This Week at St Faith’s

‘Guys and Dolls’: A ‘Broadway’ Triumph in Ashburton Hall

Mrs McGregor writes,
“Ashburton Hall was transformed into the bustling streets of 1950s New York City this week as students brought the classic musical Guys and Dolls to life in a vibrant and unforgettable performance in the round.

From the moment the curtain rose, the audience were swept into a world of gamblers, showgirls, and unexpected romance. The cast delivered a high-energy, heartwarming rendition of the beloved Broadway hit, showcasing months of hard work, dedication, and creativity.
The leading cast gave some stunning performances that demonstrated a maturity beyond their years, and the ensemble brought the streets of New York to life with dynamic choreography and spirited vocals, particularly crowd favourites like “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.”

Parents, teachers, and fellow pupils filled the hall each night, and the excited clapping was a testament to the cast and crew’s incredible efforts. The production not only entertained but also highlighted the power of teamwork, perseverance, and the arts in education. As the final curtain fell, one thing was clear: Guys and Dolls Jr. was more than just a school play for Year 8 – it was a celebration of talent, passion, and their time together at St Faith’s.”

Three children dressed in costumes stand together on stage. One wears glasses and a dark jacket, another is in a trench coat and police hat, and the third wears a red suit and hat. Other costumed kids are in the background.

A group of boys in colorful suits and hats stand together, some smiling and making peace signs, in what appears to be a stage performance or theatrical event. The lighting is bright and the mood lively.

Three teenage boys in colorful suits pose closely together. The boy in the center wears a hat and holds out a $20 bill toward the camera, while the boys on either side smile. People in bright suits are visible in the background.

A group of children in colorful suits and hats are performing on stage, some posing and gesturing with hats. The scene is lively and festive, with bright lighting and energetic expressions.

A person in a gray uniform and cap with “The Mission Band” badge, wearing a red sash that reads “SAVE A S” in white letters, looks downward under a spotlight.

A person in a dark uniform and hat labeled Band looks down at sheet music, wearing a red sash with white letters. The image is softly lit, focusing on the upper body and face partially obscured by the hat.

A young person in a blue suit and tie speaks animatedly on stage under bright lights, with a serious expression. The background is dimly lit, showing part of an auditorium or event space.

Six young people stand together smiling, wearing matching pink cowboy hats, pink overalls, and blue-checkered shirts, posing in front of a large screen in a brightly decorated classroom.

A woman in a white blazer gestures while speaking to a young person wearing a sparkly silver dress, microphone headset, and blonde wig, standing in a hallway near an open door with a green exit sign above it.

A young person with curly hair, wearing a white tuxedo with black trim and a bow tie, stands under a clock and stage lights, speaking or performing with a headset microphone.

A group of young people in suits and hats sit on stage under large, hanging dice props. One person in the center holds up money, while others look down or to the side, dressed in colorful costumes.

A group of children in dark uniforms and hats sit on a raised platform, reading books and smiling, as part of a stage performance. Empty chairs are arranged in the background.

Two young people in white suits, one with a bow tie and the other with a red boutonnière and headset mic, gesture upward on stage under pink lighting, looking at colorful ribbons hanging above them.

1 / 1

Sunshine, Smiles and Sports: Pre Prep Sports Day

Tuesday brought glorious sunshine and a real sense of summer, as our youngest pupils took to the field with boundless energy and beaming smiles, ready to show their sporting spirit at the much-loved Pre Prep Sports Day.

The event began with great enthusiasm as children lined up for the eagerly anticipated running races. Encouraging cheers echoed from parents and teachers alike as the children raced down the track, each one determined to do their very best.

Among the events was the ever-popular egg and spoon race – a true test of balance and concentration. With plastic eggs wobbling precariously on spoons, our young athletes tiptoed their way across the grass, determined not to drop their precious cargo. The event tested balance and patience in equal measure – with plenty of laughter along the way. Skipping through hoops and placing quoits over poles with great dexterity saw the children practising many motor skills, demonstrating their developing coordination and focus. The relay races brought a wonderful sense of teamwork, as children passed batons with admirable care and cheered each other on. It was heartwarming to see such camaraderie and encouragement among the teams. The Sports Day culminated in the parents’ and siblings’ races, cheered on from the sidelines by their family members. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed some well-deserved refreshments in the grounds of Southfield.

A huge thank you to all the staff who organised the event so beautifully, and to the parents and other supporters for their enthusiastic encouragement. Most of all, congratulations to our Pre Prep pupils for their enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and sunny smiles. We look forward to seeing you enjoy many more days of fun, friendship, and fantastic sports at St Faith’s!

A smiling girl wearing glasses and a St Faith’s Cambridge shirt stands on a sports field, holding a trophy and a “First Place, Highest Number of Points” certificate with a gold cup image.

Two children in sports uniforms stand on a grassy field, one holding a Second Place poster with a trophy image. A crowd of children in colorful outfits sits in the background, near trees.

Two young children in white sports uniforms stand on a grass field holding a certificate for 2nd place. Behind them, a group of children in red caps and a woman applaud, with a school building in the background.

A group of nine students wearing red or red-striped shirts and black shorts pose in front of colorful artwork on an outdoor wall; two students are sitting on a bench while the others stand.

A group of young children stand at a starting line on a grassy field, preparing for a race. Two adults crouch beside them, offering support, while a crowd of people watches in the background on a sunny day.

Young children stand in a line at the start of a race on a grassy field, with adults and an audience watching in the background on a sunny day. The children appear ready and attentive.

A group of young children in matching sports uniforms line up at the starting line of a race on a grassy track, with spectators watching and cheering in the background.

Children in sports uniforms participate in a relay race on a grass field, handing off batons. Spectators stand behind a rope, watching the event. A brick building and trees are visible in the background.

Young children in sports uniforms participate in a race on a grassy field, marked by white lines and colored cones, while a crowd of adults watches from behind a rope barrier. Trees and a brick building are in the background.

Children participate in an outdoor sports event on a grassy field, with a crowd of spectators in the background. Some children wear red shirts, while others wear sports bibs, and one child holds an egg and spoon.

Children are running a race on a grassy track while adults watch from benches and chairs under a large tree in the background. The atmosphere appears lively, and some adults are standing along the track.

A group of children in sports uniforms stand at the starting line of a grass track, preparing for a race. Spectators watch from the sidelines under a partly cloudy sky.

A man in a suit writes at a table outside, while a woman in casual clothes stands nearby, also writing. A megaphone, water pitcher, and glass are on the table. Colorful dragon murals are on the wall in the background.

A woman with light brown hair and sunglasses on her head is sitting outdoors with her eyes closed. Another person stands behind her with a raised hand. The background includes a fence and colorful murals.

A large group of young children in matching uniforms sit and stand on outdoor seats beside a sports field, some raising hands, while adults supervise and hold papers. Trees and a fence are visible in the background.

An adult gently pats a young girl on the head at a sports field. The girl wears a red bib and stands next to another child in a red shirt, holding a yellow relay baton. White running lanes are visible on the grass.

A group of children race toward the finish line on a grassy track, while a crowd of adults and other children cheer and take photos in front of a school building on a sunny day.

Children participate in a hurdle race on a grassy field during a school sports day, with spectators and groups of children watching from the sidelines under trees.

Young children in sports uniforms race over small hurdles on a grassy field, with spectators sitting and standing on the sidelines; trees and a fence are visible in the background.

Young children are running and jumping over hurdles on a grassy field during a school sports day. Spectators and adults watch from the sidelines, and other children in colored shirts wait in the background.

Young children participate in a school sports day race on a grassy field, each kneeling at the starting line with green cones; a crowd of spectators watches from the sidelines under a sunny sky.

A group of schoolchildren in red shirts and black shorts or skirts are standing and sitting outside, some talking and gesturing, in front of colorful dragon posters on a brick wall.

1 / 1

Celebrating Creativity Across the School

This week’s assembly was devoted to creativity, one of our eight Learning Habits. Pupils reflected on what creativity means – not just in artistic pursuits, but in how we think, solve problems, and express ideas. We also considered why creativity matters and how we can all nurture it in our daily lives.

From the youngest children in Pre Prep to our senior pupils in Years 7 and 8, everyone reflected on how creativity is more than just art or music, and the ways in which creativity enriches all parts of our lives. Through inspiring quotes from figures like Albert Einstein, Maya Angelou, and Vincent Van Gogh, we were reminded that creativity is a skill that we can all grow with curiosity, courage, imagination, confidence, and practice.

We also reflected that in trying to innovate and think of new perspectives and ideas, we can expect that at least on some occasions, failure will be companion on the journey to innovation. This is one of the reasons why resilience is also one of our key Learning Habits! Eight children stand indoors on a gym floor, holding certificates and facing the camera. Seven wear school sports uniforms in red and navy, while one girl in the front wears a plaid dress. A brick wall with doors is behind them.

The assembly then celebrated the winners of the VE Day Photo Competition, where pupils were challenged to recreate iconic historical images using photography, art, or even Lego! Congratulations to all who took part, and we were able to celebrate the achievements of the winners as they received their certificates from Mrs Davies.

We ended with a joyful moment of music, singing along to Myles Smith’s “Nice to Meet You”, a reminder of how creativity connects us and brings joy.

Year 8 Reading Competition

Last week, our Year 8 pupils took part in their annual reading competition, delivering powerful performances of poetry and prose that captivated their audience.
We were delighted to welcome Tom Eyre-Maunsell, Head of English at Rugby School, who served as our guest judge. He was greatly impressed by the breadth and depth of the readings, which included works by Anthony Horowitz and Lewis Carroll – two famous former pupils of Rugby School. All our participants are to be congratulated for taking part.
The winners were announced this week, and certificates will be presented at our upcoming End of Year English celebration. The overall winner will be awarded the Reading Cup during Speech Day.

A group of students in red and striped uniforms sit on the floor and benches in a classroom with purple carpet and blue curtains, attentively facing the front. Some musical instruments are visible in the background.

A boy in a red and black striped blazer stands and reads from a paper in front of a seated group of students in a classroom. A board with HIP HOP AND RAP is on the wall behind him.

A girl in a red and black uniform stands and reads from a book to a group of students seated on the floor in a classroom, while two adults sit at a table in the background.

1 / 1

Reflections on ‘Skellig’ in Year 7

Mrs Switsur writes,
“In Year 7, pupils are currently studying the novel Skellig in their English lessons. In the story, a young boy feels ignored because his parents’ time is taken up by the arrival of a new baby. The pupils considered this theme and wrote their own 500-word stories on the topic of ‘Being Ignored.’ We hope you enjoy reading some examples of pupils’ work in the sidebar of the newsletter.”

Mathematical Success: Junior Maths Challenge 2025

Mrs Rainsford writes,
“We are delighted to share the fantastic results of the Junior Maths Challenge 2025! Pupils from Years 6 to 8 earned an impressive total of 85 certificates, showcasing their mathematical talent and problem-solving skills. The Junior Maths Challenge is designed to promote logical thinking and fluency in fundamental mathematical techniques through engaging and thought-provoking problems. Our pupils rose to the challenge, demonstrating reasoning and creativity. This year’s achievements include: 17 Gold Awards, 30 Silver Awards and 38 Bronze Awards. Congratulations to all participants for their hard work.”

A group of 15 children in sports uniforms pose together outside, with most wearing red jackets and a few in yellow shirts. They are standing and sitting in front of a leafy tree and a modern building.

1 / 1

Practical Learning: Year 8 PSHCE First Aid Workshop

On Wednesday, Year 8 had the wonderful opportunity to take their PSHCE learning beyond the classroom and into the open air of Tom’s Garden. Pupils engaged in a hands-on First Aid session delivered by Mrs Petkov. During the session, students learned vital lifesaving techniques, with the chance to practise their skills in a supportive environment. The session reinforced the importance of swift and confident action in emergency situations, equipping pupils with practical knowledge that could prove invaluable in real life. We are very grateful to Mrs Petkov and the PSHCE teaching team for delivering such an impactful and important learning experience.

1 / 1

Athletics Achievements at Gresham’s

Mr Mageean writes,
“A trip towards the seaside is always fun! Last Friday, 67 athletes from Years 4–8 ventured to Gresham’s School, Norfolk, for a fabulous afternoon of athletics. The standard of competition always heats up during the season as pupils from many schools are competing to secure a place on their team for the forthcoming East Area Prep School Championships taking place in June. Indeed, the benchmark that we always set the pupils is to work hard in their training this term, in order to beat the black vests of Gresham’s School – they certainly provide some of our stiffest competition in the forthcoming East Area Championships.
There were many scintillating performances on display from the St Faith’s pupils across all disciplines of Throws, Jumps, Hurdles, Sprints, Middle-Distance events and Mixed Relays.

There are two separate competitions: In the Year 4, 5 & 6 Competition the St Faith’s team secured a fantastic win with 316 points; whilst in the Year 7 & 8 Competition we finished a very worthy 2nd to Gresham’s. Many of our pupils broke their personal best times and distances, which is an outstanding achievement – particularly on the grass track, and even more so because for a large number of Year 4 and Year 8 pupils it was their first time attending this fantastic competition. We are particularly proud of the Year 8 girls that stepped up to represent the school team when a number of athletes from that year group were attending the Hockey National Finals on the same day. A large group of children and teens, wearing matching red, white, and black sports uniforms, poses together on a grassy field with trees in the background. They are smiling and standing or kneeling in several rows.

Special congratulations to one of our Year 4 pupils, who broke one school record (previously set in 1997!) by adding over 4 metres to the Year 4 Girls Rounders Ball Throw record – recording a mammoth 31.60m!

A huge thank you to Mr Gillick, Mrs Fordham, Mrs North and Mrs Critchley for their fantastic support on the day, and to the many parents and family members that made the journey to Norfolk to cheer on our amazing athletes. To view the final standings of the event please view the results in the side bar of this newsletter.”

Tennis Success at Framlingham U13s Festival

Mr Gillick writes,
“On Monday, eight of our dedicated young athletes—four boys and four girls—had the honour of representing our school at the Framlingham U13s Tennis Festival. Their performance, both on and off the court, was a true reflection of their excellent character, commitment, and sportsmanship.

Throughout the day, the students demonstrated exceptional tennis skills, handling both victories and challenges with maturity beyond their years. In the face of competitive pressure, they upheld their integrity, showing resilience, fairness, and respect for their opponents.

Their hard work was reflected in the results. The girls’ team finished a very commendable 3rd overall, while the boys’ team delivered a series of strong performances to take 1st place in their competition. These achievements were a testament not only to their technical ability but also to their teamwork, adaptability, and determination. Seven children in white tennis uniforms and medals stand together outdoors, smiling and holding a trophy. Tennis equipment and a court are visible in the background under a sunny sky.
Beyond the scores, the festival offered a valuable lens into the psychology of young athletes. One of the day’s key takeaways was the importance of mindset on the court. It became evident that the players who thrived were those who were willing to make mistakes confidently, adapt their play dynamically, and maintain a growth-focused approach. Equally striking was the impact of external influences—particularly the role that body language and comments from the sidelines, can have on any child’s performance. It served as a powerful reminder of the need for supportive, constructive encouragement at all levels of youth sport.

Overall, it was an incredible day filled with competition, camaraderie, and important life lessons. Our students did themselves and the school proud, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to grow both as athletes and individuals.”

St Faith’s U13 Girls Shine at In2 England Schools Hockey Finals

On 16th May 2025, the talented St Faith’s U13 girls took to the pitch at the In2 England Schools Hockey Finals in Nottingham, showcasing skill, determination, and teamwork in a thrilling day of competition.

Facing off against some of the best school teams in the country, the St Faith’s squad demonstrated their resilience and passion for the sport. Their journey through the tournament was marked by strong performances, strategic play, and an unwavering team spirit. In a fiercely contested 3rd/4th place playoff, St Faith’s battled against King Edward VI Southampton, ending in a 2-2 draw, with KE Southampton edging the victory in a shootout (2-1 SO). A group of girls in matching red sports uniforms stand in a circle, smiling and looking down at the camera. One girl is wearing a protective sports helmet. The sky is bright blue above them.

Throughout the tournament the squad’s commitment and energy were evident in every match, proving their place among the nation’s top young hockey teams.

While the girls narrowly missed out on a podium finish, the St Faith’s U13 girls should be immensely proud of their achievements. Congratulations to the team on all their successes as a school hockey squad! As they prepare to move on to their new schools, we look forward to hearing about their future hockey journeys.

And Finally…

After a week filled with New York gangsters, egg-and-spoon sprints, mathematical triumphs and a rounders ball thrown further than many of us could manage, I do hope you find some time to rest and recharge with family over the Bank Holiday and half term.

With all best wishes,

Crispin Hyde-Dunn

Useful Links

Academic

The Arts

Pastoral

Pre Prep

Sport

Other