This Week at St Faith’s

A Busy and Exciting Week at St Faith’s

The new academic year is now fully underway, and this week has been filled with opportunities for pupils to learn, engage and discover new interests.

Across the school, activities for Years 1 to 8 have begun, giving pupils the chance to explore new hobbies, develop existing talents and enjoy the wide range of experiences that form such an important part of life at St Faith’s. From sport and the arts to academic enrichment and special interest clubs, it has been wonderful to see pupils embracing new challenges with enthusiasm.

Reception visits School House

Reception children enjoyed a special visit to my study in School House on Wednesday. They learned about my day-to-day role and the stories behind the paintings and pictures displayed on the walls.

The children then had the chance to ask me their own questions. Among the questions asked were, “What’s your favourite food?” and “What’s your favourite day of the week?” My answers were: fish and chips on a Friday lunchtime, and Monday because it offers so much potential for the week ahead.

Five young children in matching red jumpers and checked skirts or trousers sit on a sofa. Two children have their hands raised, while the others sit quietly, all facing forward. Vertical blinds cover windows behind them.

Five young children sit in a row, four in red school uniforms and one in a white shirt, attentively watching something off-camera. One child has a plaster on their knee.

Two young children in matching red school uniforms sit closely together on a grey sofa, listening attentively to an adult who is out of focus in the foreground.

A group of young children in red uniforms stand in a classroom, facing an adult man in a suit near a door. The children appear engaged, with one raising their hand. Sunlight streams through a large window in the background.

Two young boys wearing red shirts sit close together on a grey sofa, looking forward with neutral expressions. The background is simple and uncluttered.

A group of young children in red uniforms stands in a room, facing a man in a suit and a woman in an orange top. The adults appear to be addressing or greeting the children.

A group of children in red uniforms sit on a sofa in a bright room, listening to a woman in an orange shirt, whilst a man in a suit stands with his back to the camera, addressing them. Pictures hang on the wall near large, sunny windows.

Split image: On the left, two young girls in red jumpers sit on a sofa. On the right, three young boys in red jumpers sit on the floor, one gesturing as he speaks. All appear to be in a classroom setting.

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Year 6 Humanities

Miss Dow writes,

“In Humanities, Year 6 pupils have been finding out how rivers change from source to mouth. They have considered how rivers are a vital link in the water cycle. Working individually and in groups, pupils produced models using different materials to help them remember key words and processes.”

Three panels show a progression from colourful fabric shapes to blue clay trees with branches, decorated with multi-coloured sticky notes and white paper slips, all laid out on a table.

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Year 7 Teambuilding

A particular highlight of the week has been our Year 7 teambuilding event on Thursday and Friday. As pupils continue their transition into the senior years at St Faith’s, the two days provided excellent opportunities to strengthen friendships, develop leadership skills and build confidence through a range of collaborative challenges.

The activity programme involved land and water-based activities at Grafham Water, while on site at school there was a rich programme of outdoor challenges, Forest School activities, and collaborative workshops, including ‘The Great Egg Drop’.

From marshmallow engineering to rounders at Latham Road, the timetable was packed with opportunities to build resilience as well as teamwork and collaboration skills, while having plenty of fun along the way. Evening activities included BBQs, games and quiet reading in Ashburton Hall. After a night spent camping in tents on the school back field, a hearty and appetising breakfast set the pupils up well for another busy day of teambuilding activities.

Here is a selection of photos that were taken during the two days. A wider selection will be uploaded to MSP in due course.

Two children stand on a wooden balance beam outdoors; one wears a blindfold, the other guides. There are colourful barrels and a wooden gazebo in the background, with trees and grass surrounding them.

Two side-by-side night sky photos; left shows stars in a dark sky, right shows stars above green tents and tree silhouettes, with a faint glow on the horizon.

Several bright green tents are set up on a grassy field, with trees and a few houses in the background. The scene suggests a group camping event or outdoor gathering.

Two children in pink lifejackets smile in a sailboat (left). On the right, two people sail a small yellow boat with a red and yellow sail on a sunny day, trees and shoreline in the background.

Children are playing a ball game on a grassy sports pitch. One child is kneeling with arms up, another reaches to catch a ball. Other children and adults watch or participate in the background. Trees and goalposts are visible.

A group of children play a game with bats and cones on a grassy field, whilst others and an adult watch from the side under a sunny sky.

A boy swings a bat at a ball on a grassy field while a group of children and adults watch in the background. Cones are set up on the field, and houses and trees are visible behind them.

Two images show children playing sports outside. On the left, a girl runs between cones on grass. On the right, two boys watch as another boy prepares to catch a ball. All wear sports kits, and it's sunny.

Children in sports kits play a game outside; one child sits on the grass, another bends to pick up a ball, while others laugh, cheer, or react animatedly around them on a grassy pitch.

A group of children play rounders on a grassy field. One boy in a blue shirt is about to throw a ball, whilst others in red shirts stand ready behind him. Trees and sports equipment are visible in the background.

Children stand in a queue on a grassy field, watching as one child in sports kit runs and throws a javelin. Houses and trees are visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Two girls in sports kits smile together outdoors; nearby, two boys in blue shirts and black trousers play cricket on a grassy field, one ready to bowl a ball, cones marking positions.

Five people in black and red jackets balance closely together on a white wooden plank outdoors near a brick building and trees, participating in a team activity.

Five children in sportswear stand in a line on wooden planks outdoors, holding onto each other and preparing to move together. A brick building with large windows is in the background.

Two boys stand outside on grass in green crates, facing each other while holding a white bowl. Football goals and a school building are visible in the background.

A group of children balance on wooden planks outdoors while a coach in red supervises. The children appear focused and coordinated during the activity, with trees and houses visible in the background.

Six children work together in an outdoor team-building activity, cheering as one boy reaches towards the grass while others balance on wooden planks near a football net. Trees and a fence are in the background.

A group of girls in sportswear stands on a wooden plank placed on grass, balancing as another girl in blue leans forward. An adult coach in a red jacket watches and smiles in an outdoor sports area.

A group of students stand on crates and a wooden plank on a grassy field, participating in an outdoor team-building activity. Other students and adults are visible in the background near trees and buildings.

A group of children balance on crates and a plank, working together outdoors on a grassy field with green tents and buildings in the background.

A boy in sports kit crouches outdoors, reaching to place his hand on a green plastic crate whilst others stand behind him in a queue.

A group of children stand outdoors on planks and crates, participating in a team-building activity, whilst one child lifts a bucket overhead. Trees and a brick building are visible in the background.

A group of students in red ENGINEERING shirts watch an egg drop demonstration inside a building with a glass ceiling. A person operates a lift holding an egg high above the crowd.

A teacher helps three students in red ENGINEERING shirts with a practical project at a classroom table, surrounded by balloons and craft materials.

Two girls in red shirts work together in a classroom, attaching colourful balloons into a cluster on a table covered with craft supplies.

Two boys in red shirts build a project in a classroom. In the second image, one boy holds up a parachute model made from green paper, string, and a blue object, whilst other pupils watch.

A child wearing safety goggles and a red shirt works with paper and scissors at a workshop table. Shelves with boxes and other crafting materials are visible in the background.

Two boys wearing red shirts smile and hold a handmade craft made of plastic and paper. In the background, another child and stacks of blue mats are visible inside a bright indoor space.

Left: A boy in a red shirt stands beside a red papier-mâché figure with a yellow balloon head. Right: A person holds balloons and a bucket whilst elevated on a Genie lift inside a glass-roofed building.

Two kids sitting on a wooden bench outdoors, smiling and holding handmade string crafts. Both wear black outfits with red and white dragon logos. Greenery and a water bottle are visible in the background.

An adult shows a child how to use a small wooden device outdoors. Both wear black hoodies with red dragon logos and are focused on the activity. Other children are visible in the foreground.

Three girls in matching black sports kits sit on a bench outdoors, knitting with wool and needles. Supplies such as wool and scissors are on a nearby table, and a wooden fence is in the background.

Three girls in matching hoodies sit on a bench outdoors, smiling and working with green wool and wooden sticks. Wool and papers rest on a stone table nearby. Greenery fills the background.

Two boys sit on a wooden bench outside, focused on weaving green string round sticks. They wear matching black sports kits with logos and are surrounded by grass and a brick path.

Four boys in black sportswear work together outdoors, carving sticks near a wooden bench. They appear focused, surrounded by green grass and trees. One boy's shirt reads St. Faith's.

Five children and an adult stand outdoors under trees. The adult and one child are looking up, while others are nearby, some holding rope. A wooden fence and shed are in the background.

Four boys work together outdoors, balancing on logs. One boy in a red shirt stands on the logs while the others help steady him. Trees and a glasshouse are in the background.

Two boys outdoors work together with ropes and a pulley system. One boy, in a dark hoodie, focuses on adjusting the ropes while the other, in a light hoodie, looks on. A shed and trees are visible in the background.

Two children outdoors; one is crouching and tying a rope round two wooden sticks on the grass while speaking to another child with plaited hair. Both wear dark clothing.

A person sits on the grass outdoors, focused on sawing a wooden log. They wear black clothing and trainers, with plaited hair, surrounded by sticks and ropes.

Two boys stack crates; one is blindfolded. In another scene, two boys, one blindfolded, work together with logs, a rope, and a wooden ladder outdoors, focussing on teamwork and problem-solving activities.

Three boys play in a wooded garden. One, wearing a blindfold, stands on yellow steps as another helps him. The third boy stands in the background near a wooden fence.

Two boys in black sportswear walk outside in a wooded area. One boy is blindfolded and feeling his way forward while the other guides him. There are trees, leaves, and a wooden fence in the background.

Four children are outdoors. One boy is blindfolded, smiling as another boy helps adjust the blindfold. Two other children stand nearby. The group is surrounded by trees and a wooden fence.

A girl wearing a black blindfold and jacket holds a blue cup-and-ball toy outdoors, raising her arm and appearing focused, with trees in the background.

Two girls in red jackets, one climbing over a large blue barrel on the ground whilst the other stands nearby, smiling, in an outdoor area with trees and fallen leaves.

Two people outdoors, one blindfolded and stepping onto a yellow block whilst the other guides them. Both wear black hoodies and dark trousers. Blue tubes and a wooden fence are in the background.

Children outdoors, some sitting on grass and others putting up a tent. Two green tents are already pitched nearby. The group appears to be taking part in a camping or outdoor activity in sunny weather.

Two children put up a tent on a grassy field with football goals in the background on a sunny day.

A group of people sets up green tents on a grassy field near a brick building under a partly cloudy sky. Some are assembling tents, while others stand or sit nearby.

Three boys pitched a bright green tent on a grassy area near a brick building. Two boys wear red shirts and one wears yellow. One holds a tent pole while the others handle the tent fabric.

Children set up bright green tents on a grassy field, with sleeping bags nearby. Other groups and football goals are visible in the background, with a large brick house and trees behind them.

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Science in Focus

Mrs Pritchard writes,

“Year 5 have begun their new topic on Forces, exploring the different types of forces that act on objects. As part of their practical work, pupils carried out an investigation to examine the relationship between upthrust and gravity, helping them understand why some objects float while others sink. They thoroughly enjoyed making predictions, collecting data and drawing conclusions from their results.

Year 6 have been studying separation techniques and have used evaporation to extract a solute from a solvent. Pupils also had the opportunity to see a Liebig condenser in action, observing how water can be separated from ink through distillation. This provided an excellent demonstration of how scientists can recover pure substances from mixtures.

Year 7 have been learning about the digestive system, identifying the various organs involved and understanding their roles in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. Pupils have explored how each part of the digestive system works together to provide the body with the substances needed for growth and energy.

Year 8 have been investigating displacement reactions, using practical experiments to determine patterns in the reactivity of different metals. Alongside this, they have been tackling GCSE-level chemistry content by calculating relative formula mass (RFM) and developing their skills in balancing chemical equations, laying strong foundations for future study.

Creative Arts Theatre Technical Taster

On Thursday, our Year 8 pupils enjoyed a fascinating Creative Arts Theatre Technical Taster at The Leys. This hands-on experience offered a behind-the-scenes insight into theatre production, enabling pupils to explore the technical creativity that brings performances to life.

Assemblies

Assemblies have been an important part of the week, and new for this academic year, we are also introducing assemblies for Years 5 & 6, to complement those for Years 7 & 8 which were introduced last year.

In the Pre Prep assembly, pupils heard from Mrs Scott about the work of the Eco Committee, and she encouraged pupils to consider joining this important initiative.

Meanwhile, Years 3 & 4 came together to celebrate recent achievements and reflect on the wide range of opportunities ahead.

House spirit was also evident as Bentley, Latham, Chaucer and Newton pupils met for House Assemblies and House Tutor Time sessions.

A group of children in red and white uniforms sit on the floor, facing a woman standing and speaking at a lectern in a school assembly hall.

A group of children in uniforms sit on a gymnasium floor facing a presenter, some raising their hands. Adults sit nearby. A screen at the front displays a presentation about joining an eco committee.

A presentation slide explains the role of Eco Reps—pupils who help care for the school and environment. It lists qualities of an Eco Rep and includes a photo of a smiling child holding up a leaf.

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Photographs

Pupils and staff were looking their best for Individual Photographs on Tuesday, with smiles in abundance throughout the school as our photographers captured this year’s portraits.

Next Tuesday, please remind your children that if they are in Preschool, Reception or Year 8, they will be having a year group photo taken. Please ensure that they are wearing winter uniform and will change into PE/Games kit later if necessary.

The photos will be available for purchase directly from the photographer and ordering details will be shared in due course.

A young boy in a red striped blazer poses for a photo in a professional studio set-up with multiple lights, cameras, and photographers in a spacious indoor setting.

Several children in school uniforms stand for portraits in a large room with multiple photography set-ups, lights, photographers, and equipment visible throughout the space.

Photo studio set-up with large lights and backdrops. Two people wearing striped blazers pose for portraits whilst two photographers adjust cameras and equipment in a spacious indoor setting with wooden floors.

A young student in a striped blazer and skirt poses for a school photo in a studio with lights, a white backdrop, and a photographer wearing a Photographer shirt.

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SFPA Coffee Mornings

Our series of SFPA coffee mornings has continued this week, welcoming families from across the school and enabling new families to learn more about the St Faith’s Parents Association (SFPA). These popular occasions allow parents to meet one another and enjoy conversation over coffee and pastries. I am also grateful for these informal opportunities to meet parents at the beginning of the new school year. This week I enjoyed meeting parents from Preschool and Reception, Years 3 & 4 and Years 7 & 8. Next Tuesday will be our final coffee morning of the Michaelmas term, and I look forward to welcoming our Year 5 & 6 parents.

People gather outdoors around a table with coffee pots, talking and socialising. One woman in a teal coat holds a cup, engaged in conversation. The background features greenery and several other casually dressed people.

A group of people, including adults and children, stand and talk in a bright room with wooden tables and benches. Some people face the wall, and one person has a pram. The room has a casual, community feel.

People gather indoors, chatting and smiling. One man wearing a cap that says ICON holds a cup and pastry. Tables behind have coffee pots and snacks. The mood is friendly and casual.

A woman in a dark jacket smiles whilst talking with two people in a corridor near a fire exit door. A person in a dark cap is in the foreground, turned away from the camera.

A group of people stand together indoors, some looking at their mobiles. A table in the foreground has pastries, juice, and a water bottle. Everyone appears engaged in conversation.

A woman shows her mobile to two men in a casual indoor setting with drinks, cups, and cartons on the table in front of them.

A group of people stand and talk indoors near a table. One person in the centre, holding a cup, faces the camera. A Prevent poster and an exit sign are visible in the background.

Three women stand indoors talking. The woman in the centre, holding a paper cup, looks up thoughtfully. The other two, one with a reusable cup, have their backs turned. A blue box is mounted on the wall in the background.

A group of people stand outdoors, chatting. One woman in a white blouse and sunglasses faces another in a brown coat and pink hat. Others converse in the background.

A group of people stands and talks on a grassy area beside a brick path near a building, surrounded by trees and benches, on a cloudy day.

A group of people are gathered outdoors near a table with food and drinks, chatting on a grassy area in front of a brick building with large windows.

Three men stand chatting around a table with snacks and drinks at an outdoor gathering, while other people socialise in the background near a building and a wooden fence.

A group of people stand outdoors on grass, talking. One man gestures while holding a cup. Trees and greenery are in the background. People wear casual jackets and appear to be having a casual conversation.

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Under 11 Girls’ Hockey

Mr Thompson writes,

“On Wednesday our U11 girls’ hockey team travelled to Framlingham College to compete in their annual pre-season tournament. This guaranteed them seven games of hockey where they could focus on their shape and fitness in preparation for the season. The tournament provided a valuable opportunity to build on their previous weekend’s performance, and the progress was very apparent throughout the day.

Their understanding of shape both in and out of possession grew with every game, whilst having fun and creating wonderful memories. They went on to win the tournament, having played seven matches, won six and drawn one, conceding just one goal whilst scoring 15. This not only put an even bigger smile on their faces, but also ensured plenty of celebratory singing on the journey back to Cambridge!

A fantastic day spent in a beautiful setting, with girls who were outstanding ambassadors for the school.”

Rugby

Mr Gillick writes,

“There was a real sense of excitement as the rugby season got underway, with our senior teams returning to action at the historic Cambridge University Grange Road Ground and enjoying the opportunity to compete on its brand-new playing surface.

While the scores and results naturally created plenty of excitement, it was the display of TREDS values across all age groups that was most pleasing to see. The RFU’s principles of Teamwork, Respect, Engagement, Discipline and Sportsmanship were evident throughout the afternoon and provided a wonderful foundation upon which to build for the season ahead.

Particularly impressive was the grit and determination shown by our players. Rugby has a unique way of presenting challenges and adversity, and time and again our pupils responded positively. Whether recovering from a mistake, responding to a setback, or supporting teammates during difficult periods of play, they demonstrated the resilience that lies at the heart of both rugby and personal development.

The fixtures also highlighted the growing skill set within our teams. It takes courage to attempt new skills in a competitive environment (especially replicating passes made by French scrum halves…) and our players showed both bravery and confidence as they explored, learned and expressed themselves on the field. Players were willing to take positive risks, make decisions under pressure and support one another in the knowledge that growth comes from challenge as much as success.

At the same time, the opening fixtures provided plenty to build upon. The commitment to continual improvement is one of the most valuable aspects of school sport, and our players should be excited by the opportunities that lie ahead as the season unfolds.

Finally, it was wonderful to see so many parents lining the sidelines in support of their children. The atmosphere they created reflected everything that is positive about school sport. Just as loud were the cheers for a brave tackle, a selfless piece of teamwork, relentless work rate or an act of sportsmanship as they were for a try or a winning result. Such support reinforces the values we want our young people to develop and reminds our players that character and effort are every bit as important as the scoreboard.

The season is only just beginning, but it was heartening to see TREDS so clearly on display. We look forward to seeing our players continue to grow, develop and embody the values of rugby throughout what promises to be another exciting season.”

Meanwhile, Years 4 and 5 enjoyed competitive football and hockey fixtures against Perse Prep, with all pupils showing great commitment and enthusiasm for their teams.

Scavenger Hunt

The week concludes on Saturday with an SFPA community event as the St Faith’s Parents’ Association (SFPA) hosts a Scavenger Hunt for Reception children and their families. The children will have the opportunity to show their parents around some of the places they have been getting to know during their first few weeks at St Faith’s.

We look forward to seeing our youngest pupils and their parents enjoying a morning of fun, exploration and adventure together.

And Finally…

There have been plenty of opportunities to look at school life from a different angle this week: Year 8 went behind the scenes of a theatre, Year 7 spent a night under canvas and tomorrow our Reception pupils will find themselves showing their parents around St Faith’s rather than the other way round. No doubt this will be the first of many occasions during the year when we see their growing confidence and independence in action.

I look forward to seeing many of our Reception families at the Scavenger Hunt tomorrow and wish you all a relaxing and enjoyable weekend.

With all best wishes,

Crispin Hyde-Dunn

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