This Week at St Faith’s

Standing Together Against Bullying – Anti-Bullying Week at St Faith’s

This week, St Faith’s joined schools across the country in marking Anti-Bullying Week, an annual reminder of the importance of kindness, respect, and the responsibility we each have in shaping a community where every child feels safe and valued. The theme, Power for Good, encouraged pupils to consider how they can use their voice and actions to challenge unkind behaviour, both face to face and online.

In assembly, Mr Critchley explored the nature of power, contrasting its negative forms—control, harm and humiliation—with its positive potential to uplift, include, and support others by listening and being kind. Drawing on examples as varied as Emmeline Pankhurst, Oskar Schindler and fictional hero Spiderman (and his alter ego Peter Parker), he invited pupils to reflect on how they, too, can use their influence for good.

Monday’s celebration of individuality, with pupils wearing odd socks, brought a splash of colour to the school and served as a cheerful reminder that our differences make our community stronger. Anti-Bullying Week forms part of our broader commitment to nurturing empathy, ensuring that all pupils feel respected and included.

We have revisited key ideas throughout the week

Understanding Bullying: Recognising that bullying is more than just teasing—it’s repeated, intentional behaviour that hurts others.

The Power of Kindness: Small acts of kindness can make a big difference in creating a positive school environment.

Speaking Up: If you see bullying, say something. Whether it’s telling a trusted adult or supporting a friend, every voice matters.

Online Safety: With technology playing a big role in children’s lives, we discussed how to stay safe and respectful online.

Four students in red and black striped blazers present on stage to an audience in a school hall. A slide behind them displays tips on reporting bullying, with a teacher standing to the side.

Three smiling schoolchildren stand outdoors wearing uniforms, jackets, backpacks, and colorful rain boots. Trees, a playhouse, and other children playing are visible in the background. It is a bright day.

Two girls in red and black school uniforms smile arm-in-arm outside on a brick path; another image shows a young girl with pigtails and colorful socks receiving a trophy from a smiling teacher in a hall.

Three school children in uniforms stand smiling outside a building. Two girls wear red and black striped blazers, one with colorful socks, and a boy in a red jacket and blue shirt. Backpacks rest on shelves behind them.

Two children stand outdoors in winter coats and rain boots. The boy on the left is in front of a brick wall and green bench. The girl on the right stands by a large tree among fallen leaves. Both are smiling.

A speaker addresses a large group of students in striped uniforms seated in a school hall. A historical photo is projected on a screen behind the speaker, and some adults sit nearby.

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Building Character at St Faith’s: Lessons from the All Blacks

In the Year 7 and 8 assembly on Monday, Mr Critchley and Mrs Davies continued their reflections on legacy and explored what we can learn from the New Zealand All Blacks about character, leadership and the ‘Business of Life’.

Although renowned for their sporting achievements, the All Blacks are equally known for the values that underpin their success. The first part of this series introduced the notion of “sweeping the shed”, a reminder that humility is intrinsic to leadership and that no contribution is too small when made for the good of the team. This week, attention turned to the idea of placing “character over talent”. While talent may win games, it is integrity, teamwork, and selflessness that build strong communities. Pupils were encouraged to consider how their words and actions contribute to the collective good, replacing the “me” with the “we”.

Pupils also discussed the importance of being a “good ancestor”, the All Blacks’ invitation to ‘leave the jersey in a better place than they found it’. In much the same way, we ask our pupils to consider the impact they will have on St Faith’s during their time here. Whether mentoring younger pupils or contributing quietly but meaningfully to daily school life, each generous act shapes the legacy they leave behind.

As the All Blacks say, “Better people make better All Blacks.” At St Faith’s, we believe that better people make a better school. Every day, we encourage pupils to be their best selves.

St Cecilia’s Autumn Concert

Yesterday evening Ashburton Hall resonated to the sound of our Autumn term Music concert. Led by Mr Gorick, Director of Music and supported by Miss Kennerley and our team of Visiting Music teachers, pupils from Years 5 to 8 provided a wonderful and enriching evening of Music. The account below, written by one of our Year 8 senior pupil participants, provides a very fine description of the occasion.

“Saturday 22nd November marks St Cecilia’s Day, the patron saint of music and musicians. In her honour, this Thursday’s Autumn Concert showcased the remarkable talents of ten senior ensembles, as well as the dedication and creativity of our music teachers, who managed to raise our playing and singing to performance level in just ten weeks.

For many of our musicians, this was their first time performing in an Autumn Concert, and the Ashburton was alive with energy and excitement. The audience was taken on a whirlwind journey through time and across continents—from the expressive, melancholy sounds of early 17th-century string music to the triumphant fanfares of the 21st century; from rustic English folk dances and wild Scottish Highland skirmishes to Roald Dahl’s sinister school and the glamorous yet dangerous world of James Bond.

This year’s programme featured ensembles from across the school: strings (String Orchestra and Intermediate Strings), choral (the ever-popular Senior Voices), wind and brass (Senior Trumpets, Senior Brass, Wind Band and Concert Band), with the Jazz Ensemble bringing together players from all groups. Adding to the excitement, the Fret Collective of guitars and ukuleles gave its first performance—a fresh and innovative addition to the concert. The Purcell Ensemble also broke new ground with its interpretation of Dowland’s Lachrimae (1596 published 1604), a Renaissance masterpiece originally written for 6 string viols and a sixteen string lute.”

Well done to all our pupil performers, and thank you to all our Music staff, for their expertise and support of the pupils, to ensure the Autumn Concert was such a success. A total of £422.08 was raised in support of St Faith’s Outreach programme which provides instrumental lessons for disadvantaged children within Cambridgeshire.

A choir in striped blazers performs on a stage to a full audience seated in a large, well-lit hall with a wooden ceiling and beams. A conductor stands in front of the choir and musicians are playing beside them.

Four girls in matching red and black striped blazers play cellos and violins in a school orchestra, focused on their instruments during a performance or rehearsal.

A group of children in striped uniforms play wind instruments on stage, led by an adult conductor. They stand behind music stands, performing in a hall with empty chairs in the foreground.

Two children stand indoors holding clarinets, smiling. The girl on the left wears a black tracksuit; the boy on the right wears a red and black striped blazer. Music stands and other young musicians are visible in the background.

A group of students and an adult play brass and woodwind instruments together, wearing matching red and black striped blazers. Music stands are in front of them, and a wooden honor board is on the wall behind.

Two children play wind instruments at a school event; a girl plays the flute with a group on the left, and a boy in a red and black striped blazer plays the clarinet solo on the right.

Two images side by side: On the left, an adult plays a bassoon in an empty hall; on the right, a young boy in a red jacket plays a trombone on stage, with other children playing brass instruments in the background.

Students wearing red and black striped blazers play violins in an orchestra, focused on their performance. They are seated in rows with music stands in front of them.

Two boys wearing red and black striped jackets play brass instruments in a school band. Other students and music stands are visible in the background, creating a focused and lively rehearsal scene.

Two boys in red and black striped blazers play trombones while seated indoors. Plaques with names are visible on the wall behind them.

Boys in red and black striped blazers play brass and woodwind instruments in a school band, seated with music stands in front of them.

Two students wearing red and black striped blazers play acoustic guitars. They sit in chairs, focused on their instruments, with wooden plaques listing names visible on the wall behind them.

A student in a red and black striped blazer plays an electric guitar, seated in front of music stands, with plaques listing names visible on the wall behind him.

Two schoolgirls sit separately playing ukuleles indoors. One wears a dark hoodie and glasses, strumming her ukulele, while the other, in a school uniform with a striped tie and red-lined blazer, sits focused with her instrument.

A group of students sit in a semicircle on stage, each playing a guitar with sheet music stands in front of them. An adult, likely the instructor, sits facing them, also playing guitar.

A teacher conducts a group of students playing cellos in a music room. The students wear red and black striped uniforms and sit in front of music stands, while empty chairs are visible in the background.

Two children in red and black striped blazers play cellos during a music performance. One child focuses on the sheet music while the other plays intently. Both are seated on a stage with music stands and wooden floors.

Three boys in matching red and black striped blazers play string instruments in a school orchestra. Two play violins on the left; one plays cello on the right. Sheet music stands are in front of them.

Two students wearing striped blazers and grey sweaters play flutes in a school band setting. Sheet music is visible in the background, and both are focused on their instruments.

A woman with blonde hair plays timpani drums with mallets, reading sheet music on a stand in front of her. She is indoors, with wooden plaques listing names on the wall behind her.

Boys in red and black striped blazers play brass and woodwind instruments in a school band, seated in front of a wooden honors board with names engraved. An adult conductor sits behind them.

Three students wearing red and black striped blazers play musical instruments—two play trumpets and one plays a clarinet—while seated during a school band performance.

A school band in red and black striped blazers plays various instruments, including flutes, trumpets, and drums, while a conductor leads them in a brightly lit music room.

A group of children in red and black striped blazers play saxophones and other instruments in a band. They are seated indoors with music stands in front of them and a wooden plaque on the wall behind.

A boy in a red-striped blazer plays drums with a music group while an adult conductor claps. Other children play instruments in the background, all in a room with wooden plaques on the walls.

A large group of people in an auditorium raise their hands, with some wearing matching striped uniforms on stage and others seated in the audience; musical instruments are visible in the foreground.

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Festive Music

As reported in last week’s newsletter, an impressive number of St Faith’s pupils, with an equally impressive number of supporters, were performing festive music in the Grand Arcade to mark the start of the Christmas shopping season. We hope that you enjoy this selection of photos of the occasion.

A man conducts a group of children in red and black striped blazers playing brass instruments on a stage in a shopping mall, with colorful balloon decorations and a John Lewis store in the background.

A choir of children in red and black striped blazers sings from sheet music, directed by two conductors. Musicians with brass instruments are in the background, and festive balloons decorate the scene.

A choir of children in red and black striped blazers sings on stage, holding song sheets, while a conductor in a suit leads them. Balloons and a large event backdrop decorate the background.

A group of schoolchildren in red and black striped blazers sing together indoors, holding sheets of paper. They stand in rows, focused on their performance.

A boy in a red and black striped jacket plays a large brass instrument, likely a tuba, as part of a band. Colorful balloon decorations and another musician are visible in the background.

Two girls in red and black striped blazers play trumpets. They stand in front of a balloon arch, focused on their performance. The background is festive, suggesting a celebratory or school event.

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PowerHouse Games

Miss Kennerley writes,

“Last Friday, it may have been cold and dreary outside today, but the University Sports Centre was filled with the buzz and excitement of around 80 people participating in the PowerHouse Games. Organised by John Willis, through his charity Power 2 Inspire, the PowerHouse Games brings able bodied and disabled young people together to play sports. The motto of the charity is ‘no one left on the bench’, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in sport. Twelve of our Year 7 pupils worked with children from four other schools, as well as student volunteers from Cambridge University, to learn and play six different adaptive sports: boccia, seated netball, seated volleyball, kurling (a variant of curling played on a smooth surface indoors), cricket and bench ball. It was wonderful to see our pupils working so enthusiastically with youngsters from other schools, getting to know them, encouraging them, and celebrating together. They were superb ambassadors for the school.”

A diverse group of kids and two adults stand in a sports hall, smiling and holding medals and certificates behind a Power2Inspire: Inclusion through sport sign. A scoreboard and University of Cambridge Sport are visible behind them.

Children and adults wearing blue and green shirts participate in a sports event inside a gym. Some are releasing a ball down a ramp while others watch, with a “University of Cambridge Sport” sign in the background.

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Academic Enrichment Day (AcE Day)

On Wednesday, pupils in Years 3 to 8 participated in the second Academic Enrichment (AcE) Day of the Michaelmas term, stepping away from the usual timetable to engage in a variety of creative, educational activities.

For Years 6 and 8, the focus was on study skills and exam preparation. Other year groups explored themes ranging from history to motor racing, artistic endeavours, and literature. These enrichment days celebrate diverse learning styles, giving pupils the opportunity to choose how they engage with different topics, in line with our tailored education approach.

Highlights of the day included:

Year 3: Inspired by Quentin Blake’s Mrs Armitage on Wheels, pupils wrote poetry, designed imaginative picnics (for Mrs Armitage and her dog!), and modelled plasticine figures of characters. They also enjoyed designing their own bicycles. In the afternoon, they enthusiastically explored engineering concepts through practical challenges in which they learnt how gears operate.

Year 4: Pupils donned Roman attire as they immersed themselves in the culture and history of the Roman Empire. Visiting historian Carl Spicer from ‘Those History People’ led the day, providing an engaging and interactive learning experience.

Year 5: Children had the opportunity to be a ‘Goblin’ for the day. Goblins is an after school activity where children experience the challenges and excitement of being part of a racing team. The day offered all Year 5 pupils the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Goblin experience. The pupils enjoyed the thrills of driving a circuit race and were also challenged to think creatively when designing new bodywork for the car. Once they had decided on a team name, they designed bodywork which reflected the character of their team. They also considered what materials their car could be made from, with the focus of sustainability and reuse. In the teamwork session, the children considered their own strengths, and also highlighted the strengths of others in their teams. Thank you to all the staff who helped make the day so successful, and special thanks to Mr Hasell who with the support of our Maintenance team, kept all four cars running on the day.

Year 7: As part of the St Faith’s Arts Awards, our Year 7 pupils took part in the exciting ‘Skills Share’ activity. For example, the Music Department was buzzing with energy as pupil-teachers introduced their peers to a wide range of instruments, many for the very first time! From drum kit and tuba to guitar, cello, piano, and saxophone, the variety was inspiring. As well as music, other creative skills being shared included artwork such as oil-pastel etching.

In the morning, pupils had carefully planned how they were going to deliver their ‘lesson’, and they thoroughly enjoyed doing so in the afternoon. There was an undeniable buzz throughout the school as pupils embraced the day’s opportunities to learn, create, and collaborate.

Mr Gorick writes,

“What stood out most was the reflection from our pupil-teachers. As they prepared and delivered their lessons, many realised just how well they themselves have been taught and how far they have come. Teaching others highlighted the complexity of the skills they have acquired, giving them renewed confidence in their own ability and progress as musicians.

The atmosphere was full of smiles and words of encouragement, with learners putting their trust in their pupil teachers and showing great courage to try something new. Some even sang solos or played instruments for the first time, discovering their own potential. In previous years, this event has led to new instrumental lesson requests, and we expect the same again this year.

Well done to all pupils—to the teachers for crafting thoughtful lessons and to the learners for their resilience and enthusiasm.”

Two images of young girls in striped school uniforms sitting on the floor, working together to assemble colorful interlocking gears on a white pegboard in a classroom setting.

Five girls in matching red and black striped school blazers sit together at a classroom desk, smiling at the camera. They have papers, booklets, and pencil cases on the table and appear to be working on a group activity.

Five boys, four in red and black striped blazers and one in a black jacket, sit around a classroom table smiling at the camera. Papers and colored drawings are spread out on the table. Shelves and posters are in the background.

Two children sit at desks, each drawing with colored pastels on paper. The girl on the left wears green and focuses on her artwork, while the boy on the right, in red, works on a colorful drawing in a classroom setting.

Two children sit at desks, each working on colorful art projects with paper and crayons. The girl on the left is focused on her drawing, while the boy on the right colors a bold, vibrant design.

Four boys wearing matching black sports hoodies stand together in a classroom, smiling and posing for the camera. One boy sits on a chair while the others stand behind him. Drawing materials are visible on the table in front.

Two children sit at desks and use colored pastels to create vibrant drawings on white paper. Both are focused on their artwork, surrounded by art supplies in a bright classroom setting.

A group of children in matching red and black striped school uniforms sit closely together on the floor of a library, attentively facing forward, with bookshelves visible in the background.

Two students in red and black striped blazers sit at a desk, looking at papers with expressions of concentration and surprise. More students in similar uniforms work at other desks in a classroom setting.

Two boys in red-and-black striped blazers and ties sit at a table, sorting and reading orange cards with printed text in a classroom setting. A pencil case and more cards are on the table.

A child wearing a helmet drives a decorated go-kart with the number 9 on the front, navigating around orange cones. People and red tents labeled St Faith’s are visible in the background.

A child wearing a black helmet drives a small, foil-covered go-kart labeled Silver Bullet with the number 12. People watch behind barriers and red tents marked St Faiths on a cloudy day.

A child wearing a green and black helmet drives a colorful, hand-painted go-kart numbered 9. Spectators stand behind orange barriers, and trees and cones are visible in the background.

A child in a silver race car costume, decorated with a cartoon face and the number 12, sits ready to drive while an adult in a red jacket stands behind. People and red tents are visible in the background.

Children in costumes throw balls at a colorful structure in a gymnasium while two adults supervise. The costumes and shields suggest a Roman or ancient theme. The scene appears playful and festive.

Two young girls in ancient-style costumes use wooden mortars and pestles at a table in a brightly-lit gymnasium, participating in a hands-on activity with other children in the background.

A group of children dressed as Roman soldiers, holding wooden spears and shields, stand in a line indoors while an adult in costume instructs them, holding a large red shield with yellow designs.

Children dressed in Roman-style costumes participate in hands-on activities at a table, engaging with ancient-style artifacts, clay, and pottery during an educational event.

Left: A child dressed in a white toga with a gold laurel headband grinds something in a bowl. Right: Children in Roman-style costumes, with one holding a red shield and wooden weapons, stand in a gymnasium.

Two children in Roman costumes participate in a school activity; one girl with braided hair smiles while shaping clay, while a boy beside her focuses on using wooden tools at a table, surrounded by classmates in similar attire.

Several young children in matching black and red striped blazers and ties sit on a classroom floor, playing with colorful interlocking gears and building toys. Some children are focused on assembling pieces together.

Two children in red and black striped blazers work on STEM projects in a classroom. The girl on the left holds a colorful gear model, while the boy on the right assembles plastic gears on a white board.

Three children in red and black striped blazers sit on the floor, assembling colorful plastic gears and cogs on white boards, engaging in a collaborative STEM activity.

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C-Cubed Lunchtime Talk

Today we welcomed three Year 12 pupils from The Leys (one of whom was an Old Fidelian) to lead a lunchtime discussion entitled, ‘If you could create a perfect society, how would you design it?’. The talk was open to St Faith’s pupils in Years 6-8, and the discussion was very interactive and thoughtful.

Continuing the C-cubed theme, we thank all pupils across the Foundation who have entered the C-Cubed Essay Competition. There were an impressive number of entries and we look forward to announcing the winners later this term.

Five people stand in a row facing the camera in a bright, spacious room. Behind them, a projector screen displays the question, If you could create a perfect society, how would you design it?.

A group of children sit on folding chairs in a hall, chatting excitedly. Two young men and a woman stand among them. Musical instruments are visible on a stage in the background.

A smiling girl in a red sweater and glasses sits among a group of students dressed in dark school uniforms, looking at the camera while others around her are engaged in conversation.

A group of boys sitting on chairs in a crowded room talk and smile together while an older boy leans in and joins their conversation. The atmosphere appears lively and friendly.

A young man stands smiling and talking with a group of children seated in rows of chairs at an indoor event, while two adults stand in the background near a stage.

Three young people stand indoors; one woman in a red sweater looks thoughtful, while a boy in a dark hoodie points and smiles. Another boy in a light sweater stands with his arms crossed. Audience members are visible in the foreground.

A group of students in red and black striped uniforms sit facing three presenters at the front of a classroom or assembly hall, with one student raising their hand to ask a question.

Students sit in rows of chairs, raising their hands during a classroom or assembly presentation, while four adults stand at the front near a screen displaying a slide.

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Year 7 Girls’ IAPS Hockey National Finals

Mrs Thompson writes,

“On Monday, the Under 12 girls travelled to Bristol to compete in the National Hockey Finals. They were drawn in a tough pool against some excellent hockey schools, including Repton and Millfield (last year’s winners). The girls started strongly, beating Repton 1–0 in their opening match, followed by a 1–1 draw against Heath Mount and a superb 2–0 win against Millfield. This meant they needed only a draw in their final group match to qualify for the Cup knockouts. They rose to the challenge, beating Monkton 2–0 and finished top of the pool.

The girls dominated their quarter-final against Mill Hill and Beaumont but couldn’t find a goal, sending the match to penalty shuffles. The goalkeeping was outstanding, and our players held their nerve to score. The semi-final saw them face Bishop’s Stortford College. Once again, they dominated, creating countless chances and winning multiple short corners, but they couldn’t quite get the ball over the line. A single breakaway goal against the run of play proved decisive, and with the short 10-minute matches, there wasn’t enough time to respond.

The girls were very disappointed with the result, especially having beaten Bishop’s Stortford College in a Wednesday fixture earlier in the season. However, a bronze medal was still to play for against Heath Mount. True to the story of their season, they produced excellent hockey, but a close match led to another round of shuffles. Two of the girls scored, and once again the goalkeeping was outstanding, so the girls secured the bronze! It was an incredible day.

We would like to thank all those who supported the team, with a special mention to the parents. Their preparation, encouragement and commitment played a huge part in giving our team the best opportunity to succeed.

The improvement from last season, along with the girls’ dedication and hard work, has been remarkable. They should be extremely proud to say they are the third-best IAPS team in the country.”

A girls’ field hockey team wearing red and black uniforms stands together in front of a goal, smiling and displaying medals around their necks. Two coaches stand on either side of the group. The background shows trees and a sports field.

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Swimming Gala v. King’s Ely

Mrs Critchley writes,

“Congratulations to the 42 children across Years 5 and 8 who represented the school this week in the swimming gala against King’s Ely School. It was wonderful to watch the Year 5 team competing for St Faith’s for the first time. Special mention must be made to the U10 girls’, U13 boys’ and the U11 boys’ and girls’ teams for being a particularly dominant force against the opposition; there were several relay races where we won by a length! Although many personal best performances were witnessed, it was, overall, the convincing all-round team performance that secured a confident win for St Faith’s by 196 points to 171. Many thanks too, to the Year 6 and Year 8 helpers over the past two weeks, who have kindly given up their free time to come and support our staff on the finish line.”

Old Fidelian v Parents v Staff Football

As reported in last week’s newsletter, Friday evening’s football proved to be a very enjoyable occasion, with Old Fidelians, parents, and staff taking to the pitch for a relaxed and good-spirited series of matches. Each team played two 12-minute games before everyone gathered for well-earned refreshments.

The final scores were:

OF’s 3 – Parents 1

OF’s 4 – Staff 4

Staff 2 – Parents 4

A group of fifteen people, some standing and some kneeling, pose in a gym under a basketball hoop. Four kneeling men wear red and black striped sports jerseys, while others wear athletic clothes.

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And Finally…

As we draw this very busy week to a close, the sharp turn in the weather has certainly reminded us that winter is settling in. Indoors, however, the warmth of our community has been unmistakable—from the kindness promoted during Anti-Bullying Week to the teamwork, creativity and excellence shown by our community across so many activities.

I hope you are able to wrap up warm and enjoy a restful and restorative weekend.

With all best wishes,

Crispin Hyde-Dunn

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