This Week at St Faith’s

House Assemblies and Buddy Sessions

House assemblies this week explored a range of themes, including National Storytelling Week and leadership. Created by the Society for Storytelling, National Storytelling Week is a joyful celebration of the power of sharing stories. Stories can help us understand the world, step into someone else’s shoes, develop empathy, relax and escape, and develop essential literacy skills. This year’s theme is ‘Soundtrack Your Story’.

National Storytelling Week has also been celebrated in the Library, where pupils have been invited at lunchtimes to listen to our Pupil Librarians share stories and talk about their favourite books to read aloud.

In their House Assembly on Tuesday, 8N read the story Heartsong. Inspired by Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, the book tells the story of Laura, a mute orphan who arrives at a Venetian orphange. Her life is cheerless until Fr Antonio (Vivaldi) discovers her gift for music and invites her to play in his orchestra. Heartsong explores the healing power of music.

Latham House’s assembly focused on leadership and was led by our Year 8 pupils. They considered questions such as ‘What does teamwork mean?’ and ‘How can we show teamwork in the community?’, using demonstrations to bring their ideas to life.

Bentley and Chaucer House assemblies explored the idea of being the best we can be, rather than winning at everything. The true story of the Jamaican bobsleigh team is both entertaining and powerful: initially dismissed, the team trained with determination and sportsmanship, ultimately earning the respect of those around them and returning to the next Olympics competing as equals.

During the assemblies, certificates were also presented recognising progress in Speech and Drama examinations, as well as the demonstration of strong learning habits in the classroom. Linking back to the Olympic motto citius, altius, fortius (faster, higher, stronger), pupils were acknowledged not only for achievement, but for the determination and incremental progress that underpin it.

Prior to the assemblies, our Year 8 Buddies had also been busy leading younger members of their Houses in activities they had designed themselves. It is always pleasing to see our older pupils supporting and guiding younger pupils, building our sense of community across year groups.

A child in a red and black striped uniform sits at a table in a library, raising a book whilst other children and an adult in floral clothing watch and listen. Bookshelves filled with colourful books are in the background.

A young girl with brown hair in plaits, wearing a red and black striped blazer, stands in a library holding up a copy of The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani, with bookshelves in the background.

Two boys in matching red-striped blazers sit at a table in a library, smiling and talking. Books and colourful signs are on the table. Shelves filled with books are visible in the background.

A young boy in a red and black striped blazer reads a comic book in a library, standing next to a shelf labelled Graphic Novels Comic Books, surrounded by colourful books and graphic novels.

A young child wearing a red and black striped blazer sits at a table, focused on reading a book. The setting appears to be a classroom or library with blue chairs and other tables visible.

Two boys in red striped blazers, one standing and reading from a book, the other sitting, with a digital image of a baby in a manger displayed on a screen behind them.

A student in a red and black striped blazer reads from a book whilst standing in a classroom. Another student in a similar blazer is seated nearby. Signs with reading instructions are on the wall behind them.

Two students in red and black striped blazers interact with younger pupils in a classroom. One student is seated at a desk, while two others stand and talk to the class. Books and a whiteboard are visible in the background.

A teacher stands addressing a group of pupils seated on the floor, while others in red and black striped uniforms sit in chairs facing them. A presentation is displayed on a screen in a classroom setting.

A student in a red and black striped blazer teaches three younger students indoors; in one scene, they stand and talk, and in the other, they work together on a classroom activity at a desk.

Four students sit and work together at a classroom table, engaged in writing or drawing activities. One student in a red and black striped blazer assists the others. Classroom supplies are scattered on the table.

Four students sit on a green carpet in a circle, collaborating and writing on a large sheet of paper. One student wears a red and black striped blazer; the others wear dark clothing. An electronic tablet is beside them.

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Year 7 and 8 Assembly – Candlemas

Mr Gorick writes:
“In assembly this week, our Year 7s and 8s heard about Candlemas — a moment in the Christian calendar that invites us to notice small sparks of meaning in everyday life. They explored the Bible story of Simeon and Anna (Luke 2), two people who recognised something special in the baby Jesus when others might have walked past without noticing. Pupils were also reminded of a line from the Psalms, ‘O Lord, you have searched me and known me’ (Psalm 139:1) — a reminder that we are known and noticed, even before we recognise anything ourselves.

They then heard a modern story from the writer Barbara Ehrenreich, who once experienced the world ‘flaming into life’ in a way she couldn’t fully explain. Both these ancient and modern stories encouraged pupils to stay curious, to hold questions lightly, and to pay attention to the quiet moments that can make life feel bigger.”

A man stands at a lectern speaking to a group of students in red and black striped blazers, seated on the floor facing him. A large projector screen displaying an artwork is visible behind the speaker.

A man stands at a lectern in front of a group of students in red and black striped uniforms. Behind him is a presentation slide about Barbara Ehrenreich, with images of her and her book Natural Causes.

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1JBH Class Assembly

Mrs Button writes:

“This week, 1JBH treated us to a joyful and energetic class assembly all about transport. The children took us on a journey by road, rail, water and air, sharing their learning through poems, songs, actions and confident speaking. From ‘beep beep’ cars and ‘choo choo’ trains to planes whooshing through the sky, every child played a part and showed fantastic teamwork. The assembly also reminded us of the importance of staying safe when we travel. Well done to 1JBH for such a lively, informative and entertaining performance — we are very proud of you!”

A group of young children in red uniforms and transport-themed hats stand and sit in a classroom, holding up letters that spell TRANSPORT in colourful designs. A display screen and posters are visible in the background.

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More Than a Game?

On Monday, I accompanied the prize winners from last term’s C Cubed Essay Competition to a Head’s Tea at The Leys. Hosted by Dr Ives, pupils from St Faith’s and The Leys had the opportunity to share their experiences of the competition, reflect on what it had meant to them, and discuss what they had learned. It was a convivial afternoon, and Mrs Davies and Mr Welby commented on the pupils’ exemplary behaviour.

The following day, we welcomed three Lower Sixth pupils from The Leys — two of whom were Old Fidelians — to lead the next lunchtime discussion in the C Cubed series. The theme was ‘What are sports and why do we play them?’. The discussion ranged widely and thoughtfully, exploring questions such as ‘What is the difference between sports and games?’, ‘Why do human beings play?’, ‘Is winning everything?’, and perhaps most controversially, ‘If everyone cheats, is it still cheating?’. Thank you to all those who attended and contributed so enthusiastically.

A group of students in red striped blazers and two adults stand indoors near a table with cakes and pastries, smiling for a photo in front of large windows with curtains.

Six students wearing matching red and black striped blazers, grey jumpers, white shirts, and ties stand smiling in a well-lit hall with a wooden floor and a projector screen in the background.

A student in a navy suit gestures whilst speaking to an audience of students in red and black striped blazers, with two other students standing behind him in a wood-panelled room.

Two photos side by side show school pupils in red striped uniforms sitting and talking with teachers and older pupils in a classroom or assembly hall setting.

A woman speaks with a group of boys in red and black striped blazers seated in rows of chairs at an indoor event, whilst another adult interacts with a boy nearby. Plaques hang on the wall in the background.

A group of boys in red-striped blazers sit and chat in a hall, whilst another boy in a dark suit stands in front of them, engaging in conversation. Wooden plaques are mounted on the wall in the background.

A woman smiles and talks with a group of schoolchildren wearing red and black striped blazers, seated together indoors, possibly at a school event or assembly.

Two young men in suits stand in front of a projected presentation slide in a classroom or auditorium. The slide has partially visible text discussing competition and winning.

Five people stand indoors on a wooden floor, facing the camera. Three young men in suits are in the centre, flanked by two adults in business-casual attire. A wooden ship’s wheel and projection screen are visible behind them.

A woman gives a presentation to a group of students in striped uniforms. The screen displays, “More than a game? What are sport and why do we play them?” with an image of a ball splashing in water.

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Patterns and Pastries

This week, many Reception parents participated in a Patterns and Pastries session after the morning drop-off. As part of the Early Years Reception Stage, children are developing a deeper understanding of numbers one to ten, the relationships between them, and the formation of patterns in numeracy. As practical resources can help to support the development of mathematical vocabulary and understanding, a wide range of practical activities, games, puzzles and problem-solving tasks were explored during the session. These interactive mornings prompted many lively conversations about numbers and patterns and were greatly enjoyed by all.

A teacher helps a young child with a geometric puzzle at a table. In the adjoining classroom scene, children and adults sit and interact, surrounded by colourful decorations and pupil artwork on the walls.

A young boy in a red jumper stands at a table with baked goods, number cards, and snacks in a classroom. Other children and colourful chairs are visible in the background.

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Pre Prep NSPCC Number Day and Drama4ALL Workshop

Miss Hendry writes,

“The Pre Prep are raising money today for the NSPCC by wearing items of clothing with a number on them. As part of their Number Day today, they have also enjoyed a range of cross-curricular maths activities, ranging from cooking to measuring. In Reception they have practised counting in Spanish, sung number songs in Music and in the classrooms, looked at the arrangements of dots on dominoes to find pairs of numbers totalling 6,7,8. They have also enjoyed lots of number themed stories, such as Six Dinner Sid, Handa’s Surprise and Kipper’s Toybox.

Year 1 were busy solving maths problems and using their iPads to scan QR codes to check if they had the correct answer, as well as playing a number of maths games on the Deck.

Preschool, Reception and Key stage 1 loved welcoming Perform into school for an exciting drama adventure in an enchanted toyshop where a key had gone missing! The children had a brilliant time building confidence, improving their listening and collaboration skills, as well as having fun as they worked together to solve the mystery. There was a huge sense of relief when the missing key was finally found and the toyshop was saved.”

A young girl smiles whilst holding up a colourful drawing of the number 9, decorated with patterns and shapes, in a classroom setting with art supplies and drawings visible in the background.

A young boy wearing a red sports jersey uses a green-covered tablet to scan QR codes from papers taped to a whiteboard with large green writing.

A young boy with dark hair sits at a table, focused on drawing or writing with a pencil on paper. He wears a white t-shirt and is surrounded by stationery, with a classroom setting in the background.

Three young children stand indoors, each smiling at the camera. The first wears a pink I am 5 t-shirt, the second a pink and white striped shirt, and the third a black Bengals football shirt with the number 10.

A young girl sits at a classroom table, smiling at the camera whilst colouring. She wears a black shirt with pink numbers. Another child next to her is focused on drawing. School supplies are spread on the table.

A young girl in a red jumper uses a tablet to scan a QR code on a sheet posted on a white wall inside a building.

A young boy cuts paper with patterns whilst a girl next to him colours at a classroom table, with art supplies scattered around them.

Four young children in red jumpers sit on the floor in a row. Two of the children, a girl and a boy, have their hands raised eagerly. All are facing forwards and appear attentive and engaged.

A group of young children in red jumpers and dark trousers are happily running indoors, guided by two adults in the background. The children are smiling and appear to be enjoying an activity together.

Four young children in red school jumpers sit cross-legged on a wooden floor indoors, looking attentively ahead. Empty chairs and a wall are visible in the background.

A young girl in a red jumper smiles brightly on the left; on the right, two girls in red jumpers stand together, one comforting the other in a gymnasium with chairs and a wooden plaque in the background.

A group of young children in red school uniforms sit on a gymnasium floor. Some have their hands raised eagerly, and all are smiling or laughing, appearing engaged and happy during an activity. Folding chairs are in the background.

A group of young children in red jumpers stand in a circle around an adult instructor in a black shirt inside a spacious room, laughing and engaging in a playful activity.

Two young girls in red jumpers smile and play in a bright room, while an adult woman stands in the background, watching and smiling. The scene appears cheerful and lively.

A group of young children in red school uniforms sit on a gymnasium floor, smiling and laughing together. They face forwards, with empty chairs and wooden plaques visible in the background.

A group of young children in red and white uniforms gather round an adult in a hat inside a gym or hall, engaging in an activity near a large screen and wooden decor.

Colourful paper kites with handwritten multiplication and division tables hang on a wall decorated with images of planets. Each kite has a pattern of joined paper pieces forming the tail.

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Charity Tuck Shop for the RSPCA

Our Year 7 and 8 pupils ran a charity tuck shop this week, in support of Tom’s Trust , which supports children with brain tumours and their families. The event was a great success and demonstrated pupils’ creativity, teamwork and compassion. We are very grateful for their efforts and generosity. Please read the report in the sidebar written by three of the Bentley House Captains.

A group of school children in black and red uniforms watch as canteen staff, dressed in black with hair coverings, serve food. The pupils appear attentive and are waiting in a queue.

Three students in red and black striped blazers are served food by a person in a black uniform and blue hair covering; two students are smiling, holding biscuits and drinks in a school canteen setting.

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Welcome Events for New Reception Families

Today, we were delighted to welcome some of the families who will be joining St Faith’s in September 2026 to our Breakfasts on Friday. Sharing breakfast provided a relaxed opportunity to sample the school’s catering and hospitality, meet other families, and be introduced to members of the SFPA. We very much look forward to welcoming our new Reception pupils later this year.

‘Pop-in & Play’ 2026

Continuing our focus on welcoming younger children to St Faith’s, we hosted another successful Pop-in & Play session on Wednesday. These events allow families to visit the school and meet the Early Years team in a relaxed and informal setting. Please do encourage friends or colleagues who may be considering a St Faith’s education to attend. Booking is available via the school website under Visits & Open Mornings.

Save the Date – Pre Prep Open Morning

Our next Open Morning for children aged 3–7 will take place on Saturday 25^th April. Booking will open after half-term via the school website. This event will be particularly helpful for families with younger siblings, as well as current Year 2 families wishing to learn more about the transition into Year 3.

East Anglian Schools’ Cross Country Championships

Mr Mageean writes,
“Congratulations to our two Fidelians from Year 7 who represented Cambridgeshire Schools at the East Area Schools’ Cross Country Championships in Northampton last weekend. On a significantly hillier and more challenging course than the previous round at Ely, both girls showed great determination, finishing 30th and 35th. Being awarded their County vests was a proud moment, and they are already looking forward to transitioning to track athletics over the summer. Well done, girls.”

Two girls wearing light blue athletic uniforms and running shoes compete in an outdoor cross-country race; one runs on a leaf-covered path, the other on grass, with other runners and spectators in the background.

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Swimming Gala v. St John’s College School

Mrs Critchley writes,

“On Tuesday, 58 pupils across years 5 to 8 took part in the second swimming gala of the term against a strong St John’s team. It was great to see such a large field of participants from St Faith’s taking to the water; seven of our pupils for the first time. Some convincing relay team performances, particularly from the U13 boys and U11 girls, plus an impressive number of personal best performances across the board, ensured this very close and competitive gala finished in a narrow victory for St Faith’s by five points. Our next stop is the IAPS National Swimming qualifying round at Dulwich College at the end of the month. We will look forward to that with great anticipation.”

Year 8 Boys’ Hockey

It has been a very busy few days for our Year 8 boys’ hockey players.

Mr Johnson writes,

“The boys travelled to Cambridge University Hockey and Athletics ground at Wilberforce Road Hockey on Thursday to take part in the U13 Boys County Cup Hockey tournament. After the recent success of the U12 Boys reaching the quarterfinals of the IAPS national finals on Friday 30th at St Edwards in Oxford, it was the turn of the U13 boys to show their mettle!

In very cold conditions the boys started slowly against a very physical and energetic Kimbolton. St Faith’s dominated possession and scoring opportunities, but the boys conceded 2 break away goals before going through the gears to respond, but essentially, making their task more challenging, as they narrowly lost 2-1. That was the wake-up call we needed! Mr Thompson instilled belief in the team, to which they responded superbly well. They then went on to win 2-0 against Saffron Walden County High, win 2-0 against The Perse Upper, win 3-1 against King’s Cambridge, win 3-0 against The Stephen Perse, leaving them in a ‘winner takes all’ final match against St John’s.
St John’s, who were playing some stunning Hockey were in the same situation as St Faith’s, level on points, level on goal difference, and level on nerves! Our team, very ably led by the Boys’ Captain of Hockey, saved their best performance of the day until this last match in a nail-biting encounter. A short corner routine that a national league player would have been proud of, produced the magic moment, a brilliantly deflected short that fizzed past their Goalkeeper’s ear. The boys were ecstatic at the final whistle, having beaten St John’s eventually 2-0 and winning their first ever tournament. The boys will now represent Cambridgeshire Hockey in the East of England round on Friday 13th March in Ipswich. This week the boys have lived the ‘Hockey dream’ and have loved having the opportunity to pick up a stick and play or train every day, and today they have attended the Regional IAPS tournament, which St Faith’s and The Leys hosted. Well done boys!”

As mentioned by Mr Johnson, today, two St Faith’s teams entered the IAPS Hockey Regional Tournament, jointly hosted by St Faith’s and The Leys. Hosting provided a valuable opportunity for both Foundation schools to showcase their excellent sporting facilities. Results are available on SOCS, and the tournament programme, designed in-house, can be found in the sidebar.

A youth field hockey team poses together on an outdoor pitch, wearing medals. Two coaches stand at the ends, and one player holds a large shield-shaped trophy. Most team members wear black jackets; two wear blue leg pads.

A boys’ hockey team poses on an outdoor pitch. Eight players stand smiling with medals, one holding a shield trophy, while a goalkeeper in purple and blue kit lies in front, also smiling.

A group of nine young boys in sports kit stand on a hockey pitch, wearing medals and smiling. One boy holds a shield-shaped trophy, and another is dressed in blue goalkeeper kit. It appears to be a chilly, overcast day.

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Looking ahead to the weekend and next week

This weekend, some of our pupils will be performing at the Suffolk Festival of Performing Arts at Culford School, while our gymnasts continue their competition season. The boys will compete in the U9, U11 and U13 ISGA Four-Piece National Championships, and the girls in the U10 and U13 ISGA Five-Piece Premier National Championships. We wish everyone the very best of luck.

Next week brings a varied and important set of events across the school. We will be marking Children’s Mental Health Week, pupils will be taking part in various different AcE Day activities, and we will also be holding Pre Prep and Year 7 Parent–Teacher Meetings. During the week, a group of pupils and staff will also be departing for the Liverpool Music Tour, which includes a highly anticipated visit to Liverpool Cathedral to participate in Evensong.

And Finally…

From Pre Prep exploring patterns, to older pupils debating sport and leadership, this week has shown learning taking many different forms across the school. Ahead of the final week of this half-term, I wish you all a peaceful and enjoyable weekend – and hopefully an opportunity to see some of the beautiful snowdrops emerging around us.

With all best wishes,

Crispin Hyde-Dunn

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