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Posted on: 22 May, 2026
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This Week at St Faith’s

 

Year 8 Sets Sail with Treasure Island

Excitement has steadily built over the last few weeks as our Year 8 pupils embarked on their final St Faith’s voyage with this year’s production of Treasure Island. There was a real sense of anticipation across the school as the pupils carefully rehearsed their lines, while a visit to the Art rooms revealed an equally impressive transformation—props taking shape, scenery emerging, and ships slowly coming to life. Though the story itself is a well-loved classic, this production brimmed with fresh energy, imagination and determination.

Central to the story is Jim Hawkins, whose journey reflects themes of independence, growth and the power of the choices we make. It is this coming-of-age narrative that resonates deeply with our Year 8 pupils as they approach the end of their own journey at St Faith’s.

Behind the scenes, the creative momentum was just as impressive. Backstage teams worked tirelessly to bring the world of the play to life—wooden crates, barrels and treasure chests, all were carefully crafted, as well as the ship itself ready to brave the high seas. Through inventive ensemble storytelling, pupils used their collective imagination to create islands, oceans and adventures, demonstrating just how powerful collaboration can be.

This spirit of teamwork has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the production. Pupils have embraced opportunities to share ideas, solve problems together and support one another across all aspects of the performance. The partnership between Drama, Art and Music has been particularly inspiring, resulting in a visually rich and dynamic stage world that reflected both creativity and commitment.

Of course, no retelling of Treasure Island would be complete without its unforgettable characters. Figures such as Long John Silver provided an opportunity for pupils to explore complex themes of courage, integrity and friendship—values which, as the pupils have discovered, are worth far more than any hidden treasure.

As their final production at St Faith’s, this performance is especially meaningful. It captures not only the adventure of the story itself, but also the journey of a remarkable year group who have grown in confidence, creativity and collaboration. We thank them and the Creative Arts teams for all of their hard work and dedicated rehearsals, which culminated in a truly memorable production. Well done Year 8!

A group of young actors on stage, dressed in colourful costumes, energetically raising their fists in the air under dramatic lighting during a lively theatre performance.
A boy in a medieval costume stands centre stage under blue lighting, looking serious, while a group of similarly dressed children stand behind him, some with hands raised to their foreheads as if saluting.
Three people in pirate costumes sit on a wooden bench on stage, with one holding a colourful parrot prop on their shoulder. The scene is lit with purple lighting, and barrels and ropes decorate the background.
Two children in white period costumes and wigs perform on stage under blue lighting; one holds a cane and gestures while the other stands behind, holding a prop and looking forward.
A young person dressed as a pirate stands on stage, gripping an imaginary sword with both hands, under dramatic blue lighting. Other performers in pirate costumes are in the background.
Two children dressed as pirates perform on stage. One child, wearing a red headband and holding a sword, shouts energetically, whilst the other stands on a wooden platform, raising an arm and wearing a navy jacket and hat.
Two actors in ragged costumes crouch on stage, dramatically opening a small wooden chest under theatrical lighting, whilst several people in pirate-themed outfits watch from the background.
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Transport Through Time Inspires Future Thinking

This week we have celebrated Transport and Sustainability Week and in both of our school assemblies we were delighted to welcome Julia and Maya from KMC Transport Consultants. They delivered an engaging and thought-provoking talk to our pupils all about the history and future of transport in Cambridge.

The session began with a journey back in time, exploring how people once travelled around the city. From horse-drawn carts to the arrival of the railway, the pupils discovered how Cambridge has continually adapted its transport systems to meet the needs of its growing population. Julia and Maya shared fascinating insights into how key decisions were made over the years, such as the location and the railway station. When the railway came to Cambridge in the 1840s, the University wanted the station to be built away from the city centre, so that its presence would not distract the students. Hence its position further away from the city.

Moving into more recent history, the pupils learned about significant milestones in transport innovation, including the development of cycle infrastructure—something for which Cambridge is now famous. With dates and timelines to guide them, the children were able to see how changes in technology, population, and environmental awareness have shaped the way people move around the city today.

Looking ahead, Julia and Maya also introduced some exciting plans for the future of Cambridge transport. Among these was the forthcoming Cambridge South station, due to open in June, which will improve connectivity and make travel more accessible for many. The pupils were particularly intrigued by the idea of the UK’s first cycle-priority street in Adams Road, a pioneering initiative designed to put cyclists first and encourage safer, greener travel.

To round off the session, the children were set a creative challenge: to imagine and design their dream journey to school. Would it be by flying bike, underground tunnel, solar-powered bus, or something entirely new?

Perhaps this theme has even prompted some interesting discussions at home. Thank you to Julia and Maya for inspiring us to think differently about how we travel, and for reminding us how the choices we make today can shape the future of our city.

Two women give a presentation to a large group of students in a school hall. One woman points at a screen displaying historical black-and-white images and text. The students sit attentively, facing the presenters.
Two women wearing red VISITOR lanyards smile at the camera in a brightly lit indoor space with light wood floors and draped fabric in the background.
A large group of students, many wearing red and black uniforms, sit on the floor of a school hall, attentively listening to a man giving a presentation in front of a screen and a stage with nautical decorations.
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Scalextric Event and Bike Marking

Also as part of Transport week, Year 2 pupils had the opportunity to use bicycles for something a little unexpected…

Mrs Clarke writes,

“Using a racing track, Year 2 children had the opportunity to transform the classic Scalextric game into an interactive challenge. Each child had the opportunity to use the bikes to power and control the racing cars around the track, racing head-to-head against each other. It took both speed and skill to cross the finish line first and climb to the top of the leader board.”

St Faith’s is committed to promoting sustainable travel within our community and on Monday we offered families the opportunity to take part in the BikeRegister scheme, a national initiative that helps protect bicycles against theft and increases the chances of recovery if a bike is lost or stolen. We hope this initiative will help keep our pupils’ bikes safe and encourage more families to consider cycling to school.

Finally, on Thursday pupils were able to bring in their bicycles for a free service with Dr Bike, a scheme that is available termly for both pupils and staff.

Children in checked uniforms pedal stationary bikes under a red tent labelled Pedal Powered Scalextric at an outdoor event, while adults supervise and other children watch.
A group of excited young children in school uniforms watches toy racing cars on a green slot car track, some smiling and cheering as the cars speed round the bends.
Two young girls in red checked uniforms smile as one gives the other a piggyback. Nearby, girls in matching uniforms watch toy cars race on a green track, excited and engaged.
A young girl in a checked dress raises her arms joyfully while riding a yellow bike on grass; beside her, a young boy in a red shirt rides a similar bike, focused ahead.
Three young children in red school uniforms smile and watch excitedly over a barrier, possibly at a racecourse or interactive exhibit, with greenery and a white fence in the background.
A smiling boy in a red jumper rides a yellow bicycle outdoors, while a girl in a red jumper and checked skirt rides a bike in the background. In the foreground, toy cars are placed on a black and green track.
Children smile and watch intently as toy cars race around a large scalextric track. One boy, on the right, looks especially excited, leaning over the track with a big grin.
Two children wearing red school uniforms ride bicycles side by side on grass, focusing intently ahead. A wooden fence and parked cars are visible in the background.
Two smiling young girls, one in a red jumper and the other in a checked shirt, hug each other outdoors near a table, with a grassy area and white picket fence in the background.
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Pre Prep Sports Day

Mrs North writes,

“The weather did not seem to want to cooperate as the morning of the Pre Prep Sports Day arrived on Tuesday. The decision to cancel was put off till the very last moment and reluctantly it was decided to run the event inside the Sports Hall for all but Year 2. The main reason for moving to plan ‘B’ was that the wind would prove uncomfortable for all participants and the slippery grass could potentially cause slips and injuries.

The indoor event was a calm, quiet version of the full outdoor event, supported sympathetically by the hushed audience. After the first race, the pupils soon adjusted to having no lane markings, the teams settled into a rhythm and everything went very smoothly. There was plenty to enjoy throughout the morning: who didn’t love the Reception class completing the Egg and Spoon race? Who didn’t marvel at the agility of Year 1 as they skilfully rotated hoops and skipped through them in a festival of coordination? Whose heart did not melt watching our very first Preschool sprint? Thanks so much to Mr Holmes our Assistant Bursar for scoring for us, and also Mrs Riefolo, Mr Caven and Mrs Shaw plus all the Teaching Assistants for preparing the children for this special event. Thanks too to our Year 8 Sports Specific Prefects for helping so brilliantly and a special thank you to our parents and class teachers for supporting the event so enthusiastically.

Today, Friday 22nd May marks the second chapter of the event. Scores are in the balance with many more points yet to be won…. Who will finish in first place? And will Year 2 be able to help their teams show the best organisation and the best spirit? More news to follow after half term.”

Three young children in coloured sports bibs race inside a gymnasium while adults watch and other children sit in the background. Colourful cones mark lanes on the gym floor.
A young girl in sportswear runs towards the finishing line in an indoor gymnasium during a race, with other children, adults, and colourful cones visible in the background.
A young girl in a sports kit runs indoors towards a finish line, with an audience seated in the background and green traffic cones on the gymnasium floor.
Split image: On the left, a girl runs holding a yellow hoop in a gymnasium with spectators watching. On the right, a boy in a green bib walks carefully carrying a yellow ball on a spoon.
Three young children are running a race indoors, about to cross the finishing line. Spectators are watching from the side, and colourful cones mark the lanes on the gymnasium floor.
A young boy in a red shirt and black shorts steps through a yellow hula hoop indoors during a PE activity. Other children and adults are visible in the background, participating and observing.
Three young boys in sports kit compete in a gymnasium, reaching for beanbags on top of colourful cones, while spectators watch from the sidelines. Other children and adults stand and sit in the background.
Children in sportswear participate in an indoor obstacle course, picking up balls among rows of cones, whilst teachers and spectators watch from the background.
A girl in sportswear jumps through a yellow hoop during a school gym event, with other children participating and spectators watching in a sports hall.
A young girl wearing a red pinafore carefully balances a blue ball on a spoon as she walks in a gymnasium during a school sports event, while other children and adults watch in the background.
Four boys wearing red school shirts stand together in a gymnasium, smiling and posing playfully. One boy has his arm round another, while a third points at him. They appear to be enjoying each other's company.
Two children in sports kits are racing towards the finishing line on a grass track, with a group of children and adults watching in the background. The boy in front is about to cross the line first.
Two children in sports kit race on a grass track, holding batons. A crowd of children and adults watches in the background under sunny weather.
A boy runs with a baton in a relay race on a grassy field, whilst other children in white sports kits wait in a queue and watch. Bright, sunny weather and trees are visible in the background.
A young boy runs with a relay baton on a grassy track during a school sports event, with classmates running behind and a crowd of children and adults watching from the touchline.
A group of young children in sports kit are sprinting on a grassy track during a race on a sunny day. The children appear focused and energetic as they run forwards.
Two young boys race on a grass track during a sports day event, with one wearing a white shirt and the other a red shirt. Spectators watch from the touchline on a sunny day.
Two children in sports kits jump over hurdles on a grassy field during a race, while spectators watch from the sidelines. Some people are seated and others stand, with a pushchair nearby. The background features trees and buildings.
A young girl in a red shirt and black shorts jumps over a hurdle on a grassy athletics track during a sunny day, with spectators and a woman in a blue dress watching in the background.
Children in sports kits run a hurdles race on a grassy field, with a crowd of adults and parents sitting and watching in the background on a sunny day.
A boy jumps over a hurdle on a grassy track during a school sports event, with classmates, teachers, and spectators watching in the background.
Children in sports kits participate in an outdoor relay race on a grassy field, holding batons. A woman stands among them, cheering. Colourful cones mark lanes, and trees are visible in the background.
Children participate in a sports day event, throwing rings over poles on a grassy field, whilst spectators and teachers watch in the background under sunny weather.
A young boy in a red shirt runs a relay race on a grassy sports field, holding a baton. Other children and an adult watch from the touchline on a sunny day.
Children are racing on a grassy field, each carrying a ring and running between posts. Other children and adults watch and cheer from the sidelines under a sunny sky.
Children in school uniforms participate in a skipping race on a grassy field. A teacher stands by watching.
A young girl in a red shirt and black shorts smiles as she crosses a finishing line on a grass running track, with other children and adults watching in the background.
Two smiling girls stand outside on a sunny day, wearing school uniforms—one in a light blue polo and one in a green polo. Playground equipment and trees are visible in the background.
A group of adults outdoors participate in a relay race, energetically passing batons to teammates on a grassy field under sunny weather. Everyone appears focused and engaged in the activity.
Adults race on a grassy sports pitch while a crowd watches from the sidelines on a sunny day. Spectators stand and sit near umbrellas and a large tree, with buildings and greenery in the background.
A group of adults participate in a sack race on a grassy sports pitch, smiling and laughing on a sunny day. Some people are hopping forward while others watch or walk in the background.
Two men running in a race on a grass pitch, with a crowd of people watching from the sidelines on a sunny day. Some spectators are standing and others are sitting near a building and trees in the background.
A group of young children in sports kits and red hats sit and pose cheerfully on blankets outside, with colourful dragon artwork displayed on the wall behind them. Water bottles are placed nearby on the grass.
Six young children in white uniforms and red hats sit on steps outdoors, smiling and cheering whilst holding up a “Bike Week” sign. Colourful dragon posters and the words OVERS 1st INNS are visible in the background.
A group of children in white uniforms and red hats sit and kneel outside, smiling and holding handmade signs. Colourful dragon murals are displayed on the wall behind them. The kids appear happy and excited.
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Year 2 Little Inventor Day

On Wednesday Year 2 visited the Engineering Workshop, where they will soon be enjoying regular weekly classes as part of the academic curriculum in Year 3. The core of Engineering is problem solving and creating practical solutions to real-world challenges. The day was themed around environmental innovation, drawing inspiration from the Earthshot Prize and the character ‘Little Miss Inventor’.

The day began with an engaging introduction to the world of engineering, followed by a hands-on challenge: designing a community garden and making a wooden plant pot. Working in small groups and supported by older pupils from Year 7 and Year 5, the children brought their ideas to life using wooden frames and creative designs.

With almost 60 enthusiastic young inventors, the occasion was a wonderful demonstration of imagination, collaboration, and environmental awareness. A special thank you to the staff and older pupils who supported the event, making it a memorable experience for all involved.

Two children work together on a craft project with wooden sticks in a classroom. The girl smiles whilst watching the boy assemble the structure. Other pupils and craft materials are visible in the background.
A young girl wearing glasses and a blue overall smiles whilst squeezing glue onto a piece of wood during a craft activity in a classroom setting.
Two children are shown, one in a red shirt indoors smiling at the camera with a small project on the table, and one in a blue shirt outdoors, focusing on an activity involving green and white objects held by an adult.
A young boy in a blue shirt squeezes glue onto a small wooden piece whilst concentrating on a craft project in a colourful classroom setting.
Two girls in red shirts work together on a woodcraft project at a table, focusing on assembling small wooden pieces. Other pupils and workshop tools are visible in the background.
Three children work together on a craft project at a table, using wooden sticks and glue. One child wears glasses, while another wears a blue shirt and focuses on assembling the pieces. The atmosphere is creative and collaborative.
A group of children in a classroom work on a project round a table. One older pupil in red stands and smiles, while others wearing red and blue shirts engage with craft materials. One shirt reads ENGINEERING.
A teacher helps two young pupils with a woodworking project at a classroom table, using wood pieces and glue. Other children work in the background, all wearing red or blue uniforms.
A girl applies glue to a wooden craft project on a table whilst a boy watches. Both children are in a workshop, wearing casual clothes, with tools and equipment visible in the background.
Two girls work together on a woodworking project, focused on assembling wooden pieces at a table. One girl holds a cloth, possibly sanding, while the other adjusts pieces. Other children and adults are visible in the background.
A young child with blonde hair, wearing a red shirt, smiles while working on a wooden craft project at a table in a classroom setting. Other children in red shirts are visible in the background.
Three young girls work together on a woodworking project at a classroom table, using wood pieces, pencils, and glue. One girl watches and smiles whilst the other two assemble their project. Classroom supplies are visible in the background.
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Fake News, Misinformation and Disinformation

Following on from his earlier assembly with Years 5 and 6, Mr Critchley spoke to Year 7 and 8 pupils this week about the ways in which information is presented and shared online.

Pupils discussed the differences between fake news, misinformation and disinformation, and considered why it is increasingly important to question the reliability of online content before accepting or sharing it. Mr Critchley also talked about how social media uses algorithms to keep users engaged on their platform. Pupils were alerted to ‘Echo Chambers’ in social media in which users only see (based on algorithms) the information that supports their current beliefs and opinions. The danger is that content users do not see different points of view and a balanced view of the world

To support these points, pupils were encouraged to use the PAUSE framework, (introduced earlier this term and described in detail in the newsletter of the 1st May), before accepting or sharing information. Pupils were encouraged to think carefully about the source, purpose and evidence behind what they encounter online.

A man in a suit presents to a large group of students in red and striped uniforms, seated on the floor, with a screen behind him displaying “Fake News, Misinformation and Disinformation”.
A teacher stands in front of a classroom with many pupils, who are raising their hands. A presentation slide on the screen reads Fake News, Misinformation and Disinformation.
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Junior Maths Challenge Gold Certificate Winners

As reported in last week’s newsletter, 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. The children were congratulated in this week’s assembly and all participants have received a certificate. From the Gold Certificate awardees (pictured here), 20 have progressed to the ‘Junior Kangaroo’ stage and two to the ‘Junior Mathematical Olympiad’ round. We wish them every success in the next round of challenge.

A group of school children in red and grey uniforms stand together outside a brick school building, smiling for a group photo in front of an entrance labelled School House Reception.
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Year 6 Maths – The Frog Challenge

The Frog Challenge is a classic logic and algebraic patterning challenge. The goal is to swap a group of coloured frogs across a row of lily pads using specific rules, with the ultimate objective of finding the mathematical formula for the number of moves.

Five pupils visited me in my study to explain how they had approached and solved The Frog Challenge. They had each created investigation booklets filled with diagrams, rules, outcomes and of course frog drawings, and it was a real pleasure to look through their beautifully presented work.

I also enjoyed discussing with the pupils some of the possible real-world applications of the challenge, particularly in areas such as transport systems and air traffic control — especially appropriate during Transport and Sustainability Week.

Two students in school uniforms sit indoors, holding papers during a group discussion. On the left is a boy in profile; on the right is a girl facing slightly forward. Other pupils are blurred in the background.
A teacher hands a worksheet to a boy sitting on a sofa next to a girl, while two other pupils work in the background in a cosy classroom with large windows and soft lighting.
Two children sit on a sofa holding colourful books, while a man in a suit stands beside them, smiling. The room has framed artwork on the walls, curtains on the windows, and a blue carpeted floor.
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Moving & Growing

Mrs Davidson and Miss Supple write,

“As part of their Science topic Moving & Growing, Year 4 have been learning about the human skeleton. During one investigation, the children explored the hypothesis that people with longer legs can jump further. They designed and carried out their own tests to investigate this idea and discovered that this is not always the case.”

Three boys in black sportswear use large rulers to measure and mark lines at right angles on a blue and red tiled outdoor surface near a brick wall and a door.
Children in sports kits use measuring tapes and rulers to measure distances on a chequered outdoor play area, working together in groups near a school building.
Two photos of young pupils outdoors on grass, measuring a distance marked with metre sticks. Some pupils kneel and take notes whilst another stands on the marked line, all wearing school uniforms.
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The Playground Committee

Mrs North writes,

“Today, Friday 22nd May, the Playground Committee participated in the Year 3 and 4 assembly to review their year and to outline the benefits of supporting their work in what they describe as ‘the serious business of play’.

On 24th April the committee hosted a Mini Marathon/Fun Run on school grounds for Years 2, 3 and 4. The route was approximately 1.4km for Years 3 and 4, while Year 2 completed approximately 700m.

More than 100 pupils participated, and parents lined the course to celebrate the efforts of their children. The event was over and cleared up by 4:30pm with the happy winners taking home medals and every participant receiving a commemorative certificate. The best news of all was that the playground Committee raised £210 and plans are underway to buy playground balls, table tennis bats and balls, tennis balls, footballs and some mini scoops.

At our most recent meeting, the discussion about what to purchase was really thoughtful, with committee members having excellent ideas about the durability of certain equipment and the usefulness of other proposed items. I would like to praise the committee for their ongoing efforts and thank them for a great year’s work.”

Five boys wearing matching red shirts and black shorts stand arm in arm on a wooden floor. The boy in the centre holds a sign that says, At the Fun Run we made £210. The event was a great success.
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Library Outreach Programme

As part of the St Faith’s Outreach programme, and to celebrate the National Year of Reading, we have been working with Park Street Primary School to help to set up their new library facility. On Tuesday this week some of our Year 8 pupils and pupil librarians, visited Park Street School. The pupils helped to sort and catalogue the school’s current stock of books.

Music Tea-time Recital

Miss Quinn writes,

“With a lively audience of supportive parents and fellow students, our Summer Term recital was a wonderful conclusion to the tea-time recital series.

The programme brought together both singers and instrumentalists preparing for upcoming exams, and featured a wide variety of repertoire, ranging from heartfelt to humorous, showcasing the distinctive talents of each performer. Collaboration is at the heart of all musicianship, and our audience was delighted to hear both instrumental and vocal duets. It was also a family affair, as we heard three pairs of siblings perform.

As teachers, our gratitude goes out to all of the families who support our young musicians throughout the school year. None of these outstanding performances would be possible without your dedication to supporting and nurturing our young musicians.”

A group of schoolchildren in uniforms stand in front of an audience in a classroom decorated with posters and bunting, as people watch and applaud.
A young boy wearing glasses plays a tall wooden harp in front of an audience. Behind him are steel drums and a piano. The setting appears to be a music recital or school performance.
Two photos side by side show young students in black sportswear standing in front of steel drums, speaking into a microphone on a stand, whilst an audience watches in a music room.
Two photos: On the left, two boys in red shirts play cellos on stage. On the right, a boy in a red shirt and a girl in a striped blazer stand at a microphone, speaking to an audience. Both scenes are in a music room.
A student stands and speaks to an audience seated in a classroom decorated with bunting and posters. Several steel pans are on display behind the speaker, and a teacher or accompanist sits nearby.
Two children are each giving solo performances with microphones in a music room. The girl on the left wears a red shirt and sings, whilst the boy on the right wears a black jacket and speaks. Audience members are visible in the foreground.
Left: A smiling girl holds a cello and music folder in a classroom. Right: A girl in a red shirt stands in front of an audience, speaking or singing, with steel drums behind her and bunting overhead.
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BSGA Milano Floor and Vault National Gymnastics Finals

Mrs North writes,

“The annual trip to Stoke-on-Trent for the Floor and Vault Nationals was greatly anticipated, and the preparation of sequences and vaults was meticulous. Our school had qualified in two categories, Under 11 Boys and Under 11 Mixed. The first round draw for both teams meant that no one had time to be eaten up by nerves before competing. With the help of Miss Butler and Mr North, our gymnasts marched from the warm-up room ready to compete, looking confident and calm. Their performances were excellent. They really did a fantastic job, but ultimately both teams secured a highly creditable 4th place, finishing just outside the medals. The consolation was that, at the end of the competition, there is a regional event where the three Under 11 teams representing the East have their team scores tallied and the regions are pitted against each other. With the help of Haberdashers U11 Girls we took 3rd place, beaten only by the South and the London regions. The event was a valuable experience and has simply strengthened our resolve moving forwards to next year when we will come back even stronger and more determined”.

Nine children in gymnastics uniforms, standing and kneeling in two rows, smile and hold certificates labelled National Gymnastics Challenge, 1st Place in a gymnasium with blue walls.
A group of nine young gymnasts pose in front of a “British Schools Gymnastics Association” banner, wearing matching red, black, and white kits. One gymnast holds a soft toy in the shape of a white unicorn.
Five young gymnasts in matching black and red uniforms stand in front of a colourful banner that reads British Schools Gymnastics Association. One gymnast holds a soft toy.
Four boys in matching gymnastics uniforms stand side by side, smiling, in front of a colourful backdrop with the text British Schools Gymnastics Association.
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MISGA Gymnastics

Mrs North writes,

“The MISGA Gymnastics Invitational Event was hosted by Stamford School on 16th May this year. Of 72 gymnasts invited to represent St Faith’s, we were able to field 63 competitors across 11 teams. We celebrated outstanding winning team performances by our U7 Boys, U8 Girls, and U11 Boys and we also tied for gold in the U11 Girls. There were also some excellent performances by our other teams. Individually a number of stand-out performances led to 5 pupils being crowned individual champions in their age groups. Our Year 1 and 2 gymnasts were particularly self-assured and very impressive in their performances in front of a large crowd. Big brothers and sisters had come along to support them, and they made plenty of noise applauding and cheering the efforts of their siblings and friends.

Memorable moments included observing our newest competitors taking the experience completely in their stride, new vaults being performed, some assured tumbling and above all, the enthusiasm and commitment of our Year 7 and 8 pupils who absolutely shone.

The adaptability and resilience of our teams also came to the fore. One of our most experienced girls had to make a quick change to her sequence. She had no time to practise the alternative but simply improvised, adding the necessary skill with the required difficulty and stormed on with her routine, finishing effortlessly in time with the music. It was a real triumph and a testament to the resourcefulness and calm demeanour of our gymnasts. Similarly, our lone Year 7 boy competed against boys of astonishing height, securing a well-deserved medal amongst very strong opposition.

MISGA is a traditional end to the gymnastics year for our oldest pupils and it was wonderful but bittersweet to see all Year 8 girls present and utterly supportive throughout the event. Their event was ‘Open’ which means that gymnasts could be competing from Year 7 all the way to Year 13. Nevertheless our top-finishing girls finished in fantastic and well deserved 4th and 6th medal positions.

My huge thanks to Mrs Hutton, Miss Butler and Mr North who ensured the gymnasts were ready for the big day and to Miss Butler who spent 13 hours on her feet!”

Two groups of young gymnasts in red and black uniforms stand on a purple mat, each holding a trophy and wearing medals, smiling in front of banners at a gymnastics event.
Six young boys in red shirts and black shorts stand on a purple mat with medals round their necks. They are smiling, and one boy holds a trophy ring. A sign with the number 1 and a competition backdrop are behind them.
Six young gymnasts in matching black and red leotards stand side by side, smiling and wearing medals at an awards event, with banners reading Stamford Junior School in the background.
Three girls in matching black, red, and white leotards smile with their arms round each other, standing indoors in front of a trophy and a purple banner with a gymnast silhouette.
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Gresham’s 8 School Athletics Meeting

Mr Mageean writes,

“Everyone loves a day trip to the coast, especially when the rain holds off! Last Friday, 66 athletes from Years 4-8 travelled to Gresham’s School, Norfolk, for a wonderful afternoon of athletics. The standard of competition always intensifies during the season as pupils from many schools are competing to secure a place on their team for the forthcoming East Area Prep School Championships in June. The the benchmark that we always set the pupils is to aim to work hard to beat the black vests of Gresham’s School, as they provide some of our stiffest local competition in the forthcoming East Area Championships. There were many outstanding performances on display from the St Faith’s pupils across all disciplines of Throws, Jumps, Hurdles, Sprints, Middle-Distance events and Mixed Relays.

There are two separate competitions: In the Year 4, 5 & 6 Competition the St Faith’s team secured a fantastic win defeating Norwich School by only a single point, whilst in the Year 7 & 8 Competition we also secured a super win ahead of Gresham’s. Many of our pupils broke their personal best times/distances/heights, which is a great achievement, particularly on a grass track. This was even more remarkable because for Year 4 and a large number of Year 6 pupils, it was their first time attending this fantastic competition. In total, 15 new school records were set, with one of them being smashed by our Under 10 4x100m Mixed Relay Team. The record has stood since 2005, set by a team of girls and boys who went on to secure success of Relay gold medals at the National Prep School Championships later during their time at St Faith’s, so this bodes well for this talented team. Our current team broke the previous 2005 record by almost 3 seconds! Fourteen other individual school records were set on the day, which is an amazing achievement. Well done to all of those pupils.

A huge thank you to Mr Elwood, Mr Gillick, Mr Johnson and Mrs North for their fantastic support on the day, and to the many parents and family members that made the long trek to Norfolk to cheer on our amazing athletes.

To view the final standings of the event please view the results in the side bar of this newsletter.”

A large group of children and adults in sportswear pose for a group photo on grass, holding a banner that reads St Faiths. Trees and greenery fill the background.
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OF v Parents Tennis Evening 9th June

On Tuesday, 9th June we will host our annual tennis event for our Old Fidelians and Parents. This is a fun, relaxed event and will take place at the Latham Road tennis courts, 5:30-7:30pm, followed by refreshments. All are welcome, please do RSVP to marketing@stfaiths.co.uk to confirm by Tuesday 2nd June, and we will do the rest. Encourage your children who are now Old Fidelians to join us. We would love to see them again.

And Finally…

From future transport systems to frog challenges and a thoroughly swashbuckling voyage to Treasure Island, it has been a week full of journeys and adventures across the school. Whether travelling further afield over half-term or simply enjoying a quieter few days at home, I hope you have a restful and enjoyable break – I look forward to seeing you when the pupils return on Monday 1st June.

With all best wishes,

Crispin Hyde-Dunn

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Meet The Head

Meet The Head

3-7 Years

Pre Prep

7-13 Years

Prep