This Week at St Faith’s

Executive Functioning

This week in assembly, Mrs Hughes-Morgan invited us to think about our skills of time management, organisation and planning. Sharing recollections of her own school days, when Mrs Hughes-Morgan explained how she found these skills did not come naturally, the good news we learned, is that they can be developed with practice and support.

This academic year, we will be placing a particular focus on helping pupils strengthen their executive functioning skills. These are the very skills that enable us to manage ourselves effectively, including self-monitoring, planning, organisation and time management. Strong executive functioning helps children become more independent learners, better problem-solvers and more confident in meeting the demands of school life.

Pupils will be introduced to practical strategies and techniques to develop these important habits. A key part of this work will be encouraging them to pause and ask themselves four simple questions before tackling a task:

What do I need?
Where is it?
When do I need it?
What comes first?

These questions encourage pupils to think ahead, reduce last-minute stress and develop habits that help them manage tasks more independently.

The assembly also explored the concept of task initiation: getting started on something, even when it feels overwhelming. Here, Mrs Hughes-Morgan shared practical strategies for tackling everyday challenges, such as tidying an untidy bedroom or completing a piece of homework. Rather than viewing a task as one large job, pupils were encouraged to break it down into smaller, manageable steps and focus on one at a time.

Other helpful techniques included counting down from five to one before beginning a task, making the first step as small as possible, and not waiting to feel motivated before getting started. An important message was that action often comes first and motivation follows. Simply beginning a task can create the momentum needed to keep going.

Next, pupils were advised not to rely solely on memory. Writing things down, using checklists and preparing items the night before, are all actions which can all make a significant difference. A little planning ahead can reduce pressure, help mornings run more smoothly and free up mental space for other things.

To conclude, Mrs Hughes-Morgan encouraged pupils to think of executive functioning as the brain’s air traffic control system. Just as air traffic controllers help planes arrive and depart smoothly, our executive functioning skills help us manage information, prioritise tasks, stay organised and make good decisions. These are skills that can be learned and strengthened over time, and we look forward to helping pupils develop them throughout the year.

Students in striped uniforms sit on a gymnasium floor, watching a woman speak. A pianist accompanies. A large screen displays an animated bride and text: And she was even late to her own wedding..

A woman stands in a classroom giving a presentation. The screen reads, Make life easier for your brain, and lists organisation tips with icons, including planner, checklist, same place, pack ahead, and small steps.

A speaker presents a slide on organisation skills to an audience of school children seated on the floor in a hall, with a pianist at a grand piano on the left.

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Welcome to Our Preschool Pupils

Monday marked a very special start to the week as we welcomed both new and returning children to our Preschool. What began as a small venture with just four pupils during our gentle opening last November, has quickly transformed into a vibrant and thriving class of 10 children, with more families already signed up to join us next term.

It has been wonderful to see the Preschool filled with curiosity, laughter and eager young learners as they embark on their St Faith’s journey. The growth of the class reflects the strong demand for our nurturing early years provision at St Faith’s and with further joiners confirmed, we look forward to continuing its development and reaching full capacity during this academic year.

A woman in a blue dress kneels and hugs a smiling child in a red shirt. Other children in matching red outfits hold bags and stand in a queue nearby on a path next to a fence.

A young child in a red shirt sits on a blue carpet, playing with wooden blocks and toy vehicles near a storage unit with plastic drawers filled with toys.

A teacher and five young children in red uniforms play in a classroom with toys, dolls, and play kitchen items. The room is bright and welcoming, with wooden furniture and art on the walls.

A young child in a red polo shirt holding an adult's hand, standing outdoors near a zebra crossing, with a blurred building in the background.

A woman in a blue dress sits on a beige sofa, reading a children’s book to a young girl in a red shirt sitting beside her. The girl looks at the camera while the woman points at the book.

A young girl in a red jumper sits on the floor in a play kitchen area, smiling and looking up at another person who is partially visible in the foreground.

Left: A woman smiles with open arms as a young girl in a red shirt runs towards her. Right: A young boy in a red shirt stretches out his arm whilst standing among adults.

A young child in a red shirt smiles whilst sitting at a small table, eating with an adult who has long dark hair. Coats hang in the background in a cosy, colourful room.

A woman kneels and hugs a young child wearing a red jumper and jacket. The woman holds a red school bag with St. Faiths on it. Other adults and a pushchair are visible in the background outdoors.

A young girl in a red school uniform holds a matching school bag, looking at an adult kneeling nearby. Another child and two adults are partially visible. They appear to be outside a school building.

A child in a red shirt runs towards a smiling woman with open arms in a park, surrounded by adults, children, and prams on a paved area with trees in the background.

A young child in a red jumper sits on the floor, playing with wooden puzzle pieces in a bright room with large windows and shelves.

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‘Meet the Tutors’ and ‘Introduction to the School Year’

At St Faith’s we value greatly the support that we receive from our parents in building and maintaining the partnership between home and school. Our ‘Meet the Tutor’ and ‘Introduction to the School Year’ evenings concluded this week, as we help families navigate the new school year. I greatly enjoyed meeting families in Preschool, Reception and Years 4, 7 & 8 and I do hope that these evening events were informative and friendly occasions to meet with each other.

St Faith’s Parents’ Association (SFPA) Coffee Mornings

The St Faith’s Parents’ Association (SFPA) plays a vital role in the life of our school community. The SFPA is made up of parent volunteers, who generously give their time to organising wide variety of social and fundraising events. This term’s highlights include the popular Scavenger Hunt for the younger children, Fireworks Night in November, and the Christmas Fair in December. For ticketed events such as Fireworks Night, we advise early booking to avoid disappointment, as such events often sell out quickly.

In addition, the SFPA coffee mornings provide an informal and hospitable opportunity for parents, both new and longstanding, to meet over a hot drink and some delicious pastries. The dates are advertised in the school calendar, and they are usually timed to coincide with the Breakfast Club for that year group.

On Thursday, it was a pleasure to welcome so many Year 1 and 2 parents. This morning, there was a very special welcome to our new families, across several year groups. I do hope all new families are already beginning to feel very much part of our school community and their children are settling happily into their new routines and developing new friendships too.

A man in a suit speaks outdoors to a small group of people, some with plaited hair. One person has a blue Kennedy Space Centre tote bag. Green trees and grass are in the background.

A person pours a hot drink for a woman at an outdoor table with flasks and supplies. Another person watches, and trees and a gazebo are visible in the background.

A group of people stand outside on grass, talking. One woman holding a blue folder faces the group, whilst others listen. Trees and bushes are in the background.

A group of people stand and talk outside near a brick wall. One woman in a denim jacket and leopard print skirt is smiling. Others are engaged in conversation.

A close-up of golden, flaky pastries, including pain aux raisins and mini croissants, displayed on a white tray with a subtle pattern.

A group of people stand outside a wooden building, chatting and smiling. One woman holds a pastry, and others carry bags or wear scarves. The scene appears casual and social.

A woman stands outdoors, smiling and holding a tray of pastries. There are people and a building in the background.

A group of adults stand outside a building, talking and holding cups. Some are smiling and engaged in conversation. The background shows wooden walls and a red door.

A man in a suit and a woman in a pink hijab are smiling and talking outdoors near a fence, with drinks and a flask visible on a table in the foreground.

Two men stand outside on grass, talking. One wears a black jumper and pink shorts, holding a mobile. The other wears an orange jacket and grey trousers, arms crossed. A gazebo and trees are in the background.

A man in a suit talks to a woman in a purple jacket and a man in a blue jacket outdoors, whilst two people in casual clothes chat in the background.

A group of people stand outside on grass, chatting and smiling near a gazebo. Some hold drinks; a table with food is in the background. Trees and greenery surround the area.

Four women stand and talk near a table outdoors, with drinks and bottles on the table. One woman behind the table wears an apron and headscarf, whilst the others hold cups and converse on the grass.

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Back to the Books

Our school librarian Miss Johnson writes,

“During their first week back in the library, pupils from Reception to Year 8 enjoyed a warm welcome and an exciting start to the new school year. Reception children explored the library for the first time, listening to stories and learning how to look after books and we look forward to welcoming our Preschool pupils next week. Pupils in Years 3-8 revisited library routines, discovered new titles, and shared their summer reading experiences. Across all year groups, students showed enthusiasm for exploring the shelves, borrowing books, and finding stories and information that matched their interests. It has been wonderful to see so many eager readers returning to the library, and we look forward to supporting their reading journeys throughout the year.”

Children in school uniforms sit at round tables in a library, raising their hands. Two adults stand near bookshelves. The room is bright, colourful, and filled with books.

A girl browses books on a library shelf. In the foreground, a Book Bingo sign is displayed, and more books fill the shelves in the background.

Two young children sit on the floor of a library, looking at colourful picture books. Bookshelves filled with more books are in the background. The children wear red jumpers and appear focused on their reading.

A boy in glasses wearing a yellow shirt sits at a table in a library, reading a book with colourful pages. Shelves filled with books are in the background, and another child stands by the shelves.

A young child with blond hair sits cross-legged on a colourful rug, reading a picture book. Shelves filled with books line the background, and other books are scattered around the child.

A young girl in a red shirt reads a book whilst standing in a colourful library, surrounded by shelves filled with children's books.

A young boy in a red shirt sits on a chair in a library, holding a yellow St. Faiths book bag. Shelves of books fill the background.

Three children are in a library; one girl in red browses books on a shelf, a boy in yellow holds a book, and a boy in green stands nearby. An adult with grey hair is browsing bookshelves in the background.

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Science in Focus

Mrs Pritchard writes, “It has been wonderful to see all year groups continue their impressive start to the academic year, embracing new challenges with enthusiasm, curiosity and determination.

Year 5 pupils have approached practical science with great excitement and anticipation. A significant milestone this term has been achieving their Bunsen burner licences, allowing them to work safely and confidently with one of the most iconic pieces of laboratory equipment. Alongside this, they have become increasingly familiar with the use of scientific apparatus and have begun developing their data analysis skills, learning how to interpret and draw conclusions from experimental results.

In Year 6, pupils have explored a real-world scientific question: whether oceans in hotter countries contain more salt than those in cooler climates. Using this as a starting point, they designed and carried out their own investigations, developing their understanding of experimental design and scientific methodology. They have also continued to strengthen their data-handling skills, with a particular focus on representing results accurately through line graphs.

Year 7 have been introduced to a range of GCSE-style practical and analytical tasks. As part of their work on nutrition and digestion, pupils conducted food tests and successfully identified substances containing proteins using sodium hydroxide and copper sulfate solutions. They have also traced the fascinating journey of food through the digestive system. In addition, pupils have tackled GCSE-style questions involving data interpolation and graph plotting, further developing their confidence in handling scientific data.

Year 8 pupils have been investigating the fundamental importance of carbon as the building block of life on Earth. They have also explored the reactivity series, using their understanding to predict whether one metal can displace another from a compound. Alongside these topics, pupils have completed GCSE-level examination questions focused on data interpolation and the extraction of information from graphs, demonstrating increasing maturity in their analytical and problem-solving skills.”

The Feudal System

Meanwhile, in History, Year 5 have been learning about the Feudal System, used by monarchs in medieval times to keep control over their lands, Working collaboratively in small groups, pupils showed their understanding of how the system works by producing these colourful diagrams.

A hand-drawn pyramid diagram of the feudal system with stick figures at different levels, labelled king, nobles, knights, and peasants. Several handwritten sticky notes explain parts of the system.

A handmade poster explains the feudal system with drawings of social classes in a pyramid, handwritten notes, and coloured arrows showing the hierarchy.

A hand-drawn pyramid diagram of the feudal system, showing the Pope, King, lords, knights, and peasants in hierarchical order, with handwritten notes explaining each group's role.

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House Cross Country

Mr Mageean writes,

“This week, our annual House Cross Country events took place at Latham Road playing field, where pupils from Years 4 to 8 represented their Houses in two fantastic mornings of competition.

In each event, the four House teams of Bentley, Chaucer, Latham and Newton all competed with great enthusiasm, showcasing the values of determination, resilience, excellence and teamwork throughout the event. Pupils tackled the course with fantastic commitment, giving their very best from the start line to the finish.

It was particularly encouraging to see runners supporting one another along the way, demonstrating excellent sportsmanship and House spirit too. The atmosphere was positive and energetic, with pupils eager to contribute valuable points to their House teams.

A huge congratulations to all of the pupils who took part. Whether competing for a top position, supporting their House, or challenging themselves to complete the course, every participant played an important role in making the event such a success. Every runner should be extremely proud of their achievement and the effort they demonstrated on the day.

Thank you to all staff and supporters who helped to organise and cheer the pupils along the way too! We are incredibly proud of the attitude shown by everyone involved and look forward to many more sporting successes throughout the year.”

Four young girls run on a grassy field wearing sports clothes, while a group of students in yellow shirts jog in the background near a blue track. Trees and a chain-link fence are visible behind them.

A group of children run a race on a grassy field. The boy in front wears a light blue shirt, followed by others in blue and yellow shirts. Trees and buildings are visible in the background.

A girl in a yellow shirt and green shoes runs on a grass track, with hedges in the background.

Five girls in sports kits celebrate outdoors; one in blue runs with open arms towards four others in yellow and green shirts who are reaching out to greet her on a grassy pitch.

A young boy with glasses, dressed in a light blue polo shirt, dark shorts, and black shoes, runs across a dry, grassy sports pitch with faint white lines.

A boy in a yellow shirt and black shorts runs across a grassy sports pitch. Other children and a building are visible in the blurred background.

Two boys in blue shirts and shorts run along a grassy sports field during a race, with other runners and a few trees and buildings visible in the background.

Three smiling boys in green shirts and black shorts stand together outdoors, arms round each other, looking wet as if after playing sport in the rain. A sports pitch is visible in the background.

A tired young athlete in a yellow shirt leans forward with hands on knees on a dry sports pitch, whilst another person runs in the background. A red umbrella is partly visible in the foreground.

Two boys wearing sports kits and red trainers run on a grassy sports field, followed by other children in the background. A yellow marker post stands to the right. Trees and buildings are visible in the distance.

A young girl in sportswear jogs on a dry, grassy field during an outdoor activity. Other children play in the background on a sunny day.

Children in sports kit run on a grassy field, with a few more kids and buildings in the background. The sky is overcast, and trees line the back of the field.

A smiling boy in a yellow shirt stands on a sports field, holding something in his hands. Another child in a blue shirt walks away. A group of people are visible in the background near sports equipment.

A group of children in colourful shirts stand in queues outdoors, some pointing and smiling, while an adult with a clipboard watches. A sports field goalpost is visible in the background.

A group of children in colourful shirts run across a grassy field during a sports event, with trees and cloudy skies in the background.

A young boy in a yellow shirt and black shorts runs on a grassy sports pitch, with trees and buildings in the background.

A young boy in a blue shirt and shorts runs on a dry, grassy sports field. Other children and a house are visible in the background, with trees and fences surrounding the area.

A young girl in a blue shirt, black shorts, and teal trainers runs across a dry grassy field, with sports nets and trees in the background.

Seven smiling kids in yellow shirts and black shorts stand arm in arm on a dry sports pitch, with trees and a small building in the background. Some sports kit is visible on the ground nearby.

A young child wearing a green shirt and dark shorts runs on a dry grass sports pitch, with trees and sports equipment visible in the background.

A boy in a green shirt and black shorts runs on a dry sports pitch, smiling. Other children are playing in the background, with trees and buildings visible beyond the fence.

Two girls in yellow shirts and black shorts run hand in hand on a grassy field, smiling. Orange cones are set up, and a fence and greenery are visible in the background.

A child in a blue shirt and black shorts runs on a dry grass field, smiling. An adult walks in the background near a fence and some metal benches.

A young boy in a yellow shirt and navy shorts is running on a dry, grassy field, approaching a blue cone, with a wooden fence and greenery in the background.

A young girl in a blue polo shirt and navy skirt is running and smiling on a sports field, with orange cones marking lanes and a tall yellow post nearby.

A group of students run on a sports pitch, some in blue and some in green shirts, while an adult in a reflective vest watches near the goalpost. Trees and people with umbrellas are in the background.

Five boys are running on a grass track in athletic clothes, with three in blue shirts and two in green shirts, during what appears to be a school sports event outdoors.

A person in a yellow shirt and black shorts is sprinting on a dirt track, with a wooden fence and a Welcome to the Wyverns Lair sign in the background.

A girl in a blue shirt and shorts runs near a rugby goalpost on a grassy pitch, with orange cones marking the ground and metal equipment in the background.

A girl in a green shirt and black shorts walks on a field with orange cones, smiling. Another person is in the background, near a track and trees. The grass appears dry and patchy.

Two boys in blue sports kits are running on a grass pitch, smiling. Orange posts and a goal post are visible, with trees and a house in the background.

Children wearing sports kits run and high-five on a wet outdoor pitch near a tennis court, with trees and a fence in the background. Some children wear green, yellow, or blue shirts.

A boy in a yellow shirt and black shorts runs on a track near wooden fences. A red and white sign and a bench are in the background. The ground appears wet and muddy.

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A Wonderful Evening with Our Old Fidelians

Last Friday evening, St Faith’s was delighted to welcome more than 50 guests for our annual Old Fidelians’ BBQ, bringing together former pupils alongside both current and former members of staff for a memorable celebration of our school community.

The evening was filled with warmth, laughter and the sharing of treasured memories, as guests reconnected with old friends and familiar faces. Over a delicious BBQ supper, conversations flowed easily, spanning decades of St Faith’s history and highlighting the enduring bonds that continue long after pupils leave our school.

Following the meal, many guests enjoyed the opportunity to take a guided tour of the school. For some, this was a chance to revisit classrooms that held special memories, while others were particularly delighted to explore the former boarding houses, recalling stories of school life from years gone by.

Events such as these are a wonderful reminder that being part of St Faith’s extends far beyond a pupil’s time here. It was a pleasure to welcome so many members of the Old Fidelian community back to school and to celebrate the friendships, connections and shared experiences that continue to unite generations of St Faith’s families.

We would like to thank everyone who attended and helped make the evening such a success. We look forward to welcoming many more Old Fidelians back to St Faith’s in the future.

Our next events will be the OF v Parents 5-a-side football on Friday, 13th November and the Steele Bodgers rugby match on Wednesday, 25th November.

If you would like to take part in the football, please email marketing@stfaiths.co.uk to reserve your place. For Steele Bodgers, a group of Old Fidelians will meet for lunch before attending the match. Please note that there are limited tickets available and if you want to register your interest, contact Simon Graham via marketing@stfaiths.co.uk.

People gather outdoors around red-covered tables, some standing and some sitting, with trees and a brick building in the background. A man in a suit speaks to the group.

A person serves themselves food from a buffet, filling a plate with various dishes using tongs. Several pans of food and serving utensils are visible in the foreground. Other people are blurred in the background.

A woman in a teal patterned dress speaks to a man in a suit and tie outdoors. They stand on grass near empty chairs and tables, with trees and a brick building in the background.

A woman holding a drink and wearing a colourful scarf smiles whilst talking to a young man at an outdoor social gathering. Other people mingle in the background.

A person stands under a marquee, reading a newspaper beside a table displaying framed photos and memorabilia outdoors, with greenery in the background.

Elderly man in a light blue suit holds a drink and smiles at an outdoor gathering, with people and greenery in the background.

Three adults stand outdoors, conversing at a casual event. Two men and one woman, all dressed in business casual attire, are surrounded by red-covered tables and greenery in the background.

Four adults stand outside, talking and smiling at each other. One woman in a white striped shirt is in focus, while others hold drinks and chat in a lively social setting. Trees and more people are blurred in the background.

A group of young people stands in queue outdoors at a food table, served by a smiling man in a chef's coat and gloves. They are in a garden with a wooden fence and brick building in the background.

A group of adults stand outdoors, smiling and watching something off-camera. Some hold drinks, and they are casually dressed. Green foliage is visible in the background.

A chef serves food to people at an outdoor buffet. Guests stand in a queue with plates, engaging in conversation. Trees and a building are visible in the background.

Three adults stand outdoors talking near a table with red cloth and black chairs. One man wears a suit, a woman holds a drink, and another man wears a waistcoat. Green bushes and trees are in the background.

Three men stand outdoors at a social event, holding drinks and talking. Two are in focus, smiling, while the third in the foreground is blurred. Other people are visible in the background.

A group of people stand outdoors at a social event, holding plates of food and drinks, chatting and smiling. One young woman at the centre wears a black waistcoat and holds a plate of appetisers.

A smiling woman with blonde hair talks animatedly to a young man in a navy shirt at an outdoor gathering, with other people visible in the background.

A group of people, some holding drinks, stand outdoors at a social event. Everyone is casually dressed and focused on something off-camera. There are bottles and glasses on a nearby table.

An older man in a tan jacket talks with two women outdoors at a social gathering. Other people and greenery are visible in the background.

Two women in black shirts, one with a name badge and lanyard, smiling outdoors in front of a green hedge. Clear jugs are visible on the table in front of them.

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Whole School Open Morning, Saturday, 10^th October

As we look forward to the term ahead, our next Open Morning will take place on Saturday, 10th October. You may already have seen our banners displayed outside school. Although the event is predominantly for families who wish to join St Faith’s in September 2027, we will also welcome families who are looking ahead to 2028, when they will be joining the new all-through school, The Leys School, Cambridge. Bookings are now open and families can register via our website, Visits & Open Mornings – St Faith’s Cambridge.

I warmly encourage you to share details of the Open Morning with any friends or colleagues who may be interested in finding out more about St Faith’s for their children.

And Finally…

On Saturday morning a number of our Year 5 & 6 girls will be taking part in hockey fixtures at Latham Road against a touring side from Kent College, Canterbury. With sunny weather forecast, it promises to be a super occasion and great way to get the season underway. After a busy and productive first full week back, I wish you all a happy and restful weekend.

With all best wishes,

Crispin Hyde-Dunn

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