a circle, smiling and holding up medals on blue ribbons around their necks. One child wears spectacles.

Four people kneel on the floor in a row, supporting two others who stand on their backs. The group smiles and poses cheerfully in a brightly lit room with a carpeted floor and framed wall art.

A person is performing a headstand with legs spread wide on a jetty over a calm lake at sunset, with a vibrant sky and distant treeline reflected in the water.

Three adults are outdoors, posing playfully with arms outstretched and one leg raised, as if balancing. They are smiling and standing in a car park with a brick building and a white lorry in the background.

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U13 Netball IAPS Qualifier

Mrs Fordham writes,
“At the end of February the U13 girls recently took part in the IAPS U13 Girls’ Netball Qualifier at Stamford School and made an excellent start to the tournament, playing some of their best netball of the season.
Our pool results were as follows:

vs Bishop’s Stortford College: Draw 5–5
vs St John’s College School: Won 13–7
vs Beachborough: Won 11–6

As we remained unbeaten, we topped our pool and progressed to the Cup quarter-finals. Following an hour-long wait before the next match, we faced Repton, who finished second in their pool. This proved to be a frustrating game, as we were unable to replicate the standard of play shown earlier in the day. The match was narrowly lost by one goal, bringing our tournament to an end. The girls should be extremely proud of their overall performance.”

Reception 2026 Breakfast

Today was the final breakfast of this term for our new Reception 2026 joiners and their families. We hope that all of the families who have attended the Friday breakfasts have enjoyed the warm welcome and already feel part of the St Faith’s family. We look forward to meeting everyone again next term when the children will begin their ‘Getting Ready for Reception Visits’.

Pre Prep & Year 3 Open Morning – Saturday, 25^th April

We are delighted to confirm that registrations are now open via the school website, and we look forward to welcoming prospective families for what promises to be an informative and enjoyable morning Visits & Open Mornings – St Faith’s Cambridge.

Looking ahead

The next few days bring a number of events which we keenly anticipate. I look forward to reporting on our Speech and Drama Tea-time Recitals in next week’s newsletter. The Easter Community Day also takes place on Saturday, offering families the opportunity to come together for a range of activities and shared experiences, with a environmental sustainability theme.

Meanwhile, our gymnasts will be competing in the BSGA U11 and U13 Boys’, Girls’ and Mixed Floor and Vault Regional Finals. We wish all pupils involved the very best as they prepare for what promises to be an exciting and challenging event.

And Finally…

From exploring the chemistry of cabbage indicators, to questioning what a positive childhood might look like in the future, curiosity has been very much in evidence this week. I look forward to seeing many of you at Easter Community Day this Saturday, where that same spirit of exploration will no doubt continue. I wish you all a very enjoyable weekend.

With all best wishes,

Crispin Hyde-Dunn

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