3-7 Years
This Week at St Faith’s
The Lion King Jr
Mrs McGregor writes,
“This week, our Year 6 pupils transported audiences to the heart of the African savannah with their breathtaking production of The Lion King Jr. From the moment the first notes of “Circle of Life” soared through the hall, it was clear that this was going to be a truly special performance—one filled with beauty, talent, and extraordinary teamwork.
The singing was nothing short of stunning. Each young performer sang with confidence and emotion well beyond their years, bringing iconic songs to life with freshness and heart. Their voices blended beautifully in ensemble numbers and shone brightly in powerful solo moments that left the audience captivated.
The costumes were equally spectacular—vibrant, imaginative, and wonderfully crafted, they transformed the cast into a vivid menagerie of lions, hyenas, meerkats, and more. Alongside magical choreography that filled the stage with movement and colour, the visual experience was a real feast for the eyes.
Perhaps most impressive of all was the spirit of teamwork and boundless energy that radiated from every child involved. Whether centre stage or working behind the scenes, each pupil played a vital role in creating a performance that sparkled with passion and precision.
Productions like this are a joyous reminder of why directing young people is such a privilege. Watching them grow in confidence, take creative risks, and support one another so wholeheartedly, is what makes this job truly worthwhile. I am incredibly proud to have the opportunity to guide them—and even prouder of what they achieved this week.
A huge well done to all our brilliant Year 6 performers. You have created a show we will remember for a very long time.
Poetry By Heart: Celebrating Oracy, Memory and Creativity at St Faith’s
This term, pupils across Years 3–6 took part in our school-wide Poetry By Heart competition — an opportunity to explore language, memory and the power of the spoken word. The challenge was simple but meaningful: choose a poem, learn it by heart and perform it with clarity, confidence and understanding.
We received a wide range of submissions, each reflecting the individuality, effort and commitment of the pupils involved. From classic poems to more contemporary choices, pupils brought their pieces to life with care and attention, showing growing confidence and strong oracy skills. It was particularly pleasing to see them take ownership of their performances, supported throughout by families who encouraged practice and preparation at home.
St Faith’s will be submitting one finalist to the official Poetry By Heart website — a proud moment for the pupil and for the school. Should they progress further, there is the possibility of performing at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, which would be a memorable experience for any young performer and a fitting recognition of their work.
The standard this year was high, with performances that were thoughtful, well prepared and full of character. It is clear that pupils are not only engaging with poetry but also developing confidence in speaking and presenting their work to an audience.
Well done to all who took part- your commitment and willingness to step forward are highly commendable.”
Healthy Eating
Mr Burt writes,
“The Lodestone House Nutritionist visited the Pre Prep this week and spent time with each class talking about healthy eating. She talked through the ‘Eat Well Guide’ with the children and spoke about how it is important to have at least 5 fruit and vegetables each day as well as how proteins, carbohydrates and calcium play an important party of a healthy balanced diet.
The day concluded with a Q&A session for Pre Prep parents on the ways in which our menus are nutritionally balanced and checked by the Lodestone House nutrition team, and how we have reduced the refined sugar content in some of the desserts by 80%. There were also desserts for tasting where refined sugar had been replaced with honey and maple syrup; these desserts will be appearing on the menu next term.”
The Castle Fine Art Young Artist Competition
On Friday afternoon one of our Year 8 pupils was named winner of the “The Castle Fine Art Gallery’s Young Artist Competition” of 2026. The competition challenged pupils to produce ‘creative responses’ in the style of their favourite artist from the gallery, or to respond imaginatively to a thought-provoking theme which they encountered in a previous visit.
The winning artwork was influenced by Bob Dylan’s oil paintings. The pupil spoke very positively about the trip and the overall experience. His artwork will now be framed and displayed in the gallery alongside the original Bob Dylan paintings. Three further pupils were placed as runners-up and were highly commended for their creative and carefully observed interpretations of their chosen artists’ work.
Another Year 8 pupil said that “It was a very nice experience to experiment with different paintings and to find out about artists we didn’t know about before – as well as seeing the different styles they used and how/when they put it to good use in a painting/sculpture.” Other pupils said that they “thought the trip was lots of fun and it was good to learn about lots of different artists and media” and “The Art Trip was great! I found seeing all the different pieces really inspiring.”
Stacy Bodkin, gallery manager for Castle Fine Art, Cambridge, said: “It is always wonderful to welcome the children from St Faith’s to the gallery to learn more about our artists. It’s clear to see how the pupils have been encouraged to be creative and independent in their approach to this challenge. All pupils have given time and thought to their original entries to the competition; the range of work was so varied and carefully executed. We were thrilled to see the winning pupil’s interpretation of his favourite Bob Dylan painting, and we look forward to displaying it in our gallery in July and August.”
(Report written by Creative Arts Prefects)
Years 3 & 4 Easter House Challenge
On Tuesday, the Sports Hall was a sea of ‘Easter bunnies’ as Years 3 and 4 took part in their Easter Challenge activities, many wearing some very creative Easter bonnets. We hope you enjoy this selection of photos.
Year 5 Passover Experience
Miss Dow writes,
“This term in Humanities, Year 5 have been exploring the Middle East from the viewpoint of two religions, Islam and Judaism. As part of their recent studies of the Jewish festival of Passover, pupils had the opportunity to sample foods consumed as part of the historic Seder meal. The grape juice and the parsley speak of new life, whilst the salt water and horseradish remind partakers of the bitterness of the lives of ancestors when enslaved in Egypt. We mixed the charoset (an apple paste symbolising the mortar used in construction of Pharaoh’s cities) and leaned to the left, a gesture which represents freedom.”
Year 5 Maths Easter Egg Hunt
Mrs Rainsford writes,
“Solving Maths puzzles to find the hidden Easter eggs in Tom’s Garden was a challenge faced by Year 5 yesterday. Problem solving is core to the curriculum here at St Faith’s – and what an enjoyable and seasonal way to put that into practice!”
Year 8 Pupils Put Jack Merridew on Trial
Ms Morris writes,
“Year 8 pupils studying Lord of the Flies have taken their learning far beyond the page this week by stepping into the world of courtroom drama. As part of their exploration of justice and morality in the novel, students recreated a full legal trial to determine the guilt or otherwise of Jack Merridew in the deaths of Simon and Piggy.
Working in prosecution and defence teams, pupils crafted detailed witness statements, prepared opening and closing arguments, and even took on the roles of key witnesses and members of the jury. Their enthusiasm brought the fictional events to life with impressive realism and creativity.
“Judge Morris” presided over the courtroom, guiding the proceedings with due gravitas. At the time of going to print, the jury is still deliberating — and so the fate of Jack Merridew remains in the balance.”
Science in Focus
Mrs Pritchard writes,
“Across the term, pupils completed around 150 different experiments, including two A‑level standard practicals for Year 8 and over 20 GCSE‑style investigations for pupils in Years 5–8. These experiences have helped develop their confidence, accuracy and independence in scientific enquiry.
Our 27 demonstrations proved especially popular, with highlights including the Van de Graaff generator, which sent foil cups flying and gave Barbie a rather dramatic new hairstyle. Pupils also enjoyed presentations on burning, health and lifestyle choices, and an interactive Solar System session where they had the chance to become the Earth, the Sun, or any of the planets.
We were delighted to celebrate another cohort of qualifying CREST Superstars, recognising pupils’ creativity and problem‑solving skills. This term also marked our first entry into the National Championships Science Quiz, an exciting milestone for the school.
Our Academic and STEM scholars attended scholarship sessions, and our STEM Prefects have been fantastic in supporting enthusiastic pupils in Years 3–6 during a special British Science Week activity slot.
Around the school, we introduced a new Science in Focus display board featuring interesting and engaging science facts that are updated monthly, and a Science Careers board, helping pupils see the real‑world relevance of what they are learning. The space is already drawing a lot of attention from pupils, as it really showcases the curiosity and enthusiasm we aim to foster across the department. To top it all off, pupils produced nearly 200 posters for the British Science Week Poster Competition , a wonderful showcase of creativity and scientific thinking.
It has been a busy, engaging and inspiring term in Science, and we are very much looking forward to everything the Summer Term will bring.”
Swimming
Mrs Critchley writes,
“Last Friday, 60 children battled for supremacy in the water at our annual Year 7 and 8 House Swimming competition. Amidst the cheering and keen encouragement, we witnessed some incredibly competitive races, especially in the final race of the day, the 6x25m canon medley relay. Chaucer were ahead, but as the final swimmers came down the last 25m, we saw Bentley make a remarkable comeback and just get the touch as the two swimmers reached for the wall. It was a great finish to a superb competition. Well done everybody – it was great fun!”
Final results can be found in the side bar.
We have also had results from the IAPS Swimming Regional Rounds this week. Congratulations to 5 of our pupils who have qualified for the National Finals in June at the Aquatics Centre in London. Just the top 20 individual and team competitors progress to the finals. Besides our 5 qualifiers, we also had 3 pupils who came in the top 30. Some events had over 200 entrants, so to rank so highly across the country is a real achievement.”
National U11 IAPS Hockey Finals
Mr Thompson writes,
“Repton School hosted the National U11 IAPS Hockey Finals last Friday, where our boys were set to compete against the top 20 schools in the country.
We travelled up the night before, which not only strengthened the bond among the group but also clearly added to the excitement—judging by the boys’ energy at breakfast.
In a tough pool, we secured three wins against Dragon School, St Ronan’s, and Monkton Prep School, and drew against a very strong Bedford team. This meant we finished top of the pool and would now face Hurstpierpoint College in the quarter-final.
Over dinner the previous evening, we had discussed the different scenarios that might arise during the day, including how to respond to decisions in the moment. In the event, we lost a closely contested game 2–1 with the final hit of the match. Whilst this was a disappointing way to finish the day, we—coaches, players, and parents—focused on what we could have done differently, whilst celebrating the incredible achievement of finishing among the top eight teams in the country. With 190 schools entering, it truly is an outstanding accomplishment. We left Derbyshire feeling extremely proud!”
U12 Hockey East Regional Finals
Mr Johnson writes,
“Last Friday the Under 12A boys’ hockey team set off for Ipswich, to the Rushmere Sports Centre, representing Cambridgeshire in the East Regional Finals. The Under 12A boys have had an outstanding season, having won all their midweek fixtures against opposition teams and coming runners up in the county championships.
The main aim for the boys on this occasion was to enjoy the day and to play their best hockey of the season, if possible. If they could achieve this, it would most likely be enough to earn them a place in the final.
A large number of schools mix their Under 12’s and Under 13’s into their Under 13 side, but our Under 13s had played the week before, finishing a very credible 3rd in the same tournament, with only our Year 8 Boys. This meant it was the turn of our Under 12’s, formed up of only Year 7 boys, to try and go one further and reach the final. Incidentally, on the same day, Mr Thompson was taking our Under 11 boys at the IAPS National Finals in Repton, highlighting our incredible strength and depth, and illustrating the number of high-quality hockey players currently at St Faith’s.
The Under 12A boys were unbeaten in the group stages, with strong victories against Watford Grammar School, Merchant Taylors’ School, Ipswich School and Chigwell School. This meant that the boys finished top of their group, giving them the advantage of a favourable semi-final against New Hall School. This game saw us at our most complete so far in terms of the quality of hockey displayed this season, and we were thoroughly deserving of the 3–0 victory that sent us into the final.
The final was, once again, against The Perse Upper. In this age group, they are an exceptional side and, in our experience, one of the strongest we have faced.
In the final itself, the St Faith’s boys started well and continued to play the better hockey, with strong possession in the opening stages and excellent shape and structure in their play. Unfortunately, this dominance did not result in the goals it perhaps deserved. The Perse then scored twice in quick succession, somewhat against the run of play.
One of the points we had discussed beforehand was the importance of resilience when conceding goals in this way. The boys responded well, continuing to play with purpose and maintaining the style of hockey of which we are proud. A late goal brought the score to 2–1, but it was not enough to change the outcome.
St Faith’s finished second in the East Regional Finals, having played exceptionally well throughout the day. All staff, parents and pupils were very proud of their performances, particularly their response in the final. The focus moving forward is clear: to build on this for next season!”
St Faith’s wins ‘Environmental Practice’ award
We are delighted to share with you the news that at an award ceremony in London last night, St Faith’s won the Education Business ‘Environmental Practice’ Award. This is a recognition of the school’s commitment to environmental stewardship and meaningful, pupil‑centred sustainability education. The award reflects not only the school’s innovative environmental initiatives, but also its deep-rooted belief that young people can—and should—lead the way in shaping a greener future.
Year 3 and Pre Prep Open Morning – Saturday, 25th April
A reminder that our Year 3 and Pre Prep Open Morning will take place on Saturday, 25th April, from 09:30-11:30. This event offers families the chance to explore the school, meet staff and pupils, and take part in hands-on activities. Our Year 8 pupils will lead the tours, sharing their experiences and insights into life at St Faith’s. Families can register to attend at: Visits & Open Mornings – St Faith’s Cambridge
And Finally…
This afternoon, on the final day of term, the school came together for our End of Term service, led by the Foundation Chaplain, Reverend Coleman, with a focus on the story of Palm Sunday.
Through readings and music, pupils were introduced to the account of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, welcomed by crowds with anticipation and celebration. Directed by Mrs Elcome, Junior Voices sang Fiona Lander’s uplifting anthem New Life Has Begun, bringing a sense of energy and brightness to the occasion.
Under the direction of Mr Gorick, the Chamber Choir performed John Ireland’s Ex Ore Innocentium, a more reflective piece which offered a moment of stillness within the service. Its gentle setting of Bishop William Walsham How’s words created a thoughtful contrast to the earlier music.
The congregation joined together in the hymns An Upper Room and All Glory, Laud and Honour, bringing the service to a fitting close. As pupils left, they were each given a palm cross to take home.
For many, this time of year carries themes of renewal, hope and looking ahead, and it offered a fitting moment at the end of term to pause and reflect.
With The Lion King bringing the week to a close, the “Circle of life” feels like an appropriate way to mark the end of term. Thank you very much for your continued support, and I wish you all a restful and enjoyable Easter break.
With all best wishes,

Crispin Hyde-Dunn