I would like to begin by commending our Year 7 pupils, who completed their exams this week, throughout having shown impressive diligence and application. Following on from Spanish assessments sat last week, this week the pupils sat written papers across a range of subjects. Not only do these assessments allow the children to assimilate all they have learned this year, but they also help to develop exam technique, which is an important part of preparation for senior school and beyond. Congratulations to all Year 7 pupils for demonstrating such maturity and dedication in their studies.
Independent Research Projects
As our Year 8 pupils look forward to joining their senior schools in September, they continue to embrace the St Faith’s Learning Habits in their classes, including Independence, Curiosity and Creativity. By way of example of how these skills are developed further, in Humanities pupils have been set an essay project to explore independently an issue related to China. The diverse array of topics under investigation have included ‘How has Artificial Intelligence developed in China’ and ‘Why is Taiwan a Disputed Region?’
The first groups have submitted work of an exceptionally high standard and many of the children commented on how much the project had challenged them in a positive way, particularly developing new skills of research. We are looking forward to the second group of pupils completing their projects after half-term.
You can find a copy of the St Faith’s Learning Habits on the school website.
In the Classrooms
Year 2 pupils have been very busy this week, learning all about directions in their Mathematics lessons and exploring adjectives in English. They have also been learning about rhythm and dynamics in Music, whilst our Year 6 pupils have been investigating the origins of rap and beat Music. In the Science laboratories, Year 5 children have been busy continuing their work with acids and alkalis, as well as practising making conversions between fractions, decimals and percentages in Mathematics.
Digital Photography in The Botanic Garden
Making the most of the early summer weather, Year 8 pupils visited The Cambridge University Botanic Garden on Tuesday afternoon. We are very fortunate to have this fascinating place so close to our school. The trip provided an opportunity for the group to view the ‘International Garden Photographer of the Year Exhibition’ and to be inspired to explore similar themes, working with digital photography. Our Year 8s also had the opportunity to tour the garden and glass-houses and to work on some botanic art there, as well as back in the Art room in follow-up lessons.
Gymnastics Nationals at Stoke-on-Trent
Last weekend a number of our pupils travelled to Stoke-on-Trent for the annual Schools Gymnastics National Finals. Our gymnasts were competing for the coveted titles of British Schools’ Champions in Floor and Vault, Tumbling and Sports Acrobatics.
At Regionals in January, our Under 11 boys, Under 11 mixed team and our Under 14 boys had won their respective Floor and Vault titles and were representing the East of England at this competition. In Sports Acrobatics we had qualified four pairs to the National Finals. There was a wonderful team spirit amongst the competitors and some excellent performances. The Year 7 and 8 team finished 2nd and the Year 6 team won their competition. Very well done to all those who took part.
For a full report, please see here.
St Faith’s Athletics Meeting
Yesterday, St Faith’s athletes were out in force to mark the official beginning of the athletics season. The weather was extremely cooperative and the spirits were high. We welcomed teams, and their families, from 6 local schools to this annual derby which included Moulton House, Perse Prep, The Perse, St Mary’s, St John’s and Stephen Perse. Traditionally this is a track only event offering opportunities for schools to try out their hurdlers, sprinters, middle distance runners and relay teams. St Faith’s emerged victorious in both age groups and in the combined scoring. Well done to all who took part and particularly to James RB, our newly appointed Athletics Captain, who broke the school record for Hurdles at this first event of the season.
Preparing for Pre Prep Sports Day
Excitement is building as we approach the Pre Prep Sports Day, which will take place this year on Tuesday 24th May. The children have been out on School House Field practising with hoops and hurdles, and most importantly, having lots of fun. As always, the day will be rounded off with a family tea on Southfield Lawn and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible there.
Foundation Celebrate Children’s Day
On Thursday, our Foundation year group celebrated Children’s Day, a national holiday in Japan set aside to celebrate the health and happiness of children. The children played traditional Japanese games, made Mushi-pan (steamed cakes) and practised their origami skills making Kabuto helmets (as symbols of strength and vitality). They also enjoyed making their own Koinobori, a carp-shaped windsock and a symbol of strength according to Japanese legend.
Video Testimonials for the Platinum Jubilee Celebration
We are keenly anticipating our whole school Platinum Jubilee Celebration Day on Friday 27th May, which is the last day of the first half of this term. Both the morning lessons and the afternoon activities will be Jubilee-themed and we look forward to a distinctive red, white and blue hue to St Faith’s on the day. As part of our preparations, pupils in Years 5-8 will be asking older relatives or family friends if they can record short clips of them talking about their memories of the Queen’s Coronation in 1953 . These clips will form part of a montage, which will be shown at a special assembly on 27th May. I do hope you will take this opportunity to discuss and record some family history. Further details can be found on this link.
Deaf Awareness Week
This week is Deaf Awareness Week (2nd – 8th May). Today, 3JW had a special assembly and watched a video promoting the activities taking place this week. This year’s theme is ‘inclusion’, as well as highlighting the impact of hearing loss on every day life. This assembly and video was followed by pupils in the class in learning some simple sign language.
School Pulse Survey
May I please remind you of the parents’ School Pulse Survey which will close on 12th May. I am most grateful to all who have already completed their responses and would warmly encourage those of you who have not yet taken the survey to do so over the next few days. We greatly value the opinions of our parents, and the results of the survey will be of paramount importance to us in shaping the future direction of the School. Thank you in advance for your support of this process.
Old Fidelian Society (OF) Events
For the golfers amongst you who are also OFs, we hope that you have polished your clubs for the OF Golf Day next Monday. It will take place at the Royal Worlington and Newmarket Golf Club. Please see here for other forthcoming OF events this term.
IAPS National Triathlon 2022
Good luck to the 8 pupils competing this weekend at the IAPS National Triathlon Championships in Bath. This event is being hosted at Monkton Preparatory School for the first time and we wish them, and all the participants, a very successful and enjoyable event.
And Finally …..
Whether you are making recordings of Coronation Day memories, or simply reflecting fondly on memories of cake-laden trestle tables at 1977 Silver Jubilee street parties, I wish you a happy and relaxing weekend.
With all best wishes,
Dr Crispin Hyde-Dunn
