This Week at St Faith’s

Liverpool Music Tour: A Remarkable Three Days of Musicianship and Character

Mr Gorick writes,

“From Wednesday 11th to Saturday 14^th February, fifty of our young musicians took part in a three‑day tour to Liverpool, giving four performances in some of the city’s most inspiring venues, including the largest Anglican Cathedral in Europe. The tour demonstrated not only the exceptional musical abilities of our pupils, but also their maturity, kindness, and dedication.

Our first performance took place on Thursday evening in the beautiful surroundings of Liverpool Parish Church. The pupils rose to the occasion magnificently, taking full advantage of the church’s resonant acoustic. While we are fortunate to have Ashburton Hall at school, its acoustic offers a rather different experience. Performing in a more receptive space allowed the pupils to hear themselves and one another with clarity. A powerful “aha” moment that boosted confidence and reminded them just how musically capable they really are. Much like an athlete suddenly performing better when the track conditions are designed uniquely to favour them, the pupils flourished.

Friday began with a deeply poignant visit to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where our musicians performed for patients, families, and staff. The solo singers were extraordinary, and the Senior Brass Ensemble delivered a sparkling performance of remarkable poise. The atmosphere was emotionally charged, staff members were visibly moved. It was humbling to witness our pupils bringing joy and hope into a place that sees the highs and lows of both profound struggle and recovery on a daily basis.

At lunchtime, pupils performed in the Lady Chapel of Liverpool Cathedral to a full public audience, supported by many St Faith’s parents who had travelled to be there. Their presence made a huge difference. Soloists shone, and ensembles including the Jazz Ensemble, Purcell Ensemble, Concert Band and Chamber Choir gave performances of great polish and musical maturity. The Chamber Choir’s rendition of How Can I Keep from Singing? was especially memorable.

The tour culminated on Friday evening with Evensong in Liverpool Cathedral, where our pupils were joined by adult singers from Liverpool Cathedral Choir singing the lower parts of the repertoire we have been learning since Michaelmas half‑term. With just fifteen minutes to rehearse nearly forty minutes of music, the pupils displayed remarkable professionalism. Their singing of the psalms, notoriously difficult for those new to Anglican chant, was outstanding. Watching the Chamber Choir glance back at the adult singers when they first heard them, with a sense of awe and delight was a special moment.

Their performance of the anthem The Road Home was beautifully poised, drawing warm praise from cathedral staff and the professional adult singers for their tone and musicianship. Singing in a space of such scale allowed others, and the pupils themselves, to appreciate just how exceptional St Faith’s premier choral ensemble is. For our pupils to deliver four such high‑quality performances within twenty‑four hours is nothing short of extraordinary.

Throughout the tour, we received repeated compliments on the pupils’ manners, politeness, discipline, and kindness. These qualities are not secondary to music; they are integral. Music at its heart is communication, connection, empathy and integrity. How musicians carry themselves shapes the music they make. The pupils exemplified this.

My deepest thanks go to their instrumental and singing teachers for preparing them so well, and to parents for your encouragement, especially with practice, which we know is not always easy. Without this foundation, the pupils could not have achieved what they did.

I am also enormously grateful to Mr Critchley, Miss Kennerly, Mr Sedgwick and Ms Elcome for their musicianship, organisation and good humour throughout the tour.

Words, photos and recordings capture only a fraction of what was achieved on these three remarkable days. What we will remember most are the shared moments, pupils and staff together, of growth, joy and outstanding music-making.”

A large group of smiling children and teenagers, dressed in winter jackets, pose together outdoors in front of the Royal Liver Building in Liverpool on a cloudy day. Modern and historic buildings are visible in the background.

Boys in matching red and black striped blazers stand and sing in a choir inside an ornate, wood-panelled building with intricate carvings and a large painting on the wall behind them.

Left: Orchestra performs in a large church with stained glass windows and golden altar. Audience watches. Right: Nine boys in black jackets stand in a diagonal line on stone steps, smiling at the camera.

Five adults in warm jackets and hats smile together for a selfie outdoors near a body of water, with a cloudy sky in the background.

A group of smiling children and teenagers pose together indoors, standing in front of large, illuminated windows with geometric designs and brick walls. The lighting is purple, creating a vibrant, cheerful atmosphere.

Two boys sit on chairs in a music room, each wearing headphones and playing guitars—one with a red electric guitar in the foreground, the other with an acoustic guitar in the background. The room has dark walls and wooden floors.

Seven children in jackets stand on a boat deck, smiling at the camera with a cloudy sky and city skyline in the background across the water.

A small group of musicians performs with a conductor in a church, with a drum kit, music stands, and a grand piano in the foreground. Flags and a cross adorn the background above the altar.

A large group of smiling children and a few adults pose for a photo outdoors in front of two statue figures, with historic buildings and bare trees in the background on a cloudy day.

A man in glasses and a black jacket is being interviewed outdoors by another man holding a microphone, whilst a cameraman films them near a boat with wooden benches visible.

Three boys in winter jackets stand smiling on a waterfront railing with a city skyline and cloudy sky in the background.

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Finding the Right Words in Pre Prep

In this week’s Pre Prep assembly, Mrs Wakefield invited the children to explore a theme that sits at the heart of positive friendships and happy school days: “Using Our Words.” It’s a message many of you will recognise from conversations at home too, and one that grows in importance as children learn how powerful language can be.

Mrs Wakefield spoke about the many ways words help us—how they can build friendships, solve problems, express feelings, and help everyone feel included. But she also acknowledged something we all experience: sometimes finding the right words can feel really difficult, and occasionally we can’t find any words at all.

To support the children in developing these vital skills, the Pre Prep team have been teaching and practising language for a range of everyday situations. Through role play and discussion, pupils have been learning how to:

Disagree politely, without hurting feelings
Solve problems together, using calm and kind communication
Invite others to join in, ensuring no one feels left out

Importantly, the children have also been learning that it is absolutely fine to say “No” when they need to. Phrases such as “I’m doing this now, but can we play together later?” gave them the confidence to set gentle boundaries while still showing consideration for others. These tools are designed to help the children continue to grow as thoughtful, expressive and empathetic communicators—both in the classroom and beyond.

A teacher in a green dress leads a group of young pupils in red uniforms, all raising their arms and stretching together in a classroom or assembly hall.

A woman stands beside a smiling young boy in a red school uniform in front of a seated group of children in a school assembly hall. The woman is smiling and gently holding the boy’s shoulder.

A projector screen displays a slide titled Words are powerful! listing ways words help: making friends, solving problems, expressing feelings, and including others. The slide asks what happens without the right words.

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Big Brother, Big Sister

Mrs North writes,

“2026 marks the fourth year of our pastoral venture connecting Year 7 pupils with Year 2 pupils. There is a dual aim to this programme. Primarily, it supports Pre Prep children as they prepare to transition smoothly to the ‘Prep’ area of the school, where they will don our distinctive striped red and black blazers for the first time. Meanwhile, the experience offers volunteer Year 7 pupils an excellent opportunity to demonstrate responsibility and leadership. This helps them in turn to prepare for their ascendance to the top of the school this September, where they will become prefects and role models for our younger pupils. It is no coincidence that these older pupils step into leadership just as Year 2 move into the house system as its youngest members.

In previous years, the venture has been launched in the Summer Term. However, with Year 7 exams, summer sport and numerous warm-weather activities, time has often felt compressed, making it harder for the connections to develop in the most meaningful and valuable way.

Therefore this year, thanks to enhanced tutor time in the afternoons, it was decided to introduce the programme before half term in the Lent Term. Year 7s were invited to take part in either helping the Year 2 children prepare for Year 3 as “Big Brothers” or “Big Sisters”, or, to become involved in creating a community project which will benefit the school population in some way.

In early February, the community project pupils met to discuss the idea of contributing to a community. Meanwhile the Big Brother, Big Sister participants completed an orientation that introduced them to the process, and guided them on the responsibilities and important elements concerned with helping younger children. The group heard about the importance of setting good examples, not having ‘favourites’, always treating the younger children with respect and appreciating the need for patience and understanding.

On Tuesday the Big Brothers and Big Sisters were paired with their younger ‘siblings’, much to the excitement of both groups. In most cases, each Year 7 was paired with one younger child, although a small number of Year 2 pupils are supported by two older pupils. The aim of the introductory session was simple: to meet and learn one another’s names. The younger children brought books to read, and the older pupils were encouraged to find out about their new charges.

At the end of the session everyone was excited to share their news with others in their class. The enthusiasm was evident, and our year 7 pupils shared some valuable reflections. One boy said, ‘Our younger pupil was rather nervous but became really talkative’. One Year 7 girl said enthusiastically, ‘This is the best idea. I am so happy to be able to participate in this venture and to integrate with some of the smallest members of the school.’

The next opportunity to meet up will be on 13^th March. Sessions will continue throughout the school year and into next academic year, bridging the gap for the youngest children between Pre Prep and Prep, while enhancing opportunities to develop responsibility among the Year 7s.”

Two students in red and black striped blazers sit at a desk. One student is reading from an open book whilst the other looks on, with notebooks and pens on the desk in front of them.

Two girls in red and black school uniforms sit at a classroom desk; one older girl smiles whilst the younger girl reads from an open book. Other pupils are visible in the background.

Three boys sit on a green rug in a classroom, playing an educational board game with cards and tiles. Two boys wear matching red and black striped blazers, while the third wears a red polo shirt.

An older pupil in a red and black striped blazer listens attentively as a younger boy with glasses reads aloud from a book at a desk in a classroom.

An older pupil in a red and black striped blazer kneels beside a younger pupil in a red jumper holding a notebook, both engaged in conversation in a classroom with desks and books.

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A Celebration of Exceptional Musicianship

Mr Gorick writes,

“This week we enjoyed a wonderful celebration of musical talent as pupils from across the school took part in our annual Soloists Music Festival. Every performer showed real poise and musical maturity, and there was a genuine sense of joy in their music making. The whole event had an atmosphere that was both inspiring and uplifting.

Two performers were commended for Outstanding Performance on the day. Several others were awarded Highly Commended for particularly notable performances. Although these pupils received special recognition, the standard of musicianship across both classes was consistently high, and every performer contributed to a memorable morning.

Our adjudicator, Ms Sophie Biddell, Director of Music at Christ Church Cathedral School in Oxford, spoke warmly about the quality of the performances she heard. She praised St Faith’s for what she described as a superb musical culture and was struck by the confidence and self-possession shown by such young musicians. She noted how carefully pupils prepared themselves before performing, taking a moment to settle and focus, and presenting themselves with a calm assurance more often seen in older and more experienced players. On two occasions she remarked that our pupils were modelling professional standards, such was the overall standard and the shared commitment to music making.

These comments reflect the hard work that went into preparing for the day, and the breadth of talent and natural musicianship on display. The intermediate class showed real strength in depth and demonstrated that they are more than ready to rise to the challenge set by our senior musicians. In many ways they are already doing so.

Musicians sometimes dwell on the things that do not go quite as planned, focusing on areas to improve rather than acknowledging what went well. This reflective instinct is vital. It is, after all, how musicians refine their craft and learn from experience (not that we witnessed anything amiss on this occasion!). Yet it is equally important to remember that music is, at its heart, a source of joy, hope and connection. As musicians, we should never lose sight of the extraordinary gift we have in being able to share that with others.

Congratulations once again to all our performers for an inspiring day of music-making.”

A group of students in red and black striped blazers and ties stand in a row holding musical instruments, including a cello and trumpet, with a woman on the left in a blue scarf. They are indoors on a wooden floor.

A smiling woman stands in front of a piano and wooden plaques, holding papers, whilst speaking to a group of people seated facing her. The setting appears to be a classroom or music room.

A student in a red and black striped blazer stands and speaks in front of an audience, with others in similar uniforms seated and watching, in a room with wooden plaques on the wall.

A young boy in a red striped blazer holds bagpipes whilst talking to a woman. Another boy in a similar blazer stands nearby. Wooden honour boards hang on the wall in the background.

A bald man with glasses and a beard, dressed in a suit, gestures with raised hands while speaking to an audience in a room with wooden plaques on the wall. A piano and several seated people are visible.

A student in a striped blazer plays the violin on stage in front of an audience. A piano and sheet music stand are nearby, with wooden honour boards on the wall behind. Audience members wear matching striped blazers.

A girl in a red and black striped blazer stands by a grand piano, smiling, while an audience of students applauds. A woman sits at the piano, and wooden plaques with names hang on the wall behind them.

A young girl in a white blouse and dark skirt plays a grand piano in front of an audience; wooden plaques with names are on the wall behind her.

A young boy in a red and black striped blazer plays the trumpet on stage in front of an audience, with a grand piano and music stand beside him. Audience members wear matching blazers.

A child in a red and black striped blazer sings or speaks on stage in front of an audience, with plaques displaying names on the wall behind them. Audience members, also in striped blazers, are seated and watching.

A young person in a striped jacket and shorts plays the bagpipes indoors next to a piano stool, with wooden honour boards displayed on the wall behind them.

A student in a red and black striped blazer sings or speaks at a music stand in front of an audience in a school hall, with a piano and wooden honour boards in the background.

A young boy in a red and black striped blazer plays a grand piano on a stage, seated on a black stool. Wooden plaques with names are displayed on the wall behind him.

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The Solar System, Space and the Wider Universe

Mrs Pritchard writes,

“Our Year 5 pupils had the great pleasure of welcoming Mr Kevin Reid, an astronomy enthusiast and space aficionado, for an engaging and interactive session on the Solar System, space, and the wider Universe.

During the workshop, pupils modelled the scale of our Solar System, gaining a powerful conceptual understanding of just how vast it truly is. Their curiosity was boundless, and they asked a range of thoughtful and probing questions—so much so that it proved quite a challenge to persuade them to move on to their next lesson.

We would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere thanks to Mr Reid for sharing his passion and expertise. We look forward to inviting him back next year for another inspiring visit.”

A teacher gestures whilst four students in red striped blazers stand on stage holding props and images of planets, with labels for Uranus and Saturn. An audience of children sits in front watching.

Four children in red and black striped blazers stand in front of two adults in a room. The children are smiling, and the adults behind them are also smiling, suggesting a school event or celebration.

An older man speaks to two boys wearing red and black striped blazers and ties in a large, well-lit room with wooden walls and empty chairs in the background.

A teacher stands and speaks to a group of students in red and black striped uniforms, some with hands raised, in a classroom with wooden plaques on the wall in the background.

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Class Concerts

The Class Concert Series burst into life in the week after half term, as it always does. It has been a joy to see and hear pupils performing with such energy and confidence. Already we have enjoyed a wide range of performances in class music lessons, and there is a wonderful sense of anticipation for the many more still to come.

This term has felt especially vibrant in the Music Department. The excitement of yesterday’s Soloists Music Festival and the Liverpool tour are still very much with us. One can see it in the way pupils approach their performances, sharing their music making with a sense of pride. It all adds to a thriving atmosphere that celebrates music across the St Faith’s.

All year groups in the Prep School are welcome to take part this term, apart from Years 6 and 8, who are fully involved in preparing their productions.

Seven schoolchildren in red striped blazers and uniforms pose with musical instruments—including clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, cello, and piano—in a music classroom decorated with posters.

A child plays a grand piano in a classroom decorated with musical posters, while pupils in red and black striped uniforms watch from chairs. Drums and musical instruments line the left wall.

Two boys in red and black striped blazers are in a classroom; one holds a brass instrument, and the other sits at a piano. A monitor and a guitar are visible in the background.

A young girl in a red and black striped blazer stands at a music stand, speaking or singing to an audience of similarly dressed pupils, with a musical theatre-themed noticeboard in the background.

A boy in a red and black striped blazer plays a drum kit in a music room whilst several children, also wearing striped blazers, watch him perform.

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Intermediate Maths Challenge

Mrs Rainsford writes,

“In the first half of this term, a selection of Year 8 pupils chose to participate in the Intermediate Maths Challenge. We are delighted to share the results: 4 Gold awards, 9 Silver awards and 11 Bronze awards. These results are particularly remarkable as the challenge is aimed at pupils in Years 9 to 11 and involves a range of problem‑solving tasks that encourage mathematical reasoning and precision of thought.

The paper consists of 25 questions, with incorrect answers after question 15 carrying negative marking! Pupils worked diligently through the problems and demonstrated impressive resilience and determination. We wish the very best of luck to those who have been invited to take part in the subsequent Kangaroo Round.”

A group of school pupils in red and black striped blazers and ties stand outside on a paved area, smiling at the camera. There is a leafless tree and a building in the background.

A group of students in red and black striped blazers gather outside around a man in a red hoodie, who is holding papers and addressing them. The scene takes place near a brick building with a sign reading Ashburton.

A student wearing glasses and a red striped blazer stands outdoors, smiling and holding two UK Maths Trust certificates, one labelled Gold Certificate, on a sunny day with buildings and a tree in the background.

A smiling student in a red, black, and white striped blazer holds a gold certificate and a letter in front of a building, likely for an academic achievement.

Four students in red and black striped blazers and red ties stand together outdoors, looking at papers. Three are smiling whilst one looks focused on the paper in his hands. The background is blurred.

A young student in a black, red, and white striped blazer proudly holds a gold certificate outdoors, with sunlight highlighting their face. Benches and a leafless tree are visible in the background.

A smiling boy in a red and black striped blazer and tie holds a piece of paper, standing outdoors with other similarly dressed children in the background.

A group of students in red and black striped blazers, holding white papers, stand together outdoors, smiling and talking in bright sunlight.

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IAPS Swimming

Mrs Critchley writes,

“Yesterday afternoon we travelled to Dulwich College in South London to compete in the National IAPS Swimming qualification round. With ten schools in attendance, it was a busy and action-packed afternoon of highly competitive swimming. Although we don’t have official times yet, according to my stopwatch, it was clear that many new personal best times were achieved! We will need to wait until the end of March to find out if any individual swimmers or relay teams will go on to compete in the finals in June. The children did St Faith’s proud, and it was a pleasure to watch them race and perform so superbly.”

A large group of smiling children in sports kits stand outside a building, giving thumbs up towards the camera. The group is diverse and appears cheerful, with a “Sports Centre” sign visible behind them.

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ISGA Five-Piece Premier National Gymnastics Championships

This weekend our U9 and U11 Girls’ teams will be competing at Tormead School in the ISGA Five-Piece Premier National Gymnastics Championships. We wish them every success!

Pop-in & Play

On Wednesday morning, we were very pleased to welcome families to a wonderfully well‑attended Pop‑in & Play session in our Early Years classrooms and outdoor area. Thanks to the milder weather, children were able to make full use of the beautiful outdoor spaces that St Faith’s is fortunate to enjoy, while parents enjoyed the opportunity to ask questions in a friendly and informal setting.

Interest in our new Preschool remains very strong, reflected in the growing number of children joining us at 3+. As ever, we would be grateful if you could continue to share news of our 3+ provision with friends and colleagues who may be considering options for their younger children.

Pre Prep & Year 3 Open Morning – Saturday, 25th April

This brings us neatly to our upcoming Pre Prep & Year 3 Open Morning. We are delighted to confirm that registrations are now open via the school website, and we look forward to welcoming prospective families for what promises to be an informative and enjoyable event, Visits & Open Mornings – St Faith’s Cambridge.

And Finally…

As February comes to an end, I am sure that many of you have noticed the changing of the season, as the school grounds are starting to look a little different. There has been some welcome sunshine, the light is lingering longer in the afternoons, and the early bulbs are beginning to appear. It is a small shift, but a cheering sign that Spring is on the way. Wishing you a happy and peaceful weekend.

With all best wishes,

Crispin Hyde-Dunn

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