This Week at St Faith’s

World Mental Health Day

Today we marked World Mental Health Day by adding a cheerful splash of yellow to our usual school attire. From socks and ribbons to hats, gloves and even wellies, pupils and staff alike embraced the occasion with enthusiasm. In support of this important day, the school will be making a donation to the charity Young Minds and its Hello Yellow campaign, which works tirelessly to ensure that children and young people never feel alone when managing their mental health. Mental health was also the theme of Monday’s whole school assembly. Together, we reflected on the importance of caring for our mental wellbeing as we do our physical health. We considered how emotions can sometimes feel overwhelming, yet talking to someone we trust can make a real difference. Pupils were reminded that they can speak not only to parents, siblings and friends, but also to the many adults in school who are here to help – their teachers, tutor, Head of House, or our school nurses.

For those who might prefer to write rather than talk, we also highlighted MyVoice on Teams or Seesaw, which provides a safe space for pupils to share any worries.

Children in matching red and black striped uniforms sit around tables in a library, reading books. Bookshelves filled with books line the walls in the background. The setting is bright and colorful.

A group of young children in school uniforms pose and smile outdoors on a playground, surrounded by colorful play equipment and trees. Other children can be seen playing in the background.

A young child with blonde hair, wearing a red sweater and a yellow flower crown, smiles at the camera. Playground equipment and blurred children are visible in the background outdoors.

A smiling child stands outside by a wooden fence, wearing a red and black striped blazer, white shirt, tie, gray shorts, yellow socks, and black shoes. Trees and a brick building are visible in the background.

A young girl with black hair in ponytails, wearing a red sweater and white collared shirt, smiles while standing next to a wooden pole outdoors, with blurred playground equipment and greenery in the background.

Two young girls stand side by side smiling, wearing matching red and black striped blazers, striped ties, white shirts, and dark skirts, in front of a brick wall and a building with a window and plants.

A young child with curly brown hair and a big smile wears a red sweater and holds a yellow flower attached to a yellow lanyard, standing outside in a playground area with trees and wooden buildings in the background.

Three young girls in striped red, black, and white blazers and striped ties stand outdoors smiling. One wears bright green sunglasses; another and the first have yellow headbands. A wooden bench and green grass are in the background.

Four children in red and black striped school blazers and ties stand smiling together outside near a brick wall. One girl wears yellow cat ear headbands. The group appears happy and cheerful.

A young child with light brown hair in pigtails, tied with bright green bows, wears a red sweater and a rabbit hair clip. The child is outdoors, with another child in a red sweater walking nearby. Trees and a fence are in the background.

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Reception Books & Biscuits

When asked about their favourite place in the school, many pupils – and indeed teachers – will say, without hesitation, it is the Library. This week saw the welcome return of our popular Books & Biscuits sessions. Parents spent time with their children and enjoyed reading a favourite book together – accompanied of course by a biscuit treat. Our librarian, Miss Johnson, was on hand to welcome families, and I hope everyone enjoyed the opportunity to relax in the calm and inviting surroundings of the Library.

A woman and a young boy read a colorful picture book together while holding cookies. The boy is wearing a red shirt, and the woman is smiling and engaged with the story.

A man and a young boy sit together in a library. The man is reading a book, while the boy, holding a cookie, looks at the book. Several books are visible on the table in the foreground.

A woman and a young girl sit together at a table in a library, reading a picture book. Colorful books fill the shelves behind them. The girl wears a red shirt and plaid skirt, and the woman smiles as they share the book.

Two women and two young children sit closely together on the floor in a library, reading picture books and eating snacks. Bookshelves and a colorful rug are visible in the background.

A young child in a red shirt holds a cookie and looks at a colorful picture book, while an adult with glasses smiles and looks on beside them. Other people and jackets are visible in the background.

A man and a young child sit together at a table in a library, surrounded by books. The man smiles and looks at the child, who is laughing and holding a snack. Shelves of colorful books fill the background.

An adult and a young child sit together in a library, reading a picture book. The adult points at the book while the child, wearing a school uniform and holding a cookie, listens attentively. Shelves of colorful books are in the background.

An adult woman and a young girl sit together on the floor in a library, reading a colorful picture book. The girl points at the book while holding a cookie, surrounded by shelves of vibrant childrens books.

A woman and a young child sit close together in a library, reading colorful picture books. The woman points to a page as the child listens and looks on, surrounded by shelves of childrens books.

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A Visit to the Headmaster’s Study

This week, I had some very special visitors to my study. The pupils in Miss Herbert and Mrs Harmsworth’s Reception classes came to see me. The children were full of curiosity and asked me an impressive array of thoughtful questions. We discussed our favourite foods, sports, pets and even cars! There were also enquiries about books, languages and the art work on the wall and it was a pleasure to spend time with such inquisitive young minds.

A group of young children in red uniforms stand in an office, listening to a man in a suit. Two women stand nearby, one behind a desk and another among the children. Computers and office furniture are visible.

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Visit to the Egyptian Galleries at The Fitzwilliam Museum

Mrs Burbridge writes,

“On Wednesday Year 3 visited the Ancient Egyptian galleries of the Fitzwilliam Museum, as part of their Humanities topic. The children were shown how to look at the artefacts in detail focussing on dates and materials used. They all had a wonderful time and are now eagerly anticipating their Egyptian Day before half-term.”

A woman stands next to a large ancient Egyptian statue, speaking to a group of seated children in a museum gallery with display cases and columns.

Children observe ancient Egyptian artifacts, including large ornate coffins and burial items, displayed in a glass museum case under dim lighting.

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The History of Clean Water in Cambridge

On Tuesday, our Year 6 pupils were treated to a fascinating talk by Dr Max Field, Trustee of Hobson’s Conduit Cambridge. His engaging presentation revealed how clean water transformed the city and, quite literally, saved lives.

In the 16th century, Cambridge endured three separate outbreaks of the plague, which many believed were caused by foul smells rather than poor sanitation. Waste was dumped into the King’s Ditch – a stagnant, man-made channel that didn’t flow as swiftly as the River Cam and became a serious health hazard. Salvation came from Hobson’s Brook, a stream of clean water flowing into the city from the countryside.

Named after Thomas Hobson – a local philanthropist best remembered for “Hobson’s Choice” – the brook was diverted into Cambridge through his generosity. His endowment ensured that fresh water would reach the city in perpetuity, a gift that continues to benefit residents to this day.

Dr Field also explained how the Hobson’s Conduit Trust now protects the watercourse and its surrounding wildlife, with annual surveys to monitor biodiversity along the brook. Our pupils were intrigued to learn that a centuries-old act of generosity still has such a positive environmental impact.

An older man with gray hair, wearing a dark suit, patterned tie, and red lanyard, smiles while standing indoors in a bright, modern room with wooden features and office equipment in the background.

A boy wearing a black sports jacket sits among other children, smiling and holding a crumpled paper. A cup with a green swirl, resembling ice cream or a treat, is on the desk in front of him.

A man giving a presentation stands in front of a screen displaying images of chalk and the text What does chalk look like? along with microscopic images and descriptions about chalk’s properties.

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Nine Wells

Miss Dow writes,
“Leading on from Dr Field’s excellent talk on Tuesday, Year 6 pupils visited Nine Wells on Thursday as part of their Geography topic. Nine Wells is the source of Hobson’s Brook and they wanted to understand why the stream is there and why chalk streams are such an important habitat.

The key facts we discovered included:

There are not actually nine wells – just three!
The water was 11–12°C, which is reasonably cool and a good temperature for wildlife

Wealthy men funded the diversion of the brook into Cambridge in the 17th century and we recognised some of their names – e.g. Andrew Perne and Stephen Perse

Nine Wells is a Local Nature Reserve, managed for public enjoyment and biodiversity – one thing that is undertaken is clearing the stream of beech leaves so it doesn’t become too acidic”

It was a wonderfully hands-on way for pupils to connect their learning in both History and Geography, while exploring one of Cambridge’s most intriguing local landmarks.

A group of schoolchildren and adults walk along a grassy path beside a field, with trees and bushes on one side. Most are wearing dark coats and some have bright safety vests. An overpass is visible in the distance under a cloudy sky.

A young girl in a black coat stands smiling by a shallow, clear pond surrounded by greenery and branches, with dense foliage in the background.

A boy with short blond hair in a black jacket smiles at the camera while standing outdoors in a green, wooded area. Another person beside him faces away.

Two schoolgirls stand outside wearing red, black, and white striped blazers, white shirts, and striped ties. Trees and greenery are visible in the background under a cloudy sky.

A tree stump with two signs: a colorful Butterfly Land information sign with a QR code on top, and a black plaque below showing an outline of a Buff-tip Moth. Grass and fallen leaves surround the stump.

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C Cubed Foundation Essay Competition

At Monday’s senior school assembly, we announced the C Cubed Foundation Essay Competition – an exciting academic challenge for pupils in Years 7 and 8 at both St Faith’s and The Leys.

Mrs Davies writes,
“The competition is part of the growing C Cubed Foundation Programme, which aims to spark curiosity, encourage creative thinking, and promote connections across subjects and ideas. Following the success of the Year 6 critical thinking event earlier this term, this essay challenge marks the next step in inspiring independent thought and intellectual exploration.

Pupils are invited to choose from a wide range of essay titles, covering topics such as leadership, science, literature, creativity, and more. Whether exploring the relevance of classical music, debating the impact of inventions, or reflecting on personal definitions of success, the competition encourages thoughtful, well-researched, and original writing.

The final submission deadline will be on 10th November and the winners will be announced during the week commencing 8th December. We hope that many of the pupils will enjoy taking up the challenge of this competition and that it will support them to:

Build confidence in expressing ideas clearly and persuasively

Strengthen academic skills such as planning, research, and structured writing

Explore personal interests through independent thinking

Develop resilience through the drafting and redrafting process

Gain experience in presenting arguments and using evidence

Whether you are passionate about a particular topic or simply curious to try something new, this is a valuable opportunity to grow as a thinker and communicator”.

A woman speaks to students seated on the floor in a school hall. Behind her, a screen lists the benefits of SSP, including boosting confidence, improving writing skills, and building resilience.

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Playground Committee

Mrs North writes,

“This year’s committee members had an enthusiastic discussion on Wednesday about how to spend our funds and which equipment to purchase. We are looking into the possibility of buying some smaller playground balls which were very popular last year.

Next week we are testing out two products for a game called ‘Spyderball’ made by different companies. The committee is determined to find the most durable equipment which is also value for money”.

Year 7 & 8 Charity Tuck Shop

At break time on Thursday, the senior pupils queued in a very orderly fashion outside the dining room for the Charity Tuck Shop. All proceeds will be donated to the Young Minds charity that the school is supporting during Mental Health week.

Three women wearing black chef uniforms and hats stand behind a table with coffee pots, cups, and trays of cookies inside a bright room with large windows and trees visible outside.

A group of boys in red and black striped blazers stand in line as a woman in a kitchen uniform and gloves serves them food or drinks from behind a counter. Cups and plates are on the counter.

A group of schoolboys in red and black striped blazers stand in line for food, served by staff in black uniforms and blue hairnets in a cafeteria setting. The boys are holding cups and snacks.

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In the Classrooms

This week I have greatly enjoyed visiting lessons across the school and seeing some lively learning in action. In Year 1, pupils were developing their understanding of parts and wholes in Mathematics, while Year 2 pupils were immersed in their study of The Great Fire of London, reliving the drama of 1666.

Meanwhile, Year 6 pupils were carefully crafting suspenseful creative writing in English – with some particularly spine-tingling results – and Year 5 pupils were exploring African drumming in Music, their rhythms reverberating joyfully through the corridors.

In Science, I joined the Year 7 pupils as they investigated displacement and density using Archimedes’ principle, and in Engineering, matchstick-powered rockets were being constructed, combining creativity and precision in equal measure. Meanwhile, Year 8 pupils were studying photosynthesis and demonstrating an impressive grasp of complex biological processes.

Parent-Teacher Meetings

On Thursday evening, it was a pleasure to welcome Year 6 parents to Ashburton Hall for their parent-teacher meetings. These evenings are an important opportunity for parents and teachers to meet face-to-face and discuss pupils’ progress and achievements. These conversations are invaluable in strengthening the partnership between home and school.

Next week, it will be the turn of Years 3 and 4 parents on Monday and Wednesday, and Year 8 parents on Tuesday.

Year 8 Practice Interviews

As part of our preparation for senior school transitions, I have the privilege to conduct practice interviews with each of our Year 8 pupils. These sessions give pupils the opportunity to reflect on their achievements, interests, and ambitions, and to practise expressing themselves clearly and confidently in a formal setting.

The questions vary – we might discuss a recent book they have enjoyed or topic they hope to study at senior school. We reflect on efforts and achievements across the curriculum, or we discuss a significant invention. It is always inspiring to hear the thoughtful and articulate responses of our pupils, and to hear about their ambitions for their senior school and beyond.

SFPA Fireworks

The SFPA Fireworks is just round the corner and we wanted to remind you that these tickets will be available to purchase from 7pm today. Please check your email for a ticket link this evening.

Prep (Years 3–7) Open Morning

Our Prep Open Morning event on Tuesday, 21st October is now almost full, so If you have friends or colleagues who may be interested in joining our community, please do encourage them to sign up via our website: Open Mornings – St Faith’s Cambridge

This event is predominantly for families who wish to join St Faith’s in Years 3 to 7 in September 2026, however we also will be welcoming families who are looking ahead to 2027 or 2028.

And Finally…

From the sunshine yellow of World Mental Health Day to the eager discussions I have overheard about rockets, drumming and Egyptian artefacts, it has been another very busy and productive week, As we look ahead to our Open Morning, when we welcome prospective families to experience the warmth and enthusiasm that make our school such a special place to learn, it is always a pleasure to see our pupils sharing their school with visitors.

As autumn settles in, I hope that the weekend offer moments of rest and reflection, as well as the opportunity to spend some time outdoors perhaps followed by a well-deserved Books & Biscuits moment.

I wish you all a happy and restful weekend.

With all best wishes,

Crispin Hyde-Dunn

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