“Make Your Holidays A Purposeful Time” – Sunday Adelaja!
Sunday Adelaja is a Nigerian born Leader, Thinker, Philosopher, Transformation Strategist, Pastor, Author, and Innovator who lives in Kiev, Ukraine and as we return from a break, his words sprang to mind on hearing about so many impressive achievements across an array of students too numerous to mention all. Sometimes the younger generation receive bad press in the media and seem to be lumped together by generation supposedly all showing similar character traits. I do not subscribe to that theory, and I am so impressed by how many different fields and activities our students are actively involved in beyond the gates of Saint Felix. Academic, creative, artistic, physical, and cerebral, so many of them go above and beyond following their passions and interests.
This was certainly the case with Barnaby S who took part in the Techathon that was organised in Norwich as part of the National Science Festival. The Techathon enables young people aged 8 to 18 explore the possibilities of technology in an informal and creative environment. Over the course of two days, each team took on a challenge, trying out ideas, finding out what works and what doesn’t. It provided a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded people, expert mentors and even potential future employers. Barnaby, along with three other students, collaborated to create a technological solution aimed at helping elderly individuals live independently at home. Their design centred around a MicroBit, a small programmable computer, which they configured to send alerts to family members if it detected the wearer had fallen. They also explored ways to enhance home safety to prevent falls, such as incorporating an airbag system in various areas, including the stairs. The team received ‘Highly Commended’ for their thoughtfulness and for integrating a design aimed at improving the lives of others. How impressive!
Equally as impressive but in the world of sport, Jude G and Ixia C continue to excel in their respective chosen fields of Swimming and Equestrianism. Jude has been selected to represent Great Britain in Barcelona at the World Para-Series next month in March. Having won a silver medal at the English Nationals in butterfly in December (having only been beaten by former Saint Felix student William Ellard) after being crowned English National Champion at breaststroke in the summer, Jude was chosen for the Swim England Youth Talent Pathway for the 3rd successive year. In addition, Jude has won two Junior Norfolk County titles and in February, he was asked to join the Aquatics GB Para-Training Camp. Jude goes to Barcelona where he will represent GB for the first time in superb form, and we wish him all the very best next month as he fulfils one of his lifelong dreams competing across five different events. Meanwhile, Ixia C went to
Poplar Park Equestrian Centre for the NSEA (National Schools Equestrian Association) Eventer challenge qualifier over half term and had a fantastic round going clear in the showjumping and cross-country phase, near on hitting the optimum time, and gaining her qualification for the National Schools Championships at Hickstead in May 2025. This is the second year in a row that she has qualified for these championships which is an incredible achievement. In addition, Ixia has also recently had confirmed invitations for the British Riding Club Winter Showjumping Championships in April at Arena UK and the British Riding Club Arena Eventing championships in June at Aston le Walls. So much for Ixia to look forward to and we wish her all the best as well. It is always lovely to hear these stories of success and please do continue to pass them on.
As our Year 11 and Year 13 students continue to prepare for their final examinations in the summer, Mrs Every has produced a fantastic Study Skills Guide for all of our students which they have already received and which you can find attached. It covers a wide variety of different areas looking at a range of techniques that the students can deploy to help them revise effectively and fine tune the technique and skills required for the examinations. Hopefully you will also find it useful as you guide them through this important time in their academic journey.
I am away from Saint Felix during the first part of next week at the annual Society of Heads Conference in Bristol. This always provides an invaluable opportunity for professional dialogue, learning about new initiatives and ideas in the world of education, whilst also hearing from inspirational speakers whose research and pedagogical approach are shaping teaching and learning. I know that I will return with a spring in my step and lots of new ideas on how we can continue to adapt and perfect the educational provision for our wonderful students. Whilst I am away, Ms Hardcastle will be deputising and available should you need an immediate point of contact.
I hope that you all have an enjoyable weekend.
Yours sincerely,
Matthew Oakman
Head
