This Week at St Faith’s

Advent Services at St Faith’s

On Tuesday, our school community came together to celebrate the Advent services, marking the beginning of this special season of preparation. These services are an important moment in the Christian calendar which are marked at St Faith’s. While Advent holds particular significance within Christianity, the Advent services also offer a shared space for reflection, kindness and the spirit of anticipation, that resonates across many beliefs and perspectives within our diverse school. We reflected on the symbolism of the Advent wreath: its circular shape representing God’s unending love, and its four candles signifying hope, peace, love, and joy.

A tradition at St Faith’s is for two Reception children to light the first candle, signifying the start of our Advent journey—a time of waiting and reflection, during which Christians anticipate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day. During the service, we listened to a Bible reading encouraging us to “Be Ready,” reminding us that Advent is not only about waiting, but also about reaching out to help others.

Our Junior Voices choir enriched the first service with a moving rendition of Just Another Star. In the second school service for the older years, we joined together in singing the hymns People Look East and Christ Be Our Light. Reverend Coleman’s reflection echoed the theme of Christ bringing light into the world, drawing on a moment described in the Bible where Anna and Simeon acknowledged the baby Jesus in the temple at Jerusalem. Reverend Coleman’s message encouraged us to think about how each of us might bring light, optimism and generosity into the lives of others.

The service concluded with an Advent prayer, read by our House Captains, which was a fitting close to a thoughtful and uplifting occasion for our whole community.

A woman helps two young children light red candles on an Advent wreath during a school assembly. The audience, dressed in matching striped uniforms, watches from wooden benches. A table with a dragon emblem is visible on the left.

A large group of students in red uniforms faces a stage with three adults standing and a woman at a podium. A religious poem is projected on a screen behind them, and there is a table with a cross and red cloth.

A group of students in red and black striped blazers sit on the floor facing a man speaking at a podium in a school hall. A decorated table, candles, and a screen displaying “An Advent Address The Chaplain” are visible.

Students in red-and-black striped blazers read from papers at a podium during a school assembly, with a cross, Christmas decorations, and a projected prayer on a screen in the background. Other students watch attentively.

A man stands speaking to a group of children in red uniforms, holding a blue bag. Another man sits to the side. Behind them is an altar, a cross, and a projected screen with text.

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Christopher Columbus

Miss Dow writes,

“In Humanities, Year 5 pupils are learning about Christopher Columbus and the positive and negative impacts of his ‘discovery’ of the New World.  We were treated to a talk by Mrs Critchley about her participation in a tall ships race in 1992, to mark the quincentenary of Columbus’ first voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.  Pupils learnt about the safety features, cooking facilities, conditions and chores on board her yacht, the Francis Drake, and also about their rapturous reception in New York City on American Independence Day. We reflected on the stark contrasts between Mrs Critchley’s boat and Columbus’ boat (the Santa Maria), and how incredible it was that anyone survived the 15th century voyages!”

The pupils were fascinated by the real-life connection Mrs Critchley provided, and the session prompted interesting discussion about exploration, perspective and the realities of life at sea.

Primary Maths Challenge

Mrs Rainsford writes,

“In November, pupils in Year 6 took part in the Primary Maths Challenge. The paper consists of 25 questions; 20 are multiple choice with questions gradually becoming more difficult, ending with five questions where an answer is required and no choice is provided. The questions challenge pupils’ problem-solving skills and ability to think outside the box. Congratulations to all the pupils that took part, with a special mention to those seven pupils who achieved a Gold certificate. Next term, pupils with the highest scores will be invited to participate in the Primary Maths Challenge Bonus Round.”

Statistics for this year: 7 Gold, 15 Silver and 14 Bronze.

Five children in matching red and black striped blazers and ties stand in a row outside a school building. Three girls wear skirts and two boys wear shorts. Trees with sparse leaves and benches are in the background.

Six children in red and black striped blazers, white shirts, and ties stand in a row, smiling at the camera against a plain indoor background. Four are wearing shorts, two are wearing skirts.

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Music Tea-time Recital

Ms Elcome writes,

“On Monday we were treated to a wonderful hour of inspiring performances given by some of the promising young musicians at St. Faith’s in our November Tea-time Recital. The evening began with great flair as we were treated to an uplifting performance of ‘Golden’ from K-Pop, arranged by Mrs Cobb and performed by the Junior String Ensemble. Many solo performances were then given by pupils in Years 3 to 8 culminating in a beautiful interpretation of Philipp Sparke’s ‘Berceuse’ played on the tuba by one of our oldest pupils.”

The recital was a warm reminder of the musical talent and energy within our community, and it was a pleasure to see pupils of all ages performing with such confidence and enjoyment.

A young boy plays the bagpipes on a stage, wearing a dark tracksuit and sneakers. Wooden plaques with names are mounted on the wall behind him, and a speaker with orange-lit circles stands nearby.

A group of boys play brass instruments on a stage while a man, likely their conductor, stands in front of them and directs. They are in a room with honor boards on the wall behind them.

A young boy wearing glasses is playing a grand piano on stage. Wooden plaques with names hang on the wall behind him, and a speaker with blue lights stands to the left.

A young boy wearing a red and black striped blazer plays the trumpet in front of a music stand, with wooden honor boards displaying names on the wall behind him.

Two young girls in matching striped blazers sit on chairs on a stage, playing cellos. Sheet music is on a stand in front of them. Wooden plaques with engraved names are displayed on the wall behind them.

A young boy stands on a small stage, playing a brass instrument while reading sheet music from a stand. Wooden plaques with names are mounted on the wall behind him. He wears a black tracksuit and red sneakers.

A girl in a red jacket stands next to a grand piano, facing an audience seated on chairs. Several people in winter coats are seen from behind, while wooden plaques hang on the wall in the background.

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Year 5’s Performance of ‘The World’s Worst Children’

Mrs McGregor writes,

“On Thursday our busy Year 5 pupils were showcasing their acting talents. In their tutor groups, the children performed their interpretations of some of the iconic characters from David Walliams’ ‘The World’s Worst Children’ books, with the characters of Mrs Splatt, Nigel Nit Boy, Belinda Brag and Bertha the Blubberer, bursting onto the stage. More than a collection of silly stories, it’s a reminder that being different is wonderful and that sometimes the “worst” characters can teach us the best lessons. Each of the productions were extremely well delivered, with great expression and skilful choreography.”

Two girls wearing pink feather boas and colorful skirts stand on stage, acting in a play. One girl gestures while speaking, and the other looks at her. The background features wooden steps and a dark backdrop.

Three children crouch at a starting line indoors, ready to race. The boy on the left wears a sweater and tie, the boy in the middle wears a white shirt, and the girl on the right wears a pink feather boa and glasses.

A boy in a white shirt and shorts stands on stage with a striped tie draped over his head, gesturing with one hand and performing. Wooden steps and a dark backdrop are behind him. Another person is partially visible in the background.

A young boy wearing a white shirt, dark pants, and a striped tie around his head stands on stage, pointing towards a colorful sign that says WORLD as other children sit and watch him perform.

A young girl wearing glasses, a pink feather boa, and a shiny skirt passionately acts on stage, while another child sits on a platform behind her and a third child stands to the right, partially out of frame.

Four children in school uniforms perform on stage. One stands in the foreground speaking, while two stand in the background, and one sits on the floor. Colorful decorations are visible on the black backdrop behind them.

A young girl wearing a pink feather boa, black jacket, and pink skirt stands on stage while three children sitting on steps point at her. The background is dark, highlighting the performers.

A young girl in a school uniform performs energetically on stage with other children, arms spread wide, mouth open, in front of colorful WORLD decorations.

A boy with a tie draped over his head and a black eye patch stands on stage next to a girl with long hair, as other children in school uniforms perform in the background.

Two young girls on stage wear pink feather boas, white shirts, red skirts, and glasses. They strike playful, dramatic poses as if acting in a theatrical performance. A wooden structure and dark background are behind them.

A group of children in school uniforms perform on stage. A smiling girl stands at the front, while others stand or sit behind her. The background features wooden props and a dark backdrop.

A young girl in a school uniform sits on a black stage prop, holding a corded telephone to her ear, performing in front of a dark background during a stage play.

A child in a curly wig and cape stands confidently on stage with hands on hips, surrounded by other children in school uniforms performing a play. A colorful WORLD sign is displayed on the backdrop behind them.

Five children dressed in costumes sit on stage, engaging in animated conversation and holding paper cups, with one cup on the floor. A colorful WON sign is partially visible in the background.

A young girl wearing glasses, a yellow coat with fur cuffs, and a white shirt stands with one hand on her hip, holding a paper cup. She appears on stage in a dramatic pose, with a staircase and dark background behind her.

A young person in a curly wig and red cape, dressed in a school uniform, sits on the floor during a stage performance, smiling slightly while surrounded by other performers.

A group of children wearing colorful costumes and school uniforms perform energetically on stage, reaching their arms forward and smiling, with one child leaping in front of the others.

Five children wearing white shirts and black skirts or trousers perform energetically on stage, smiling and raising their arms, with a dark background behind them.

Two boys in school uniforms perform on stage; one wears a cape and a curly wig while the other grabs his tie. A third child stands in the background. The scene looks dramatic and playful.

A group of children in costume perform on stage. One boy in a gray jacket and crooked tie looks surprised, while another wears a cape and curly wig. Colorful letters and other kids are visible in the background.

A group of children in school uniforms stand on risers with raised arms, singing enthusiastically, while other children in aprons and hairnets act on the stage below, some kneeling and one lying down.

A child wearing a striped apron, red shirt, and blue hairnet performs on stage in front of colorful letters, with other performers and props visible in the background.

A group of children perform on stage, some dressed as cooks with aprons and chef hats, while others wear white shirts and striped ties. They gesture with raised hands, and a colorful sign in the background reads WORST.

Children wearing aprons and hairnets perform on stage, some kneeling and holding wooden spoons toward a standing girl in a white apron and blue hairnet, who appears to be singing or acting joyfully. Other children stand in the background.

A group of children dressed in school uniforms and one in a blue dress perform energetically on stage, making animated gestures and expressions during a play. A black backdrop with colorful letters and artwork is behind them.

Five children on stage wear aprons and hairnets, striking animated poses and smiling during a theatrical performance. Colorful letters and drawings decorate the backdrop behind them.

A child wearing a blue hairnet, green apron, and black shirt performs on stage with arms outstretched, while another child in a white apron and hairnet stands in the background.

A group of children perform on stage; most wear white shirts, ties, and headbands, while one girl in front wears a blue uniform. Two girls are animated, with one gesturing and speaking.

Three children in school uniforms pose playfully on stage, with two boys in striped ties crouching and making funny gestures, while a smiling child in the background wears a hairnet. They appear to be performing in a school play.

A child in costume poses confidently on stage with a wooden spoon, apron, and blue hairnet. The backdrop reads “WORLD WORST” with colorful letters and playful drawings.

A group of children in school uniforms and playful headbands perform energetically on stage, some standing, some seated, making expressive gestures and faces. One child, dressed as a nurse, stands to the right.

A group of children in costumes perform on stage, with a girl in front passionately acting. The background features colorful letters and decorations. Other children stand behind her, some wearing headbands.

Young boys dressed in school uniforms perform on stage, some with ties worn around their heads. One boy in the front center stands with arms open and eyes closed, appearing to sing or speak passionately.

A group of school children in costumes perform on stage; some stand in the back acting animatedly, while others sit at the front, dressed in white shirts, ties, and one in a blue dress, with a decorated sign behind them.

A young girl with braids and a pink bow stands on stage, wearing a white shirt and black skirt, raising one finger and smiling against a black background. Wooden steps are visible on the left.

A boy wearing glasses and a school uniform stands smiling on stage, with other children in similar outfits around him. The background features colorful signs with the words “WOW” and drawings.

A group of children in white shirts and bandanas perform on stage. One girl in front wears a striped tie as a headband and smiles, while the others gesture behind her. A pirate symbol is visible on the black backdrop.

A group of children are performing on stage, wearing school uniforms and acting with expressive faces. One boy stands in the center, while others gather around him, appearing engaged in conversation. Black curtains are in the background.

Two children on stage smile and wave, one wearing a school tie as a headband and white shirt, the other in a blue uniform dress. They stand in front of a black curtain, appearing joyful and energetic.

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General Knowledge Quiz Club Championships

Earlier this term we reported on the success of one of our quiz teams, who had gone through to the semi-final of the national competition from their regional heat. In their latest round, the team tackled some extremely challenging questions as they aimed to repeat last year’s success and reach the finals in Oxford.

Although they narrowly missed out on qualification this time, their determination, excellent teamwork and calm approach were exemplary. They should be very proud of their efforts, and I have no doubt they will already be contemplating next year’s competition.

A young boy in a green shirt sits at a desk in a classroom, smiling and holding a black marker. Blank paper and a pencil are on the desk, and other children in striped blazers are seated nearby.

Two young boys sitting at a classroom desk, one wearing a red and black striped blazer and the other in a green shirt, both looking attentively forward with papers and pencils in front of them.

Two children sit at desks in a classroom, each holding a smartphone. The boy, in a red-striped blazer, is smiling, while the girl, in a dark hoodie, looks to the side. School supplies are on the desk in front of them.

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Year 3 Taster Morning

On Monday, we were delighted to welcome prospective pupils for Year 3 entry in September 2026 to St Faith’s for a special Taster Morning. The children enjoyed a variety of engaging activities, including Art, Engineering, Maths and Gymnastics, and had the chance to sample a delicious St Faith’s lunch! We look forward to seeing them again in January for our Assessment Day.

And Finally…

As we reach the end of a busy and enriching week, I am looking forward to this evening’s Speech and Drama Tea-time Recital. For pupils preparing for their New Era Examinations, performing to a warm and supportive audience is a valuable moment to share their creativity and hard work.

Then, on Saturday, St Faith’s takes centre stage as we host the first day of the IAPS National Gymnastics Championships! With 18 schools competing, this is a highlight of the gymnastics calendar. Our pupils will not only have the thrill of competing at a national level, but also the opportunity to extend a warm St Faith’s welcome to visiting schools—showcasing their talent, sportsmanship, and ‘best selves’ throughout the day. We are looking forward to an inspiring weekend of performance and competition!

Next Friday immediately after school, we are excited to host the SFPA Christmas Fair. This festive event is always full of cheer, and it provides families the perfect opportunity to enjoy the seasonal atmosphere while picking up some early Christmas gifts. We are hoping for an early visit from Father Christmas, and we look forward to seeing you there!

More immediately with Advent upon us, although the season traditionally invites reflection, I appreciate that families are also extremely busy as we prepare for Christmas. Even so, I hope the weekend brings you one or two moments that feel quietly restorative.

With all best wishes,

Crispin Hyde-Dunn

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