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Posted on: 15 May, 2026
A busy indoor event with adults and children gathered around tables displaying items and posters; some people hold papers, and the setting is decorated with flags and animal pictures on a blue backdrop.

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This Week at St Faith’s

 

Sun Safety and Skin Science

Our Year 3 and 4 pupils recently enjoyed a highly engaging and informative talk from Dr Douglas Maslin, one of our parents and a specialist dermatologist. With great enthusiasm and clarity, Dr Maslin introduced the children to the fascinating world of skin—explaining what it does, why we have it, and how important it is to look after it. Did you know, for example, that the skin is the largest human organ and that there are at least 5,000 different rashes that can appear on the skin?

The session was highly interactive, with pupils eagerly taking part in quiz questions that tested their knowledge and encouraged them to think more deeply about the role of skin in protecting our bodies. Dr Maslin also helped the children understand how the skin is structured, breaking it down into its different layers and components in a way that was both accessible and memorable.

In addition to exploring skin science, Dr Maslin spoke about his work as a dermatologist, explaining the kinds of conditions he treats. Pupils were particularly interested to learn that eczema is one of the most common skin conditions. He also gave a brief introduction to skin surgery, offering insights into how doctors diagnose and treat more serious skin concerns.

A key focus of the talk was the importance of staying safe in the sun. Pupils thoughtfully considered practical steps they can take to protect their skin from harmful UV rays, including wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, and hats, and—of course—applying sunscreen regularly.

To help reinforce this message, Dr Maslin shared a simple and memorable mantra: “More, more, more”—more sunscreen, more coverage with clothing, and more time spent in the shade.

It was a highly enjoyable and educational session, and we are very grateful to Dr Maslin for sharing his expertise with the children in such an engaging and accessible way.

A person wearing glasses and a lanyard stands beside a screen displaying a diagram of human skin layers labelled with parts like hair, sweat gland, and nerve, giving a presentation about skin structure.
A man in glasses points to a digital screen displaying sunburn statistics, including that a third of Americans got sunburnt in 2025, with icons and text highlighting sunburn effects and related behaviours.
A young girl smiles as she puts on an oversized shirt beside an adult in a classroom. Behind them, a screen displays sun safety tips: SLIP SLOP SLAP SEEK SLIDE.
A child wearing oversized sunglasses, a cap, and an oversized shirt stands smiling in a classroom. Behind them are green chairs and a screen displaying the words SLIP and SEEK. Items are on the floor and a nearby table.
A group of schoolchildren, mostly with their backs to the camera, sit closely together indoors. Many wear grey uniforms, and some have red and black striped blazers. They appear to be watching or listening to something.
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RVH Assembly – Curious Creatures

This week, Mrs Harmsworth’s class delighted parents and staff with a wonderfully engaging class assembly on the theme of “Curious Creatures.” With great confidence and enthusiasm, the children took us on a journey through the woods, introducing some of the animals we might encounter along the way.

We learnt about woodland favourites such as red squirrels, blackbirds, woodlice and owls, with the children sharing interesting facts and demonstrating their growing knowledge of the natural world. It was a joy to see their curiosity and excitement as they spoke about these creatures and their habitats.

The children also spoke about their favourite animals, including giraffes, rabbits and mice, bringing a lovely personal touch to the assembly. A particular highlight was their animated appearance in “bunny” headdresses, adding a sense of fun and creativity to the occasion.

The assembly concluded beautifully with a song, followed by a thoughtful prayer. Together, the children gave thanks for the beauty of the world and for the unique way in which each of us is made, a gentle reminder of appreciation and gratitude.

Well done to all of Reception for such a confident and heartwarming performances – the staff in Pre Prep are very proud of you!

Children’s colourful crayon drawings of dogs surround the cover of the book “Odd Dog Out” by Rob Biddulph, which features illustrated dachshunds on a bright yellow background.
Two photos: left, a group of young children in red coats walk along a path by a road, supervised by adults; right, two children in red coats walk side by side, one holding a map, with an adult and other children behind them.
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South Africa Tour Report 2026

We are delighted to share with you the detailed South Africa tour report. It is a very detailed and engaging account of the time that pupils and staff spent in South Africa and I am very grateful to Mr North for writing this. It is available to read in the sidebar of this newsletter.

Read the report

A group of schoolchildren in uniform, smiling and posing energetically for the camera in a school courtyard with brick paving and stacked chairs in the background.
A group of eight smiling people in helmets and harnesses stand arm in arm indoors, posing for a photo with two instructors on each end. A sign above them reads, “WHERE DO YOU COME FROM?”.
A group of kids and teenagers pose and smile together behind a large yellow Canopy Tours frame outside, with some playfully leaning in and others giving thumbs up. Trees and flags are visible in the background.
A large group of smiling teenagers and adults pose in front of a decorative whale tail sculpture at the beach. Some are sitting, some standing, with overcast skies and sand visible in the background.
Left: A smiling girl holds a large, speckled egg outdoors. Right: Several boys sit together on benches; two in front, wearing red hoodies, smile at the camera, one holding a yellow bucket and wearing a yellow hat.
A smiling girl wearing glasses and a baseball cap holds a bird in her hands while sitting on a safari vehicle with three other girls. The group is outdoors on a sunny day with a scenic view in the background.
A group of children in red sweatshirts stand in a queue, observing and touching an elephant’s trunk, guided by a man in uniform. Two elephants stand behind a wooden fence on a grassy field under a cloudy sky.
Two side-by-side photos show a girl in a red hoodie standing on grass in front of two elephants. In each photo, the girl stands in a slightly different pose, smiling with the elephants behind her.
A group of girls in red and black sports kits pose together on an outdoor court, some standing and others kneeling. Two coaches stand at each end. The sky is cloudy and a fence is visible in the background.
A group of young boys in school uniforms energetically perform a dance outdoors on a paved area, with a musician seated nearby and spectators in the background.
A man in a suit speaks into a microphone while holding papers. Behind him, another man sits at a desk operating audio equipment. A signboard with a mission statement stands nearby against a maroon and cream wall.
A group of people gather as a man in a white cap and light blue shirt cuts a ribbon decorated with gold, white, and polka dot balloons in front of a red door, possibly during an opening ceremony.
A group of children in matching black and white outfits perform outdoors; most clap and sing whilst one girl dances barefoot in front on a paved courtyard, with a building and blue sky in the background.
A young boy plays the cello on a chair outdoors, reading sheet music, whilst an audience of students and adults watches attentively in front of a school building.
Several people, including children and an adult, are in a small, brightly-lit library room with bookshelves along the walls and tables with chairs in the centre. One person is browsing books on a shelf.
A student in a striped blazer speaks into a microphone outdoors, standing on a paved area in front of school buildings. Several people are seated and standing in the background, with a clear blue sky above.
A group of boys in red and black uniforms play chess in a classroom, smiling and focused on their games. Chess boards and pieces are visible on tables, and posters hang on the walls in the background.
Seven people stand in a row outdoors, smiling at the camera. Two women in the centre hold up large posters with text and photos. The group appears to be at a school or community event.
A group of smiling children, some in school uniforms and others in red and black rugby jerseys, stand together outside on a sunny day, posing for a cheerful group photo.
A large group of students sit outdoors at an event. In the foreground, students wear red and black striped blazers and hats, whilst others in the background wear different uniforms and casual clothes. Everyone appears attentive and cheerful.
A group of schoolchildren in black and white uniforms stand outside with four smiling older girls in red sports kits, posing together for a photo on a sunny day. School buildings are visible in the background.
Four people stand beside a metal door. One man cuts a white ribbon whilst two women and another man watch and smile. There are orange and pink balloons and red bunting decorations above them.
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International Day

As you will have read in last week’s newsletter, and on the school’s social media accounts, Friday brought the whole school community together in its celebration of International Day. Here is a report of the afternoon, written by our Year 8 pupils.

“The hall was packed as pupils, parents and staff came together to celebrate International Day, a special event in the St Faith’s calendar that brings our community together to share and celebrate the diversity that shapes our school. There were stalls representing 18 different countries, with activities ranging from blowing a vuvuzela (a horn from South Africa) to solving a Rubik’s cube (whose creator was Hungarian). Many stallholders wore traditional outfits which added to the richness of the occasion. Some stalls focused on traditional foods while others shared fascinating facts and history about the countries they represented. For example, the Italy stall challenged visitors to guess different types of pasta by feel alone, while the Germany stall offered traditional treats alongside the opportunity to try handball.

One of the school’s aims this year has been to increase leadership opportunities for Year 8 pupils, and many were very keen to volunteer and play an active role in the event. Groups of Year 8 pupils organised a wide range of activities. One group created a quiz with a question for every country represented which successfully encouraged participants to engage with the stall holders. Other Year 8-designed and led activities included using chopsticks, labelling the states of the USA, spinning a Germany‑themed question wheel, and answering quiz questions by throwing beanbags into hoops representing different countries. Two Year 8 pupils also kindly brought in foods from countries to which they have special connections, giving others the opportunity to sample traditional treats.

As Mrs Davies put it “The Year 8 pupils showed fantastic responsibility and impressive leadership throughout the event.”

A particularly popular stall, also run by Year 8 pupils, was the Makukhanye stall, where visitors learned about St Faith’s long‑standing partnership with Makukhanye School in South Africa, now in its 23rd year. The stall included photos dating back to the very first South Africa trip in 2003, pupil diary entries, items taken to and brought back from South Africa, and large photo boards gifted to us by Makukhanye during our 2026 visit. Visitors were also excited to see Ryan‑O, the South African school mascot, make an appearance! A number of visitors to the stall commented on how enriching it was to learn more about our school partnership and to understand how the money donated supports the Makukhanye community.”

For a special report on the recent trip to Makukhanye, please see the special supplement in the sidebar of this newsletter.

A woman stands behind a table with international flags and food samples, whilst students on the right observe a busy display table with photos and red cards at an indoor event decorated with South African flags.
A group of people stands by a display table with South Africa Tour 2026 hoodies, photos, and colourful decorations at an indoor event. One person adjusts flags on the wall, while others look at items on the table.
Two young women in uniforms stand by dark blue curtains, talking and holding papers and a pack of bottled water. Behind them, children walk through a door. International flags hang overhead. The scene is indoors with a wooden floor.
Two photos of a school event in a hall: In both, children and adults interact near colourful displays and tables with flags. A boy in a blue shirt speaks to a younger boy in red. People are engaged and walking around in the background.
A girl plays a stringed instrument for a group of children and adults at an indoor event. A South African flag is visible, and the children are watching attentively. The atmosphere is festive with international decorations.
A smiling older man holds a large watermelon indoors, surrounded by children and teenagers. People in the background appear to be at an event or gathering in a brightly lit room.
A child and two adults interact at a colourful stall about Palestine, featuring posters, food, and cultural items on a table, at a busy indoor event with other people and displays in the background.
Three people stand and smile behind a USA-themed display table with maps and an American flag tablecloth. The table holds jars of sweets, and others browse exhibits in the background.
People gather around a colourful stall at an indoor event, viewing posters, photos, and documents on a table covered with a flag. A smiling person in red sits behind the display, while others look on and interact.
A busy indoor fair or exhibition with many people of all ages walking around and viewing colourful display tables and projects arranged in rows inside a large hall.
A woman wearing a yellow jumper gestures whilst talking to a man at a colourful stall decorated with Colombian flags. Children and adults are engaged in activities around the table at an indoor event.
A woman in a colourful dress with flowers in her hair and a toy parrot on her shoulder stands behind a table with papers at a busy indoor event, smiling at children and adults around her.
A child and two adults stand in a room with games and activity stations. The child holds a red ring, facing a woman in uniform by a yellow bucket. Tables with cups and a spinning wheel are visible in the background.
A display board shows photos of pupils and staff at Makukhanye School, with a central sign asking to scan a QR code to donate to the school. The pupils wear red and black uniforms in various group activities.
A woman and two children stand at a stall decorated with Italian flags, maps, and photos, presenting information about Italy at a cultural event inside a gymnasium. Other people and display tables are visible nearby.
A woman stands by a colourful Italy-themed display table at an event, featuring a map, photos, food samples, and leaflets, as she talks with an attendee who carries a green Neptune tote bag. Other people are visible in the background.
A woman in a white dress talks to a man and a boy at a table displaying books, brochures, and drinks at an indoor event. The table is decorated with educational and cultural materials.
Two women indoors pose as if playing hockey, holding sticks and smiling. One wears a red striped jumper and jeans; the other wears a Toronto Maple Leafs shirt and white trousers. A stall with flags and displays is behind them.
Three people stand behind a table with international dishes and flags. The table has sample trays, food labels, and small flags from the USA, Ghana, Japan, South Africa, and Germany. One person serves food.
Three women stand and smile in front of a Turkish cultural display table decorated with a Turkish flag, souvenirs, and food items. Colourful posters and international flags are in the background.
A family stands at a stall decorated with a Zimbabwean flag, holding small flags. The table displays snacks, sweets, and cultural items, including a giraffe figurine, biscuits, and colourful bags of puffed maize.
Two women in traditional German attire stand by a table decorated with German flags, balloons, and food. Behind them is a display board about Germany and international flags hanging above.
A woman in a blue sari smiles whilst standing in front of a display table about Sri Lanka, featuring posters, artefacts, and photos at an indoor cultural event.
A woman stands beside a table display about famous Hungarian figures, featuring a poster, snacks, Rubik's cubes, and informational materials in a busy indoor event space with people in the background.
A man and child stand behind a decorated table at a cultural fair, featuring a globe, Bangladeshi flags, informational materials, and traditional items. Other participants and display stands are visible in the background.
Three students stand smiling beside a colourful prize wheel with various questions written on it. They wear school uniforms in yellow and blue shirts, posing indoors near a noticeboard with a rainbow flag.
Two girls stand behind a table with various dishes and papers, talking to a man in a green shirt. The table is decorated with small flags, and the setting appears to be an indoor event or food fair.
Two women, one holding a small sweet, stand smiling behind a table decorated with Indian flags, snacks, and items. They appear to be hosting a cultural stall. International flags hang above them.
Two people are writing Chinese calligraphy on red paper squares, with one holding a marker and the other holding the paper. They are at a table, interacting with a third person, in a brightly lit indoor setting.
A person wearing an Australian rugby shirt stands behind a table displaying Australian-themed books, maps, indigenous art, and food items. The background features dark curtains, flags, and a wooden door.
A woman stands beside a colourful Spain display table with Spanish food, a red flamenco dress, a fan, flowers, traditional shoes, and cultural items. The setup highlights Spanish culture at an indoor event.
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Outstanding Junior Maths Challenge Results

Mrs Rainsford writes,

“Earlier this term more than 120 pupils from St Faith’s took part in the Junior Maths Challenge (JMC), a national competition focusing on problem‑solving and logical thinking. Each year, around 300,000 pupils participate, with the UK Maths Trust awarding Gold certificates to just 8–10% of entrants. At St Faith’s, an outstanding 25% (31 pupils) achieved Gold — an exceptional result and a testament to their mathematical skill, determination, and hard work.”
From the 31 pupils, 20 have progressed to the ‘Junior Kangaroo’ stage and 2 to the ‘Junior Mathematical Olympiad’ round. Both of these rounds are by invitation based on a qualifying JMC score. We look forward to presenting certificates and will be acknowledging the successful pupils in the school assembly on 19th May.

C Cubed – Law and Ethics in Conversation

Mrs Davies writes,

“On Tuesday, our latest C Cubed event welcomed two pupils from The Leys, both Old Fidelians, to lead a thoughtful and intellectually rich session on law. The pupils guided participants through some big and perennial questions: what distinguishes rules from laws, who should make laws, and whether it is ever justifiable to break them. Along the way, pupils were also invited to explore ideas of sanctions, retribution and rehabilitation, and to reflect on the purposes that laws are ultimately meant to serve.

The Leys scholars led the session masterfully, striking a wonderful balance between accessibility and academic challenge. Their ability to open up complex ideas, while encouraging genuine dialogue, ensured that pupils were both supported and stretched in their thinking.

Our St Faith’s pupils, ranging from Year 6 to Year 8, deserve great praise for their level of engagement. They brought curiosity, confidence and careful reflection to the discussion, grappling maturely and thoughtfully with these ethical concerns. It was a pleasure to see them questioning, debating and listening so attentively.

The event encapsulated everything we hoped to achieve when we established the C Cubed initiative at the start of the academic year, bringing pupils together from across the Foundation to foster curiosity, creativity and connection.”

A female teacher in a navy shirt leans over to talk to two pupils in red and black striped uniforms, seated in a classroom with other pupils and colourful displays on the walls.
A group of children in school uniforms sit on folding chairs indoors. A woman speaks to two boys in the front row. Clothes and bags hang on rails in the background. The setting looks like a school event or meeting.
A woman with glasses kneels and talks to two boys sitting on chairs in a classroom. The boys wear red shirts, one with St Faiths written on the back. Other children sit nearby, all facing forwards.
Two girls stand at the front of a classroom, presenting to students in red striped uniforms who are seated and facing them. A screen behind the presenters displays information about laws and rules.
A woman stands among students in striped uniforms seated in a classroom. Behind her, a screen displays an image of Lady Justice and educational text, with colourful noticeboards on the wall.
A teacher leans on a table while speaking to a group of pupils in red and grey striped uniforms seated in a classroom. The pupils face the teacher, and the classroom has blue walls and a whiteboard.
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Welbeck Hospital New Mural Art Project

In the Michaelmas term a number of our pupils submitted designs for the Welbeck Hospital Mural Competition. The theme, Cambridge Reimagined, prompted imaginative and thoughtful responses.
This week Ms Ankin received the fantastic news that two of our Year 8 and one of our Year 6 pupils have been named as winners, so we offer our warmest congratulations to them and the winning displays are included below. 1st prize was awarded to ‘Mathematics Bridge’, the 2nd prize to ‘Connecting bridges’ and third prize was ‘King’s Chapel’. The team of judges said that “The quality of submissions from St Faith’s was so impressive that we’ve chosen three winners from your school, so all 3 pieces will be projected on the wall in the waiting area of the Children’s Department in rotation.”

A colourful drawing of Cambridge landmarks, including colleges, bridges, a Ferris wheel, punting on the river, and crowds of people, all depicted in cartoon style on several floating islands connected by water.
A colourful drawing shows a clock tower on a yellow hill, a bridge, two leafy trees, owls, falling leaves, and a night sky with a crescent moon and stars. A black cat sits atop the clock tower.
A painting of a grasshopper on a wooden bridge in the night sky, flanked by two clouds, constellations, colourful dots, maths equations, and a sunrise at the bottom. The background transitions from dark to light blue.
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Year 8 Reading Competition

Ms Morris writes,

“This term, Year 8 pupils have been taking part in our annual Summer Term Reading Competition, showcasing not only their reading skills but also their confidence, expression and love of literature.

The competition began earlier this term, with every member of Year 8 performing a poem to their class from a wide-ranging anthology featuring writers including William Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson and William Blake. Finalists were then selected from each class to compete in today’s final.

In the final, pupils performed a new poem chosen from an equally challenging and varied selection, including Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley and The Charge of the Light Brigade by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Alongside this, pupils also selected and performed a prose extract of their own choice. The range of texts was wonderful to see, spanning authors such as Roald Dahl, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Lewis Carroll, Adrian Mole and, of course, William Shakespeare.

We were also delighted to welcome back Mrs Hudson as our guest judge. Ahead of her return to school from maternity leave, it was wonderful for her to see the excellent progress the pupils have continued to make since she last taught many of them.

Choosing the winners from such a talented group of eleven finalists proved incredibly difficult. Three pupils were awarded Highly Commended certificates, alongside our third, second and first place winners, all of whom were warmly congratulated by their peers and teachers.

The overall winner will receive the Reading Cup on Speech Day, while certificates will be presented during our English Department celebration in the final week of term.

Congratulations to all of our finalists and winners for such thoughtful, engaging and entertaining performances.”

Ten children stand individually on a wooden stage, each holding papers and reading or performing. Behind them are wooden props and dark curtains, suggesting a theatre or school performance rehearsal.
A group of students in red and black uniforms sit on chairs in rows inside a large hall with wooden floors and a high ceiling. An adult sits on the left side, facing the students.
A group of students in red and black uniforms sit in a row of chairs in a school hall, holding papers and laptops, with more pupils seated in the background.
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This Week in Science

Mrs Pritchard writes,
“Year 5 continued their work on Life Processes with a series of hands‑on investigations. Pupils carried out a detailed plant dissection, identifying the male and female parts of a flower and creating a beautiful display to showcase their findings. They also dissected broad beans to identify the presence of starch and explored how plants pollinate, discussing why this process is vital for ecosystems and food production.

Year 6 began their new topic on Reproduction. They examined the anatomy of an egg and used microscopes to observe male and female gametes, considering how these contribute to our genotype. This practical work helped them link biological structures to inherited characteristics in a meaningful and memorable way.

Year 7 launched their Bronze CREST Award projects, selecting from a wide range of real‑world scientific challenges. Their chosen topics include investigating the environmental impact of acid rain on crop growth and exploring the practicalities and ethical considerations of AI in a rapidly developing technological world.

Year 8 moved on to Forces, applying mathematical reasoning to deepen their understanding. They investigated Hooke’s Law, calculating the spring constant by rearranging formulae, and worked through problems involving speed and acceleration. Using reverse engineering, they developed clear definitions and strengthened their confidence in linking scientific concepts with quantitative skills.”

Year 8 Charity Challenge

Miss Kennerley writes,

“Year 8 did not let the weather forecast dampen their entrepreneurial spirits this week as they set up in business as part of the 2026 £5 Charity Challenge. After receiving £5 interest-free loans from school, the children teamed up with their peers to set up small businesses selling drinks, cakes, candyfloss, popcorn, waffles, bracelets, shoelaces, 3D toys and much more! The businesses will trade for 5 weeks before the loans have to be repaid and all the profit donated to charity. This year we are supporting a music project in Cambridge that enables underprivileged children to experience instrumental music, and the SOS Project in Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa. During our recent visit to Makukhanye School we learned how the SOS Project provides a soup kitchen and foodbank for the families in the Makukhanye who have no other form of support. Every penny the children raise will make a difference to someone else’s life and we were immensely proud to see how enthusiastic and excited they were setting up their stalls and realising how successful they had been! The Year 8 businesses are able to trade out of school for the next 3 weeks before the final sale in school on Thursday 4th June. Thank you to the Year 8 families for supporting our young entrepreneurs and helping with the shopping logistics, and to the Year 3 to 7 families for enabling their children to buy items and join the positive atmosphere in and around Ashburton Hall on Thursday.”

A large group of schoolchildren crowd round a table outside, interacting with pupil sellers wearing red and black striped blazers, possibly at a school fair or fundraising event.
Five girls in school uniforms stand behind a bake sale table with various treats and signs. They are smiling and have their arms round each other in front of a noticeboard outdoors.
A group of schoolchildren in uniforms watch as candyfloss is made in a machine. One girl holds a stick with pink candyfloss, while others look on with interest. The setting appears to be indoors.
Two girls in striped uniforms throw wet sponges at two women standing behind a cardboard cut-out of Shrek and Fiona outside a brick building. Sponges are mid-air, and a bucket is on the ground nearby.
Three students stand behind a table displaying a project with colourful items and papers, engaging with another student opposite them in a school setting. All wear red uniforms except one in a grey jumper.
A surprised boy with red hair, wearing a red polo shirt and black bag, holds up two crisp packets in a brightly lit room. Another boy in a red and black striped jacket is reaching towards blue cups on a table.
A smiling girl in a grey and red school uniform holds a large stick of pink candyfloss, with other students in similar uniforms in the background.
Two photos show boys in red shirts and grey shorts or trousers standing at outdoor tables with cardboard boxes, handing out items to other boys at what appears to be a school event. One shirt reads “St Faith’s” on the back.
Students wearing uniforms interact at a school market stall displaying handmade bracelets. Some pupils are selling items whilst others browse. The atmosphere is lively and collaborative.
A group of schoolchildren in striped uniforms gather around a table with colourful items and drinks, engaging in an outdoor activity under a covered walkway surrounded by greenery.
A smiling girl in a black hoodie holds a colourful X-Shot water gun outdoors. She has a rucksack with a pink water bottle attached, and other children are visible in the background.
A group of boys, some in striped blazers and others in casual clothes, stand around a table with drinks and cups, interacting in a bright indoor setting.
Children at a market stall outdoors, selecting and buying colourful sweets and small items from tables under a canopy. The children wear uniforms, some with red and black striped blazers. Trees are visible in the background.
Two students in red uniforms smile and hold a homemade Pick n Mix sign and a plastic container. Other students are visible in the background, walking through a school corridor.
A group of boys in school uniforms gather around a table with a bottle of Fanta and other items, appearing to work on a science experiment or project in a classroom or school hall.
A group of schoolchildren in red striped blazers and black uniforms stand at a table covered with sweets and treats, eagerly looking at items for sale at what appears to be a school fête or fundraiser.
A group of school children in uniforms are gathered outside, smiling and playing with colourful water pistols. Some are spraying water whilst others look on, and the background shows a school building and greenery.
Four students stand around a table in a school hall. Two boys in red and black blazers count money, another boy in a grey jumper watches, and a girl in a red jacket stands facing the table with drinks and snacks.
Left: Two boys in school uniforms stand at a table, one smiling and holding a box with raffle tickets. Right: Four children, also in uniforms, watch as a girl eats pink candyfloss at a busy indoor event.
A group of school children in red and grey uniforms gather around a table outside a building, where two older students appear to be serving food or drinks.
Children in red and black uniforms attend a school fete. On the left, children run a tabletop game with small prizes. On the right, a girl holds candyfloss while another draws from a Lucky Dip box decorated with stars.
Two photos: On the left, boys in striped blazers sell colourful bracelets at a table. On the right, girls in school uniforms stand behind a table with a display of bracelets and a handwritten sign reading Bracelets.
A smiling girl in a red and black striped blazer stands behind a table with popcorn, ingredients, and a small popcorn machine, talking to someone out of shot.
Children gather around tables at a school fete, engaging with items for sale. On the left, a girl enthusiastically talks with peers. On the right, two boys in uniforms look at various sweets and crafts displayed on a table.
Two photos: On the left, a boy watches candyfloss being made at a pink machine. On the right, a girl in a red-and-black striped jacket holds a large stick of pink candyfloss and a cup, looking at the candyfloss.
A group of children gathers around a table outdoors, examining various colourful objects in plastic bags, while two people in striped jackets explain or demonstrate something.
A smiling girl wearing safety goggles and a red shirt makes candyfloss in a large machine while other children watch, one in a red and black striped shirt.
Three schoolgirls in uniform stand outside, facing a mosaic wall with the words Celebrating 15 Years displayed. They wear rucksacks and skirts, and other pupils are seen in the background near a cloakroom.
Children in striped blazers eagerly watch as someone prepares pink candyfloss at a machine during an indoor event. Empty chairs and more children are visible in the background.
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From Seed to Table

Mrs Scott writes,

“On Wednesday the Eco Committee were proud to be sharing produce grown in the school vegetable patches with Mr Wood, our Head Chef. The produce will be used to create lunches for the school. We supplied, salad, lettuce, kale and broad beans.

On Thursday, under the expert eye of our Eco Expert Ben, the Eco Committee harvested pak choi which will also be used in the school kitchen. The seeds for the plants were kindly supplied by our friends at Cultivating Change.”

A group of smiling schoolchildren in uniforms stand together in a kitchen; one boy at the front holds a tray of fresh green spinach leaves. An adult stands behind them. Plates are stacked on the counter nearby.
Four school children in uniform crouch around a raised vegetable bed filled with leafy green plants, smiling and tasting produce in a sunny school garden with a wooden fence.
Three boys are crouched down in a garden bed, closely examining and tending to leafy green plants. One wears a red shirt, another has a red and black jacket draped beside him. Grass and more plants surround the garden area.
Two girls in school uniforms kneel in a garden, smiling as they tend to leafy green plants together. Sunlight shines on them, and a wooden fence is visible in the background.
Two boys crouch in a garden bed next to a wooden fence, tending to leafy green plants. One wears a red and black striped blazer, and the other a red shirt. Sunlight highlights the vibrant garden scene.
A group of schoolchildren in uniforms are gathered around a raised garden bed, tending to green plants on a sunny day. A wooden fence and trees are in the background.
A group of children in school uniforms kneel and reach towards leafy green plants in a garden bed, working together near a wooden fence on a sunny day.
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Year 5 Future Schools Meeting

On Tuesday evening, Year 5 parents attended a presentation in Ashburton Hall about Future Schools Planning. This is an important and carefully planned journey for all our families, and we aim to support every family in selecting and securing a place at the right senior school for their child. Many St Faith’s pupils stay within the Foundation at 13+ by moving to The Leys, but pupils from St Faith’s also join a wide range of other excellent local and national senior schools. As well as information about the process and the help we offer, there were also presentations from Dr Clare Ives, Head of The Leys, as well as from St Faith’s Head of English, Ms Morris and Head of Maths, Mrs Rainsford, about how best to support children in these core subjects as they prepare for future entrance exams.

A man in a suit speaks to an audience in a classroom. Behind him, a presentation slide on a projector reads, Presentation to Year 9 Parents: Future Schools Planning, May 2020, with an image of striped flags.
A woman in a dark suit stands in front of a screen displaying The Leys and St Faith’s Foundation and a colourful crest in a classroom or lecture hall.
Five adults sit in a row of chairs indoors, holding papers and smiling. Four women and one man are present, with empty chairs in the foreground and a wooden door behind them.
A group of people sitting on folding chairs in a brightly lit room, facing forward and attentively listening to someone out of view. The scene suggests a meeting, lecture, or presentation.
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U11 Boys and Girls County Cricket Festival

Mr Johnson writes,

“The boys performed exceptionally well in a festival hosted by The Perse Prep. They played 5 matches and were convincing winners in every match they played. It was an example of terrific teamwork. Where one or two batsmen did not quite reach their runs target in each match, their teammates addressed the situation and filled in, so overall they supported each other to very commendable totals – which were too high for all their opponents to chase down. Again, the bowling remained consistently tight overall, with significantly fewer extras being conceded than each team they played. It really was a superb day and a fantastic achievement for this promising group of Cricketers.”

Mr Thompson writes,

“Last Friday our U11A Girls’ Cricket team took part in the County Festival held at Latham Road. It was a glorious sunny day and the performances by the girls matched the weather! With The Perse, King’s Ely, King’s Cambridge, Stephen Perse, St John’s College School and ourselves taking part the standard was very high. Our girls bowled incredibly well all day finishing the day winning four matches and losing one. The growth throughout the day was fantastic and that has continued in the midweek performances. A very good start to what potentially is going to be an outstanding season.”

U11 Boys’ IAPS Cricket

Mr Hill writes,

“The IAPS U11 Boys’ Cricket Festival held at Oundle School on May 1st saw a strong performance from St Faith’s. The team competed in the hardball regional festival against several top prep schools.

St Faith’s U11A team had a highly successful day, maintaining their reputation as one of the strongest cricketing sides in the region, winning 4 out of their 5 games. The team progressed through the group stages with notable clinical wins and some excellent depth in their bowling attack and aggressive top-order batting. The fielding was also very pleasing with good concentration shown by the whole squad of 13 players.

St Faith’s successfully qualified for the afternoon stage of the tournament continuing their trend of high placement in IAPS competitions and becoming winners of the overall 3rd place tournament, making them the 9th best U11 squad in the Regional IAPS. However, the standout feature of the day was the team performance, attitude, effort, togetherness, respect for each other and the opposition. The boys represented St Faith’s exceptionally well.”

Children playing cricket on a grassy field; one is batting in protective kit, another is crouched as wicket-keeper, and others are fielding. Trees and a few people are visible in the background.
A group of children play cricket on a grassy field. One child is bowling, another is batting, and others are fielding. An adult stands nearby as an umpire. Trees and a fence are in the background.
A group of children in sports kit stand in two lines facing each other, raising their arms to form an arch whilst another child bends down to walk underneath on a grassy field.
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Cambridgeshire County Athletics Championships

Mr Mageean writes,

“Last Saturday was a wonderful day with 18 of our pupils competing in the sunshine at the County Athletics Championships at Wilberforce Road Athletics Track, amongst over 550 athletes from the region in attendance. This is primarily a ‘club’ championship with the best athletes in the Cambridgeshire area competing, so it is particularly refreshing to see our school athletes mixing it with the best!

Lots of personal best performances achieved, lots of fun had and a fantastic medal tally, with 5 of our pupils being crowned as Under 14 County Champions! Our 18 pupils competing secured a grand total of 15 medals in total (5 gold; 6 silver; 4 bronze) and every one of those was achieved through sheer hard work and great support from family and friends on the day.

All of our results at the County Championships are listed in the side bar, with many of these including new personal bests.”

Three smiling girls stand together on a sunny sports field. The girl on the left wears a red St. Faiths running shirt and number 72, while the other two wear medals and athletic outfits. A track is visible in the background.
A young boy in sports kit wearing bib number 46 stands on grass by an athletics track, smiling and holding a medal with a light blue ribbon. Other athletes and sports equipment are visible in the background.
Two young athletes stand on a track. The girl on the left wears a red St. Faith’s jersey, a medal, and number 84. The boy on the right wears a similar jersey with number 20. Both smile, with the track and field in the background.
Two young boys in athletic vests with bib numbers 46 and 45 stand on a red running track under a blue sky.
Two young female athletes wearing Cambridge & Coleridge Athletic Club vests with race numbers 60 and 61 sit together smiling on a bench.
Two teenage boys stand on an outdoor running track. One wears a white and blue athletics kit with the number 41, and the other wears a black and red kit with St. Faiths and the number 8. Hurdles and buildings are in the background.
Five young athletes stand on a running track, wearing race numbers and St. Faiths team kit, smiling at the camera. One is holding an ice lolly and another has a support bandage on their knee. Trees and sports equipment are in the background.
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IAPS Clay Pigeon Shooting

Mr Gillick writes,

“The St Faith’s U13 team travelled to the West London Shooting School last week to take part in the annual IAPS Clay Pigeon Shooting Championships, an exciting and challenging event that brings together young shots from across the country. Our four representatives — from Years 6 to 8 — approached the day with enthusiasm and determination. For three of the boys, this was their first experience of the IAPS shooting event, and it was wonderful to see their confidence grow steadily as they moved from stand to stand, tackling a variety of clays including crossers, driven birds, and high‑tower targets. Their willingness to learn, adapt, and support one another was evident throughout.

Adding to the spirit of the day was the presence of several parents who joined the trip. Their encouragement, humour, and gentle guidance created a warm and positive atmosphere, and the shared moments — celebrating clean hits, laughing off the occasional miss, and enjoying time outdoors together — made the experience all the more memorable.

Despite taking a team of only four shooters, when six are permitted, and with scores not averaged, St Faith’s produced an excellent performance. The boys shot 101 clays out of a possible 200, giving them a success rate of just over 50%, a standard with which any seasoned shot should be more than happy! Their combined efforts earned the team a highly respectable 4th place — an impressive achievement built on composure, teamwork, and steady improvement across the day.

Overall, the boys represented St Faith’s with maturity, sportsmanship, and growing technical skill, and they should be extremely proud of their efforts. A huge thank you goes to all staff, parents, and supporters who made the day possible. And finally — watch this space for our inaugural Parents & Staff Clay Pigeon Shooting Day, coming soon…”

A group of four children and three adults pose outdoors on a sunny day. The children wear green waistcoats, hats, and hold cases, while the adults stand behind them smiling. There is grass, a fence, and blue sky with clouds in the background.
Two people in ear protection stand in a wooden shooting stand on a sunny day, aiming shotguns at targets in a grassy, open field. One person provides guidance whilst the other prepares to shoot.
Four boys stand outdoors on a gravel path, dressed in sports kit and holding gun cases, likely at a shooting range. They are smiling, with greenery and blue sky in the background.
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Swimming Gala

Mrs Critchley writes,

“On Tuesday we hosted a gala for our U12 and U13 swimming teams against Kimbolton Senior School. It was an evenly fought contest from the start, and going into the final event, the mixed 8x25m canon, there was only 2 points in it – it was all rather exciting. After a final valiant effort, our two relay teams came first and second, assuring a hard fought victory for St. Faith’s with a final score of St Faith’s 105 points, Kimbolton 99 points. Two new school records were set in the boys U13 50m backstroke and the boys’ U13 4x25m medley relay. Well done everybody – it was a wonderful occasion.”

Save the Date

Please do save the date for the OF BBQ taking place on Friday, 4th September – all Old Fidelians and their guests are welcome. Please also note in your diaries that our next whole school Open Morning will take place on Saturday, 10th October.

And Finally…

This week has taken pupils from woodland creatures to courtroom ethics, from skin science to county cricket, not to mention the first of the salad and vegetable harvests. As we look forward to longer evenings, and sunnier days, there has certainly been plenty of activity!

Wishing you a peaceful and enjoyable weekend,

With all best wishes,

Crispin Hyde-Dunn

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