This Week at St Faith’s

National Organ Donation Awareness Week

This week, as part of the NHS National Organ Donation Awareness Week, our Year 7 and 8 pupils were privileged to attend an informative assembly that explored the life-changing impact of blood, organ and stem-cell donation.

We were honoured to welcome Dr Rubino, a parent who is a Consultant Heart and Lung Transplant Anaesthetist at Royal Papworth Hospital, along with his colleagues Marian Ryan and Paul Lincoln, both senior transplant nurses. Together, they shared their experiences from their work in transplant medicine and the positive difference that has resulted for patients in their care.

A large group of students in matching red and black striped blazers sit on a gym floor, some with hands raised, appearing engaged and attentive during an assembly.

A woman with long, wavy blond hair and glasses, wearing a black and white patterned shirt, speaks and gestures with their hands in front of a blurred presentation screen.

Three people with conference badges are talking indoors. One man in the center gestures while speaking. Another man stands to the left, and a woman stands to the right, listening. A presentation screen is blurred in the background.

Three smiling adults wearing lanyards and name badges stand together indoors.

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Celebrating Pupil Leadership and Environmental Stewardship

On Tuesday, we celebrated the pupils who have been elected by their peers to represent them on the School Council and the Eco Committee this academic year. These roles are a vital part of life at St Faith’s, giving pupils a meaningful platform to express their ideas, advocate for change, and lead initiatives that matter to them and our community. 

Both committees embody the spirit of ‘pupil voice’ in action and we are excited to see the energy and passion the elected pupils will bring to their roles. 

Already, the Eco Committee has encouraged the whole school to reflect on the theme of ‘Respect’—respect for their role in supporting sustainability, for our school environment, and for our shared responsibility to the planet. In recognition of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental action, we are delighted to have once again received the Green Flag with Distinction from Eco-Schools—a testament to the dedication of our pupils and staff alike.

Meanwhile, the School Council has wasted no time in collecting and developing ideas from their peers. Topics already under discussion range from maths competitions to the introduction of mixed hockey teams, as well as fresh ideas for healthy snacks. Over the coming weeks, Council members will work together to turn these ideas into a clear action plan. We look forward to the creativity and enthusiasm of our pupil committees this year, and to the positive impact their work will have on our school community.

Students in red and black striped blazers hold handmade signs and booklets about recycling and saving the planet at what appears to be a school assembly. One student holds a Recycle or Else! sign.

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CREST Awards 

Also at our Tuesday assembly, several pupils received their ‘Superstars’ CREST certificates. CREST is a nationally recognised scheme affiliated with the British Science Association. It inspires young people to think and behave like scientists and engineers by solving real-life STEM challenges through practical investigation.  

At St Faith’s, pupils in Years 3 to 5 took part in weekly hands-on challenges, exploring the practical application of scientific solutions. Their enthusiasm and curiosity earned them the Superstar Award, recognising their commitment to scientific thinking and teamwork. 

‘C Cubed’: Curiosity, Connection, Creativity – A New Chapter in Academic Enrichment 

On Friday afternoon, Ashburton Hall buzzed with energy and ideas as our Year 6 pupils took part in the launch of ‘C Cubed’—a bold new initiative designed to spark curiosity, foster connection, and inspire creativity across the Foundation. A collaboration between St Faith’s and The Leys, the ‘C Cubed’ programme is part of a wider strategy to enrich the academic experience for our older pupils, offering them a taste of the Academic Society-style format used at The Leys. It also aims to strengthen links between the two schools and provide pupils with opportunities to think deeply, ask big questions, and explore ideas beyond the classroom. 

The theme of the inaugural event was animals, and pupils were invited to explore a series of open-ended, thought-provoking questions in breakout groups. These ranged from “Are human beings animals?” to “Do we need animals more than they need us?” and “Are pets members of the family?” Each question was designed to challenge assumptions, encourage debate, and develop critical thinking. 

Led by our Deputy Head (Academic) Mrs Davies and Mr Welby (Head of Academic Enrichment at The Leys), the session began with a lively introduction before pupils split into smaller groups, guided by our Humanities staff. In these groups, pupils discussed sub-questions, shared ideas, and prepared short presentations for a final plenary session. The atmosphere was one of engaged curiosity, with pupils demonstrating impressive levels of listening, collaboration, and intellectual risk-taking. 

This event marks the beginning of a series of enrichment opportunities, including essay competitions and lunchtime talks for Years 6–8. We are very proud of our Year 6 pupils for embracing this new challenge with such enthusiasm and thoughtfulness. Their insights and reflections showed real maturity and a genuine appetite for learning. We look forward to seeing how C Cubed continues to grow, and how it will shape the academic journey of our pupils in the months ahead. 

Four students in matching red and black striped blazers sit on a gym floor, gathered around a large sheet of paper, working together and writing notes as they focus on a group task.

A smiling child wearing a red, black, and white striped blazer and matching tie sits indoors with chairs lined up in the background.

Four children in matching red and black striped blazers and ties sit on a blue carpet, three with raised hands, appearing engaged in a classroom or school activity.

Four boys wearing red and black striped blazers sit in a circle on a wooden floor, looking at a paper and talking. A small stuffed duck sits in front of them. Empty chairs and other children are in the background.

Three boys wearing matching red, black, and white striped blazers and ties sit together indoors, smiling. The background features a blue curtain and a black cushioned object.

A man in a shirt and red tie shows a small stuffed duck to a student in a striped uniform. Other children watch, and two more stuffed animals sit on a table beside a projected screen with class information.

A group of children in red and black striped blazers sit in rows on chairs. One boy smiles while gently petting an animal, possibly a hedgehog, as others watch with interest.

A smiling girl in a red, black, and white striped blazer holds a brown stuffed monkey toy while sitting indoors, looking at the camera.

A smiling girl in a red and black striped blazer and tie sits on a chair, holding a plush cow toy. Empty chairs and other students in matching blazers are visible in the background.

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St Faith’s Preschool

As announced in last week’s newsletter, we are keenly anticipating the opening of our brand new Preschool class, a nurturing and inspiring environment where the very youngest learners can begin their educational journey at St Faith’s. 

This exciting development marks a new chapter in our commitment to providing a continuous, high-quality education from the earliest years through to Year 8. Building on our school’s three core values of Kindness, Community, and Excellence, the Preschool will offer a warm, stimulating setting where children aged 3–4 can explore, play, and grow with confidence. Children will enjoy a rich variety of activities including storytelling, music, playing outside in the Early Years environment and going to forest school, creative arts, and early numeracy and literacy – all within a safe and caring environment that values every child as an individual.  

We are now accepting applications. Places are limited, and we encourage interested families to book on to one of our ‘pop-in and play’ events Preschool (Age 3-4) – St Faith’s Cambridge, or to speak with our Admissions team to arrange a private tour, admissions@stfaiths.co.uk Tel: 01223 229421. 

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

The final SPFA coffee morning for this term took place for Year 5 and 6 parents on Tuesday. Although the rather chilly weather forced us to retreat into the Dining Hall, it was nevertheless a very convivial and well-attended event. It is clear from speaking with parents that our Year 5 pupils are excited about the Science Sleepover – scheduled to take place on Thursday 23rd October, just ahead of our half term break.  We also talked about forthcoming SFPA and school events, and the ways in which the subject specialist curriculum broadens for our pupils in Years 5 and 6, together with an expansive sports fixture programme and further opportunities for musical concert and drama performances. 

A woman gestures while speaking. A man in a suit with a red tie stands nearby, listening and smiling.

A man wearing glasses and a gray jacket holds a cup and smiles at the camera; a woman in the foreground is out of focus, also smiling. The background features a red bulletin board and a window.

A woman with long blonde hair smiles while talking to another person indoors, with soft natural light coming through windows in the background.

A woman in a yellow jacket stands with arms crossed, talking to another person indoors, while two people converse in the background. The setting appears casual and social with natural light from windows.

A woman in a red shirt and staff lanyard speaks to a man holding a white mug. They appear to be having a conversation indoors against a red background.

A close-up of several golden-brown pain au chocolat pastries, showing flaky layers and bits of chocolate filling peeking out.

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Whole School Photograph

There was a real sense of occasion this morning as the entire school came together for our triennial whole school photograph. These moments, captured once every three years, become important mementos—not only for current pupils but also for generations of Old Fidelians who still look back fondly on their own school photographs. We are grateful to our photographers from Gillman & Soame for their professionalism and efficiency. Families will receive information shortly about how to order a copy of the photograph.

In the classrooms

It has been a pleasure this week to visit a number of lessons and experience our pupils’ energy, curiosity and focus first-hand. In Year 8 Maths, pupils were tackling algebraic equations with growing confidence, while in Year 5 Spanish, they were learning vocabulary to describe personal qualities—words such as curioso and fuerte. Year 6 pupils were working hard in PE, developing circuit training routines aimed at improving their core strength for rowing, and Year 7 English lessons focused on enhancing spelling and vocabulary skills. Meanwhile, in Reception, pupils were enjoying a lively and imaginative Forest School session—reminding us all of the value of exploration of the great outdoors.

Chariots of Fire 

On Sunday, a team of runners from St Faith’s—including three young Old Fidelians—took part in the annual Chariots of Fire race through the heart of Cambridge. This year’s event supported Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, which provides essential support for seriously ill children across the UK. We are grateful to our runners for their participation in this important cause.

Five people stand outdoors wearing matching white t-shirts and race bibs, smiling at the camera. There are trees and buildings in the background.

A person wearing a white t-shirt with a red graphic and a yellow race bib numbered 95 stands on a stone bridge, with trees and historic buildings in the background on a sunny day.

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And Finally…

As we near the end of September, the rhythm of the term is beginning to feel well established. There’s a quiet confidence growing in classrooms, and a real sense of purpose taking shape in the various committees, projects and new initiatives that are now underway. It has been heartening this week to see how readily pupils rise to new challenges when given the space to think independently—whether debating the role of animals in our lives, solving algebraic puzzles, or simply reflecting on what it means to respect the world around them.

I wish you all a peaceful and relaxing weekend.

With all best wishes,

Crispin Hyde-Dunn

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