Everybody Cut, Everybody Cut Footloose
It has been a joy to welcome the students back after a much-deserved break where they have had an opportunity to enjoy time with friends and family whilst restoring their energy levels for a busy second half of the term. There is so much that happens over the next six weeks that it is impossible to mention them all, but highlights include various Musical Showcases and Carol Services, the PTA Christmas Cracker, Nativity Plays and of course, Fireworks Evening tonight. I want to take this opportunity to thank our Head of Operations (Gareth Jones) and his team as well as the PTA for the organisation that has gone into this event; it should be a real spectacular!
During the course of Monday, our new Careers Platform provider (PeopleHawk) introduced themselves to our students in assembly and launched the new initiative with them in tailored sessions for combined year groups later on during the day. In my thirty years in education, I have seen many such platforms but none that are as intuitive and progressive as this one. It will enable our students to plot the pathways that are open to them and create a digital portfolio to exploit opportunities whilst also having access to a wide array of internships and work experience possibilities. In addition, it will help them with their subject choices, university course decisions and preparation for the world beyond the confines of the school gates. PeopleHawk were incredibly impressed by our students and commented that “we departed feeling energised by the enthusiasm of your staff and students” which was wonderful to hear. We will be integrating this service into the Diploma and Mentoring programmes across the rest of this academic year to ensure that they make the most of this fantastic platform.
For Year 11, as well as preparing for their GCSE exams, it is time to consider Sixth Form options and what might be the right subjects for them. With more dedicated time for each A Level subject as a result of the curriculum changes and the Saint Felix Diploma set up to enhance and broaden their academic studies, our students will be extremely well prepared for the demands of Sixth Form life whilst also having built their brand effectively to enable strong progression to university or the workplace once they leave. With a broad range of subjects available at A Level, a short course on global international affairs, leadership training, financial skills readiness and the choice between taking the EPQ, Gold Crest or an Entrepreneurship Programme, there are a wealth of opportunities that make the Sixth Form an exciting proposition for our students. With this in mind, Year 11 will have a whole day devoted to taster experience of Sixth Form subjects on Monday 2nd December as well as various talks beginning to look at careers and university options; in the evening, there will be an online information session for parents and students at 6.30p.m. where we will talk through the options available and the programme, as well as offering an opportunity for questions. Please add this to your diary. A Teams link will be sent with an invite nearer to the event.
There is always a buzz and sense of expectation and anticipation before the announcement of the Senior production; after the roaring success of Bugsy in February, Mrs Boyd was pleased to announce in assembly on Monday in her own inimitable fashion that we will be putting on ‘Footloose’ this time. Those of you that might be of my generation will remember with great fondness the classic original film from 1984 starring Kevin Bacon and Lori Singer and we now await the Saint Felix interpretation; with a record number of students having already auditioned this week, it is all set to become the highlight of the year!
This year, our Prep Department will once again be supporting BBC Children in Need. On Friday 15th November, Year 3 are holding a cake sale at morning break. Cakes will be on sale for 50p-£1 and all students will be invited to support them with their fundraising endeavours. The Prep Department pupils will also be able to wear their own clothes for a small donation. Please make sure you read Miss Wong’s newsletter for more information.
We are delighted to be part of a new initiative called the East Suffolk Youth Council; this provides an opportunity for each school in the area to send an allocated number of representatives to engage in debate and discussion about important matters for the local community. They will also have the chance to bring motions and ideas to the formal council to ensure that the youth of the area have a proper voice. At a time when democracy can feel fragile, it is vital that our students recognise the importance and significance of the freedoms that our political system cherishes. In our very own democratic process, ten students bravely put themselves forward for consideration and outlined their priorities; a whole school vote followed on from this and in a hotly contested battle, Charles S and Harley C emerged victorious and will represent Saint Felix; they will be fantastic ambassadors and we wish them all the very best.
Finally, it was with great pleasure that I heard that one of our students, Charles S, had been invited to participate in a youth project opportunity focusing on music composition; as part of this, he had the opportunity to work with a mentor from the BBC composing a five minute piece for the BBC Concert Orchestra which they are performing live at the as part of the BBC ‘Friday Night is Music Night’ at the Yarmouth Hippodrome; what an amazing achievement and Charles will be interviewed by the BBC prior to the concert which is being broadcast live. Please do try and listen!
Wishing everyone a good weekend when it arrives!
Yours sincerely,
Matthew Oakman
Head
