This Week at St Faith’s

A Week of Discovery, Creativity and Community at St Faith’s

As we approach the half term break, pupils across the school have been taking part in a varied programme of learning, leadership, sport and creativity. From drama and singing performances and scientific exploration to rugby fixtures, buddy sessions and our Academic Extension (AcE) Day, it has been another full and interesting week at St Faith’s.

Reflecting on the Meaning of Remembrance

Looking ahead to Remembrance Day and preparing for our school service after half term, this week pupils in Years 7 and 8 gathered for a reflective assembly led by Miss Kennerley.

The assembly encouraged pupils to consider the meaning of remembrance and why it remains such an important occasion today. Together, they reflected on the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces, emergency service workers and civilians whose lives have been lost or profoundly affected by war and conflict, including during the two World Wars.

Miss Kennerley also spoke about the significance of the red poppy, which has become an enduring symbol of remembrance. Pupils learned that poppies were among the first flowers to bloom on the disturbed ground of the battlefields of the First World War, offering a symbol of hope and renewal amid the devastation.

As part of our own commemorations, we will honour the Old Fidelians who lost their lives in service to their country. In preparation, Year 8 pupils will undertake research into the lives and stories of these former St Faith’s pupils, helping to ensure that their lives and service are remembered by successive generations of pupils.

The assembly provided an important opportunity for reflection, encouraging pupils not only to remember those who lost their lives or suffered as a result of conflict, but also to recognise the value of peace, community, and service to others.

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Strong Partnerships Between Home and School

Throughout the week, many Pre Prep families attended Parent-Teacher Meetings. These valuable conversations provide an important opportunity to discuss pupils’ progress and individual development, and to maintain the close partnership between home and school.

Our youngest pupils also gathered for their weekly Pre Prep assemblies, sharing achievements both in and outside school, celebrating birthdays (including singing ‘Happy Birthday’ in Spanish!) and reflecting on important themes together.

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My Community

Miss Herbert writes,

“On Wednesday and Thursday this week, Reception were lucky enough to have some parents visit to tell us about the different ways they help people in their work, as part of our topic ‘My Community’.

We learned about being a pharmacist and a scientist, and even a ‘money detective’ (perhaps better known as an accountant). The children were delighted to be joined by parents who generously gave their time to share their experiences with us.”

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Year 5 Tutor Time Highlights

Mrs Carpenter writes,

“Year 5 have absolutely loved their tutor times this half term! Each day brings something different, with Maths Monday, Talk Tuesday, Word Wednesday, Thinking Thursday and Focus Friday providing a fantastic balance of challenge, discussion and reflection throughout the week.

This week’s Talk Tuesday in 5ALC prompted a particularly animated debate as pupils tackled the all-important question: Would unicorns or dragons make better pets? The discussion was lively, thoughtful and full of creative ideas, with some very persuasive arguments made on both sides!

The benefits of our ‘game’ time on Tuesday afternoons continue to be evident, helping pupils to develop teamwork, communication skills and positive relationships, whilst also giving them an opportunity to relax and have fun together. Meanwhile, Wind-Down Wednesday provides a welcome moment of calm, offering some quiet reflection time in the middle of our busy week.

We have been incredibly proud of how Year 5 have embraced their new routines this half term. They have shown enthusiasm, resilience and maturity as they have settled into daily life in Year 5, and their hard work has not gone unnoticed.”

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Pupil Leadership in Action

Our Year 8 pupils have continued to demonstrate outstanding leadership, with the 8ALS Prefect Duty Team taking on responsibilities across the school and supporting younger pupils throughout the week. On Tuesday, the popular House Buddy Sessions also brought together children from Years 3 to 8, with Year 8 prefects helping to build friendships and strengthen connections between pupils across different year groups.

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Character Description

Ms Morris writes,

“Year 8 have been studying character description in English this half term, exploring how carefully chosen language can bring a character to life. For homework, some pupils created a character who appeared charming and trustworthy, but concealed a darker side, using subtle clues and an unsettling final twist. Three examples are in the side bar for you to enjoy—if you dare!

Next half term, pupils look forward to exploring tone and mood through Gothic literature, delving into extracts including Dickens’s writing, Frankenstein and Dracula.”

A Celebration of Singing and Poetry at St Faith’s

There was plenty to enjoy in the performing arts this week, with our Year 7 Poetry Recital and Singing Tea-Time Recital both taking place.

Ms Morris writes,

“On Tuesday, St Faith’s was filled with the wonderful sound of poetry as Year 7 pupils took to the stage for our Poetry Recital!

From expressive performances to beautifully delivered verses, the children demonstrated confidence, creativity and a real appreciation for the power of language. It was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate not only their impressive memorisation skills, but also their ability to bring poetry to life through voice, expression and imagination.

We were incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, courage and talent on display. A huge well done to everyone who took part and helped make the occasion such a memorable celebration of poetry and the spoken word!”

Mr Symons writes,

“Tuseday’s vocal recital in the Britten Room was a wonderful celebration of our young singers’ hard work and growing confidence. With a varied programme spanning musical theatre, classical song and jazz favourites, pupils shared the progress they have made this term, from the playful energy of Naughty to the expressive storytelling of Slipping Through My Fingers, alongside a lovely duet of North. Performing in front of an audience is an important step in developing both confidence and musical skill, and every singer deserves congratulations for their commitment and courage. Thank you to the families who joined us to support and celebrate them!”

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Academic Extension (AcE) Day

On Thursday, pupils in Years 3 to 8 enjoyed being ‘off-timetable’ for our first Academic Extension (AcE) Day of the year. AcE Days are a key feature of our broad and varied curriculum, forming part of a wider enrichment programme that culminates in E-week during the summer term — a week of exploration and challenge. This includes, for Years 7 and 8, the opportunity to take part in overseas trips. The aims of the programme are to extend and deepen pupils’ understanding both within and beyond the curriculum, while developing skills in communication, teamwork, leadership and creative thinking.

Year 3

Year 3 pupils brought ancient history to life, donning Egyptian costumes and immersing themselves in activities such as writing hieroglyphics, drawing cartouches, sculpting scarab beetles from clay and learning traditional Egyptian dance. The scarab beetle, a symbol of renewal and rebirth, provided a particularly interesting link to their studies.

Year 4

In Year 4, pupils used their AcE time to focus on rehearsals for their pantomimes — short, lively performances which they have been developing in Drama lessons and are looking forward to presenting to parents on Thursday, 3rd December. The children were involved in dance and singing rehearsals, as well as trying on their costumes and making tickets to invite family members to the performances.

Year 5

Year 5 became Eco Detectives for the day, taking part in four themed workshops — Recycling, Marine Litter, Sustainable Eating and Habitats — led by visiting environmentalist Philip Hunton from Green Up Your Act. In each session, pupils investigated real-world environmental issues and developed responses drawing on their learning in Science, Maths, Engineering and Art. The day concluded with a plenary session discussion in which pupils reflected on what they had learned and considered how they might put some of their ideas into practice.

Year 6

Meanwhile, Year 6 extended their Geography studies of rivers. The children visited Hobson’s Brook to gather a range of data, including the width and depth of the stream, its speed of flow and water temperature. They also completed an environmental survey. In the afternoon, they collated and analysed their results before presenting their findings and drawing conclusions from their fieldwork.

Year 7

For Year 7, the focus was firmly on engineering and wellbeing. Pupils developed their understanding of rocket design, using compressed air as the propellant. Each group built a rocket with an airtight body, exploring how Newton’s third law explains the forces involved in launching a rocket successfully. They also explored the importance of stability and aerodynamics in achieving a safe and efficient flight — with test launches to take place in future Engineering lessons! Alongside this, pupils took part in a series of wellbeing activities designed to support reflection and balance.

Year 8

Year 8’s AcE Day was both reflective and practical. In the morning, pupils took a happy trip down memory lane as they selected the photographs for their Yearbooks — a keepsake to celebrate their time at St Faith’s. The afternoon brought hands-on learning with First Aid training and an introduction to Sports Psychology, both offering opportunities to develop practical skills and consider different aspects of physical and mental wellbeing.

A student in a yellow shirt sits on a blue gym mat whilst another student examines his knee.

A student in a black hoodie lies on a blue gym mat whilst another student demonstrates the use of an adrenaline autoinjector on their leg, surrounded by a group of observing students.

A person in a black jumper kneels on a gymnasium floor, performing chest compressions on a CPR training manikin while a group of students watches.

Two photos showing instructors supervising students practising CPR on medical training manikins in a gymnasium.

A teacher in a red hoodie helps a student in a black hoodie use a computer in a classroom.

Two students in school uniforms sitting at a computer in a classroom.

Two children wearing protective safety goggles smile whilst holding long, conical candles.

A male teacher in a red polo shirt watches three pupils in red school uniforms as they work together on a tablet.

Two girls in a classroom holding small clay models they have made.

Children working with clay at a table in a classroom.

Three school-aged children work together on an arts and crafts project using blue handheld tools on paper.

A student in a yellow polo shirt sits at a desk drawing on a sheet of paper.

Students sit at desks in a classroom, writing on worksheets and using school equipment.

Seven children in outdoor gear stand on a brick bridge over a stream, holding their arms up.

An instructor and a group of students in wellington boots stand in a shallow stream measuring the water with a long tape measure.

Four children in dark winter coats and boots standing in a shallow stream.

A teacher helps a pupil use a stapler on a craft project whilst other children gather around a table in a classroom.

Students in school uniforms participating in a planting activity with soil and small pots.

A collage showing a boy in a red jacket drawing at a desk and a girl in a yellow polo shirt holding a small pot of soil.

Two students sit at a desk with pencils and paper in a classroom.

Two young boys in school uniforms smile whilst sitting together at a desk with drawing supplies.

Two students sitting at a desk hold up their drawings labelled Forest, each depicting trees and woodland animals.

A student smiles at the camera while crafting paper fish at a table, while another student points to a world map on a digital screen.

A group of children holding wooden insect hotels filled with bamboo tubes and pine cones.

Two students in school uniforms smile while holding up hexagonal cards made from folded maps.

A dark room filled with people watching a projection of an animated programme on a screen.

A group of children in fancy dress singing and waving their arms during a stage performance.

Five children in fairy costumes perform on a stage.

Children in fancy dress perform a play on a stage in a school hall.

A teacher leads a large group of schoolchildren in an assembly, with many pupils raising their hands in a hall with a projection screen.

A child dressed in a pharaoh costume uses a glue stick while working on a craft project at a desk.

Two children in Ancient Egyptian-style costumes crafting with paper at a table.

Three children in fancy dress play on the floor: one lying down in a green dress, one sitting beside her in a white dress, and one kneeling over her in an Egyptian-style outfit.

Two children dressed in Egyptian costumes with gold headpieces and collars.

Two children dressed in Egyptian pharaoh costumes sit at a table sculpting clay.

Two students dressed in Egyptian-themed fancy dress sit at a desk colouring paper templates.

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Science in Focus

Mrs Pritchard writes,

“Our Science classrooms have been full of curiosity, investigation and excitement this week!

Year 4 have been exploring the fascinating properties of materials. The children completed their write-ups on dissolving, learning that solids which dissolve in water are described as soluble and form a solution. They then investigated how different substances have different melting points and discovered that when a solid melts, it changes into a liquid. By observing that the liquid can be cooled and frozen back into a solid, pupils learnt that melting is a reversible change. It has been wonderful to see the children developing their scientific vocabulary and applying their understanding to explain everyday changes in materials.

Year 5 had great fun carrying out a practical investigation to discover a mealworm’s preferred habitat. There was plenty of excitement as pupils carefully observed the mealworms’ behaviour and used their findings to work out which conditions the creatures favoured.

In Year 6, pupils investigated how changing the angle of a light source affects the size of an object’s shadow. They collected data, presented their results in line graphs and used their findings to draw well-supported scientific conclusions.

Year 7 have been exploring the fascinating world of particles, looking in detail at how substances dissolve. They also researched Brownian motion, helping them to understand how the movement of tiny particles provides evidence for the particle model of matter.

Year 8 pupils showcased their learning by presenting their projects on global warming and deforestation to their peers. They listened thoughtfully to one another’s presentations and used feedback grids to provide constructive comments, celebrate strengths and suggest next steps. It was wonderful to see such confidence, engagement and maturity in both their presentations and discussions.”

English Schools’ Under 13 Cross Country Cup (Cambridgeshire Round)

Mr Mageean writes,

“Last Friday saw our Year 7 and 8 pupils running in the first round of the English Schools’ Cross Country Cup, hosted by King’s Ely School. There was a fantastic turnout from many independent and state schools, with our pupils competing in races of approximately 50 athletes.

First up was our boys’ team, running 3,000m. With the top three teams gaining qualification to the next round, our boys weren’t far away from this achievement, finishing in a very creditable 4th place. This was a fantastic effort, and with one of our Year 7 pupils finishing 13th, it also bodes well for next year, as the vast majority of pupils running were in Year 8.

Our girls’ team were keen to start well, with two of our pupils establishing their places at the front within the first 200m of the 2,500m race. With 48 pupils competing, it was especially encouraging to see all of our girls finishing in the top 20! A special mention goes to one of our Year 7 pupils who finished 8th. Congratulations to our girls’ team, who won the team competition ahead of King’s Ely and The Perse Upper, and have now qualified for the second round at Stowe School after half term, competing against leading schools from the Midlands and East of England.

Well done to all our athletes, and a big thank you to the parents and grandparents who came along to encourage our pupils and cheer on the teams.”

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Year 5 Science Sleepover

By the time that you read this newsletter, the Year 5 pupils will have returned from their sleepover on Thursday night and Friday morning. The evening is a great way to round off the half term, with a treasure hunt in the school grounds, laboratory experiments, trampoline in the Sports Hall and then a pizza supper. After a hearty breakfast the following morning, the children round off the sleepover event with visits from circus jugglers who share their skills, and the ‘Reptile Experience’ giving the pupils a chance to learn about and see some remarkable reptiles. After all of that, I am sure everyone will be ready for a restful half term!

A smiling boy in a blue fleece jacket holds two colourful juggling sticks in a gymnasium, with other children practising in the background.

Two images of children practising circus skills in a gym, with the left showing kids juggling balls and the right showing a girl balancing a spinning object on a string.

A child looking at a meerkat held by an adult, and a boy holding a tortoise.

A young girl reaches out to touch a small hedgehog being held on a towel.

A person looks at a bearded dragon resting on someone's lap as another person reaches out to touch it.

A person holds a grey chinchilla whilst a child reaches out to stroke it.

A child looks excitedly at a blue-tongued skink being held by an adult.

A boy with a snake draped around his shoulders smiles as he holds its tail, whilst other children sit nearby.

A group of children in a gymnasium standing on yoga mats with their arms raised overhead.

A young girl jumps high on a trampoline in a gymnasium whilst an instructor watches over a group of children sitting on the edge.

A group of students wearing safety goggles conduct a science experiment with wooden splints and small flames in a classroom, supervised by a teacher.

Students gathered in a dimly lit classroom perform science experiments with small flames at their desks, viewed through a glass door.

A group of eight children in casual clothing sitting around wooden tables eating pizza slices indoors.

Three children walk across a paved courtyard at night, with one holding a lit torch.

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Calling All Old Fidelians!
Dust off your boots, reconnect with old friends, and join us for two fantastic Old Fidelian social events this autumn.

⚽ OF Football v Parents

Friday 13 November | 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Sports Hall, St Faith’s School

Whether you’re keen to relive your glory days on the pitch or simply cheer from the sidelines, this promises to be a fun and friendly evening of football, laughter and community spirit. Can the OFs overcome the Parents’ team, or will their enthusiasm give way to parental determination? Post- match refreshments will be served, and we might even persuade a few of the teachers to play!

To register for the football, contact marketing@stfaiths.co.uk by Monday 2nd November.

🏉 Steele Bodgers Rugby Match

Wednesday 25 November

Join fellow Old Fidelians for this much-loved rugby fixture, with lunch beforehand providing the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends, former classmates and members of the St Faith’s community before the action begins. Please note that there are a very limited number of tickets for this event. It is organised directly by a group of Old Fidelians, rather than the alumni association of the school, but please contact marketing@stfaiths.co.uk in the first instance to check availability with us.

We look forward to welcoming Old Fidelians for what promises to be two memorable occasions filled with friendship, sport and plenty of school spirit.

Once a Fidelian, always a Fidelian. We hope to see you there!

Application Deadline

If you are applying for a place in Years 1-8 for your own children, or have friends or colleagues who are intending to apply, please note that the deadline for applications is today Friday, 23rd October.

And Finally…

Our Cultivating Change Pumpkin Sale on Thursday provided a suitably autumnal note on which to end the first half of term. I am most grateful to all who supported the event and we particularly value our longstanding relationship with Cultivating Change.

As we reach the half term break, I would like to thank our pupils and parents and all the staff for their contributions during these very important opening weeks of the academic year. I do hope you all have an enjoyable week ahead, with opportunities to spend time with family and friends, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back for the second half of the Michaelmas term.

With all best wishes,

Crispin Hyde-Dunn

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