This Week at St Faith’s

Enrichment Week 2025: A Celebration of Curiosity, Creativity, and Challenge

At St Faith’s, we believe that education extends far beyond the confines of the classroom. This week’s Enrichment Week (E-Week) has been a perfect example of that philosophy in action, offering our pupils a wealth of experiences designed to stretch their imaginations, encourage creative thinking, and foster a spirit of challenge. From Years 3 to 8, each year group has embarked on a distinctive journey, aimed at nurturing curiosity, building confidence, and developing essential life skills.
As we have only shared a small selection of photos taken during the week, we will make more available on MSP in due course.

A girl in a black robe interacts with a man dressed as a wizard holding a blue dragon puppet in a classroom decorated with Harry Potter-themed items.

Four large bird sculptures made from stacked wooden blocks stand on a dark mat in a gymnasium, with chairs and more wooden block structures in the background.

Children in school uniforms kneel on the floor, building elaborate structures with wooden blocks. Adults assist them, and more children play in the background in a large indoor space.

Four people stand outdoors in front of a tree. From left: a boy in a red shirt, a boy dressed as Harry Potter, a girl in a fox costume, and an adult in an orange animal onesie, all smiling at the camera.

Two people in animal costumes, one as a wolf and one as a large cat, perform on stage with a puppet of a child in a jungle-themed set, surrounded by green foliage and wooden structures.

A group of children wearing helmets and harnesses stand outdoors on a gravel area, preparing for a climbing activity. Some are holding ropes and smiling, while trees and a fence are visible in the background.

A teacher in a red shirt helps a group of children in a classroom or science lab. The children, also in red shirts, watch closely as she demonstrates something on the table, which has papers, goggles, and lab materials.

Four boys sit on a green bench outside by a brick wall. Two boys in white shirts look at open books, one points at a page, while two boys in red shirts sit beside them, one resting his arm on the back of the bench.

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Learning Through Experience

Enrichment Week is designed individually for each year group, to complement the curriculum, while offering something completely new and exciting. Every year group has engaged in a diverse range of activities, carefully curated to inspire, challenge, and delight. Year 3, for example, travelled back in time for a Stone Age survival adventure at Flag Fen, while Year 4 embraced the magic of Harry Potter with a day of wizardry and exploration at Mountfitchet Castle. Year 5 delved into the world of performing arts and outdoor challenges, whilst some of Years 6-8 were immersed in the wonders of science and enterprise, taking part in a dynamic Science Circus and a Dragon’s Den-style innovation challenge.

The activities were not only educational but also designed to promote teamwork, resilience, and independent thinking. There have also been residential trips to Spain, Rome and the Bay of Naples and Kinver Outdoor Centre in Staffordshire, as well as the on-site experiences focused on life skills, outreach, and leadership.

Two children pose outdoors; one wears a purple costume with a top hat, the other a monkey costume. In the background, other children play on wooden blocks near a building and parked bicycles.

A group of children in colorful and creative costumes stand together outdoors, smiling at the camera on a sunny day. Some are dressed as witches, animals, or characters, and they hold small props or plush toys.

Two young children wearing white shirts and ties sit side by side on swings in a playground, smiling at the camera. One wears a black and red cape. Other children and trees are visible in the background.

A group of children in colorful costumes stands outside with an adult wearing animal ear headbands and sunglasses. They are smiling and posing for the photo in front of a fence and trees.

Two children sit on a wooden floor indoors, building tall structures with wooden blocks. Rows of empty chairs are visible in the background. The children appear focused and engaged in their activity.

A young boy in a red shirt lies on a wooden floor, focused on stacking wooden blocks. Scattered blocks and small structures surround him. Empty folding chairs line the background.

Two children, one in a red shirt and another in a plaid dress, kneel on a wooden floor, building structures with wooden sticks. Other children and adults are visible in the background, also engaged in similar activities.

A young boy in a red shirt and black shorts kneels on a wooden floor, smiling next to a small wooden chair model he has built. Folded chairs and bags are visible in the background.

Large bird sculptures made from stacked wooden blocks stand on a carpeted floor in a gymnasium, with children and adults assembling more structures in the background.

Children in plaid uniforms and adults work together to build a large wooden structure with blocks in a school hall, with a green forest-themed backdrop and stage in the background.

Three young children wearing school uniforms are building tall towers with wooden blocks. Two girls in plaid dresses and a boy in a red shirt focus on stacking the blocks. A stage with a green backdrop is behind them.

A child with blond hair wearing a red shirt crouches on a wooden floor, building towers from wooden blocks. Other children, some barefoot, are nearby on a dark rug, also constructing towers.

A woman smiles while standing in a classroom, facing a person dressed in a wizard costume holding a large blue dragon puppet. Classroom decorations and a cardboard box are in the background.

A person wearing a long white wig, a patterned cap, and a dark robe looks into an open cardboard box on a table in a cluttered classroom or office setting.

Children wearing bright orange wigs and red-striped ties sit closely together in a group, with one child smiling at the camera while another adjusts their wig. The setting resembles a school event or themed gathering.

A group of children sit on the floor in a classroom, some wearing costumes and scarves, with steel drums in the background and an adult seated on a chair nearby.

A large group of children and a few adults, wearing colorful t-shirts, pose excitedly with arms raised inside a gymnasium with basketball hoops and banners in the background.

A group of children in sportswear stand and kneel in a gymnasium, participating in an indoor activity. Some wear colored shirts, and sports equipment is scattered on the floor. A Be Inspired banner is visible in the background.

A group of children, some in wheelchairs, sit on the floor of an indoor gym watching something above the badminton net. Two adults stand in the background near a “Power2Inspire” sign.

A group of schoolchildren stand and sit on a dry grassy field, some blindfolded, during an outdoor activity. The children wear colorful uniforms and appear engaged, with a brick building in the background.

A group of children in colorful shirts sit and kneel on dry grass, facing a sports field, watching an event. One child stands with a red jacket draped over their shoulders, while others sit along a yellow pole marker.

Five children in red shirts work together at a classroom table covered with crafts supplies, shredded paper, and writing materials. Some are standing, others are sitting, all engaged in creative activity and conversation.

A group of school children in red and white shirts work on a science experiment at a lab table with water containers, measuring scales, and papers. Some are pouring liquids while others discuss and observe.

Three children gather around a small table, writing on worksheets together. They appear focused and engaged in a classroom setting, collaborating on a task.

Eight schoolchildren in uniforms sit and stand around a table outdoors, working on papers together. Some are focused on writing, while others discuss, suggesting a collaborative activity or group project.

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Creative, Collaborative, and Cross-Curricular Learning

The focus of this week has been on creativity and collaboration, with the wide array of activities designed to encourage pupils to think differently, work together, and explore new interests. Theatre workshops, engineering challenges using Kapla blocks, collaborative art projects, and author visits all featured, alongside sports and wellbeing sessions including the Power House Games and the Swimming Gala.

The week culminated in the highly anticipated Joint Houses Charity Day, where pupils rallied together in support of causes close to their hearts. It was a happy and meaningful conclusion to a week that exemplified our school values of Kindness, Community and Excellence.

We do hope you enjoy the photos taken throughout the week, and that your child enjoys sharing the exciting stories of their activities with you. Most importantly, we hope they’ve had a memorable and inspiring E-week.

A smiling child in a green shirt sits at a desk, working on a colorful craft project with glue, paper, and other art supplies. The background shows school supplies and a water bottle.

Two smiling young girls sit at a table holding up colorful 3D craft projects made with sticks and beads on paper. One paper has a grid pattern, and both have blue sections and bright decorations.

Four young boys in green uniforms sit at a classroom table, focused on arts and crafts projects. Colorful papers, glue, and scissors are scattered on the table. Shelves of books and a bulletin board are in the background.

Two men, one seated grilling food and the other standing, smile with two schoolgirls holding a plate. They are outdoors by a fence, with a bench, gas cylinder, and cooking supplies nearby.

Two boys in red shirts stand on an outdoor court, smiling with arms around each other. One holds a frying pan with cooked flatbread. Other children in similar uniforms are in the background.

Two girls sit on the pavement near a wooden fence, cooking food in a pan on a portable stove. One girl wears a blue shirt, the other a grey sweater, and both are focused on the food.

Three boys, two wearing black and red striped shirts and one in a red shirt, are cooking slices of meat in a frying pan outdoors on the ground, next to a wooden fence.

A group of schoolchildren dressed in various costumes, including Harry Potter-themed robes and other fantasy outfits, stand together and smile in a classroom with decorated walls and desks in the foreground.

Two children wearing medieval-style metal helmets stand side by side on a wooden bridge outdoors, surrounded by greenery. Another child in red stands nearby, partially visible.

Two boys in red shirts sit on a carpeted floor, focused on building wooden block structures. Wooden pieces are scattered around them, and both appear engaged in a collaborative activity.

Several children in plaid school uniforms work together to build structures with wooden blocks in a classroom or activity room. Some adults stand nearby while others watch or participate in the activity.

Four young children sit on the floor indoors, closely observing small wooden structures in front of them. Three wear red shirts and one wears a plaid dress. Cloth bags and chairs are seen in the background.

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Swimming Gala

Mrs Critchley writes:
“Year 4 had their first taste of competitive swimming on Thursday afternoon at the House A large group of school children in colorful uniforms pose smiling in front of a brick building, with two adults standing behind them. Some kids hold sports equipment and water bottles. It is a sunny day. Swimming Gala. It was a welcome break for the children to cool off in the water, and they had a fantastic time taking part in both competitive and fun races. Bentley House were the overall winners, closely followed by Newton, Latham, and Chaucer.”

Year 5 Musical Theatre Day – A Show-Stopping Success!

Mrs McGregor writes:

“On Tuesday, Year 5 enjoyed a truly spectacular Musical Theatre Day, packed with rhythm, drama, creativity, and colour! The day was a celebration of the performing arts and a showcase of the exceptional talent and energy of our Year 5 pupils.

The morning began with a Rhythm and Dance Workshop, where students explored movement and musicality through fun, high-energy routines. This was followed by an Oliver! song and acting workshop, where pupils brought classic characters to life through expressive performance and powerful vocals.

The excitement reached new heights when Image Musical Theatre arrived to perform a dynamic version of The Jungle Book. Even more thrilling was the fact that Year 5 students were invited to join the cast live on stage, playing the roles of the Monkeys and Wolves. Their enthusiasm and stage presence were outstanding, and the audience was captivated by their lively performances.

In the afternoon, the creativity continued with a Jungle Book-themed chalk art workshop, where students transformed the playground into a colourful jungle scene. Alongside this, they enjoyed a sports rotation, giving them a chance to stay active and have fun outdoors.

The entire day was a fantastic blend of performance, teamwork, and imagination. It was a joy to see the students so engaged and confident, whether they were dancing, acting, drawing, or cheering on their friends.

A huge well done to all of Year 5 for their energy, creativity, and courage. Musical Theatre Day was a true celebration of their talents, and we couldn’t be prouder!”

Children in costume stand on stage performing a play set in a jungle, with an audience of children seated in front. The background features painted trees, and props and signs are visible on stage.

Children in animal costumes perform a jungle-themed play on stage in front of an audience of seated kids in a school hall. The background features vibrant jungle scenery and props.

Children in costumes perform a jungle-themed play on stage, surrounded by painted trees and greenery. A sign overhead reads, “Wemmskville Population: All Species Welcome.” Audience members watch from below.

Children perform a jungle-themed play on stage, wearing animal costumes. The background is painted with trees and vines. An audience in yellow shirts watches. A whiteboard with song lyrics stands to the right.

A person wearing a bear costume leans toward a group of children dressed as animals, sitting on chairs, in a brightly lit room, likely during a school play or performance.

A person holding a bird on a long stick demonstrates to a seated group of children in a school gymnasium. Some children wear costumes and others are in school uniforms, all watching attentively.

Children in costumes perform a jungle-themed play on stage. Three are dressed as wolves in grey outfits with ears, and one is dressed as Mowgli, sitting by a painted jungle backdrop with trees and plants. Audience is visible in front.

Children wearing traditional cloaks and headpieces sit in rows, watching something off-camera. The focus is on a boy in the foreground, with others blurred in the background in a well-lit indoor setting.

A child wearing a wolf costume stands on a painted rock platform, performing on stage with a colorful jungle backdrop and artificial palm trees.

A child and an adult wearing wolf costumes perform on stage with a tropical forest backdrop and artificial plants, suggesting a theatrical play or school performance.

A woman interacts with children while holding a large puppet with black hair in a school hall. The children, dressed in colorful uniforms, sit on chairs and watch the puppet.

Children wearing wolf costumes gather around a puppet on stage, participating in a school play. The scene includes painted set pieces and plaques on the wall in the background.

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Year 6 Residential Trip: A Week to Remember

Mrs North writes,

“This week, 74 members of Year 6 were dodging rain showers, singing camp fire songs, roasting marshmallows and enjoying one another’s company. The group has gained a variety of experiences in shooting, archery, orienteering, initiative exercises, fire building and shelter building in Kinver. The children have loved the food, dressed up for theme nights and participated in canoeing and activities on the climbing tower. The staff of Mrs Smythe, Mrs Brocklehust, Mrs Buchanan, Mr Caven, Mr North, Miss Sparsis and Miss Butler have been really impressed with everyone’s manners, enthusiasm and eagerness to help. We greatly look forward to sharing our stories with friends and family on our return.”

A group of children and a few adults wearing helmets pose for a group photo outdoors in a wooded area, with picnic benches, trees, and a rustic building in the background on a sunny day.

A large group of children sits in a long row on wooden benches around a cleared fire pit in a grassy outdoor area, surrounded by trees and tents, appearing to be at summer camp.

Two smiling girls wearing safety glasses sit outdoors and hold up paper shooting targets with visible bullet holes. The background is filled with green foliage and tree branches.

Four children stand in a row outdoors aiming bows at targets, practicing archery. They are positioned on a path with trees and a green safety net behind them, and arrows are in a stand nearby.

Three people stand in a row outdoors, aiming bows and arrows at targets off-camera. A green net hangs behind them, and trees provide shade in the background. The setting appears to be an archery range.

A young person practices archery outdoors, aiming a bow while an older instructor with gray hair and glasses stands nearby. Trees, fencing, and a netted barrier are visible in the background.

A group of seven boys sit and crouch in a circle outdoors on a gravel surface, some smiling at the camera. Logs and wooden beams are visible in the background.

Four children stand in a wooded area next to a tree, smiling and holding large sticks. There is a tarp and some clothing on the ground nearby. Sunlight filters through the leafy branches above.

Four boys stand in a wooded area beside a makeshift shelter made of blue tarp and sticks. Three are standing, one is sitting on a log. Dappled sunlight filters through the trees onto the leafy ground.

A large group of people sits around a campfire under a shelter at dusk, listening to a person standing and speaking, with trees and a wooden building visible in the background.

Several boys at an outdoor shooting range aim rifles at targets under adult supervision. They wear casual clothes and safety glasses, standing at benches with spotting scopes and other equipment visible. Trees surround the covered area.

Four young people stand in a covered outdoor shooting range, aiming rifles at targets. They are focused, and wooden panels and greenery surround the area.

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Reception Wild Place Drop-in and Picnics

This week in the Reception classes there was excitement to welcome some of our grown-ups to join the children for a typical ‘Wild Place’ session. Every year, each of the four Forest School groups are named after trees. This helps children identify trees they see every day on the school site and elsewhere. The group names are Oak, Holly, Pine and Sycamore.

The session began by the children explaining to our guests the agreements around how to use the outdoor space respectfully and how to stay safe using the equipment. Then the children spent time enjoying a range of activities, including our mud kitchen, hammocks, rope bridge, fairy houses, scavenger hunts, creating nature crafts and taking a photo by in our ‘nature frame’. The session was rounded off with a story and a delicious picnic in Tom’s Garden. Everyone was very thankful for the sunshine this week which really enhanced the enjoyment of being in the school’s designated ‘Wild Place’.

An adult and a child, both smiling, pose outdoors behind a rectangular frame made of sticks and greenery. The child wears a red hat and top; the adult is leaning close behind, wearing sunglasses on their head.

An adult and a child stand together at an outdoor wooden workbench, examining objects. The child wears a red sweater and the adult wears a white t-shirt. They are surrounded by trees and a wooden fence.

Five people, including three children and two adults, sit on benches around a stone table outdoors. They appear relaxed and are holding drinks, with trees and greenery in the background.

Two adults and two children sit on a tarp in a wooded area, engaging in arts and crafts activities. Supplies and papers are spread out around them, with tree stumps nearby and a wooden fence in the background.

A child in a red hat and sweater stands next to a smiling man in a blue shirt, crouching beside them in a sunlit outdoor play area with painted mushroom stools and a wooden fence in the background.

A man and a child in a red hat sit at the base of a large tree, surrounded by dense green foliage in a forest. The man looks upward, smiling, while the child smiles at the camera.

A woman and a child in red clothes are lying together in a colorful hammock outside, smiling and relaxing. A pair of shoes sits on the ground nearby. A wooden fence and green foliage are in the background.

An adult woman and a young boy stand outdoors. The woman points at a clipboard that the boy is holding. They are surrounded by trees and a wooden fence. The boy wears a red shirt and the woman wears a white jacket.

An adult and a young child smile outdoors. The child, wearing a plaid school dress, stands inside a frame made of sticks and flowers, while the adult holds it up behind her. A wooden medallion hangs from the frame.

Two adults and four children are outdoors under trees, arranging long sticks vertically to build a structure. The children wear red tops. There are logs and a wooden fence nearby. It appears to be a forest school activity.

A woman and a young girl smile outdoors, kneeling and holding a rustic frame decorated with leaves and ferns. The girl wears a red sweater and rain boots; the woman wears a blue jacket. Trees and wooden fencing are in the background.

A smiling woman and a young boy pose together outdoors, framed by a square made of sticks and decorated with green leaves. The boy wears a red sweater and the woman crouches beside him. They are both looking at the camera.

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Visit to Ford Dunton: A Racing Success

Last Saturday, the Goblins racing team visited Ford Dunton Technical Centre in Essex for their second event of the season. Following a team briefing for all participants, the events got underway and ran throughout the day, culminating in prize giving ceremony at the end of the day. Our team earned the accolade for the best bodywork, 2nd place in the drag race and 1st place in the slalom race. All of this meant our team came 1st overall! The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the experience of racing the cars that they had built themselves, under the careful supervision and guidance of Mrs Oxborough, Mr Johnson and Mr Hasell. We were most grateful to all the St Faith’s families who were there to support the children.

A group of children in matching red coveralls and caps stand together in a parking lot, smiling for the camera. Behind them is a red tent labeled St Faiths and a modern building under a sunny sky.

Children in red jumpsuits work on colorful homemade go-karts under a canopy in a parking lot. Some kids are drawing or assembling parts, while adults supervise nearby. A white van and trees are visible in the background.

A person in a red jumpsuit guides a young racer in a small, decorated electric car labeled with the number 10. The scene is in a parking lot with tents, cars, and people in the background.

Two children in red suits are at a soapbox derby. One child sits in a decorated soapbox car with a helmet, while the other stands behind holding the cars handle. The car has the number 9 and colorful drawings on it.

Children race small, colorful electric cars around a track marked with cones in a parking lot, while spectators watch from behind fenced barriers on a sunny day.

Two boys in red racing suits stand smiling and holding a trophy in front of a Greenpower tent, next to a man in sunglasses and white clothes. Three people in green vests stand clapping in the background.

Two smiling children in red jumpsuits hold trophies above their heads outdoors on a sunny day, standing on grass near a yellow metal barrier, with greenery and a tall metal structure in the background.

Two children stand with a colorful homemade soapbox car, number 11. One boy sits inside wearing a helmet and racing suit, while the other stands behind, smiling with his arms resting on the car’s seat frame.

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New Era Examinations: A Distinction-Worthy Achievement

This week, 26 St Faith’s pupils received excellent results in the New Era Speech and Drama examinations held on 12th June. In categories ranging from Acting to Duologue, all 26 candidates achieved Distinctions—an outstanding achievement that reflects their dedication and hard work. A further group of pupils took their New Era Examinations on the 20th June and we look forward to receiving those results. All of the pupils have benefitted from the expert guidance of Miss Tucker and Mrs Evans in preparing for their exams.

And Finally…

As we draw to the close of another vibrant, busy and productive academic year, we look forward to reflecting on our memories in the coming days. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the St Faith’s staff for their hard work, energy and commitment throughout the year, and to thank all our parents for their unwavering support of our school community, which is greatly appreciated.

For our Year 8 pupils, next week marks a particularly special moment as they prepare to leave St Faith’s and embark on their next exciting chapter at their senior Schools. They will depart having made friends for life, and confident that they are equipped with the skills and experiences that will help them to continue their lifelong learning journey. We wish all our leavers the very best in their future and look forward to hearing about their continued success.

Our Prize Giving event will take place next Friday, and so this will be our final weekly newsletter of the academic year. I very much look forward to seeing as many of you as possible during the last week of term. Meanwhile may I take this opportunity to thank you for your generous support of our school over the course of the academic year, and I wish you and your families a relaxing and peaceful summer break.

With all best wishes,

Crispin Hyde-Dunn

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