Saint Felix Goes to the Suffolk Fair
Continuing the theme of the importance of trips, visits and understanding the world beyond the classroom, it was wonderful to hear the glowing reports from the Prep Department about their visit to the Suffolk Fair. Having hosted a family of sheep just before the Easter break, they have continued to embrace the fact that we are in a rural setting, with Year 3 and 4 enjoying an exciting and memorable trip to this wonderful event at Ipswich Trinity Park last week.
Organised and subsidised by the Suffolk Agricultural Association, the key message of the day was to help children understand how their food is produced. Upon arrival, our students were warmly greeted by Hannah, their designated tour guide, who led everyone to the ‘Food Tent’ where the children explored how food is grown and transformed into a variety of products, from rapeseed oil and strawberries to crisps and sausages. The children especially enjoyed tasting the delicious samples on offer. Throughout the day, they saw a wide range of impressive animals, including horses and dogs, which the children practised counting in pairs. A particular highlight was meeting the lambs, alpacas, piglets, goats, Shetlands, Suffolk horses, and calves (especially Hugo the Highland calf, who was just under one year old). The children were also delighted to get close to the livestock and some of the large machines used in modern farming. Everyone was thrilled to spot our school-made sheep on display in the competition.
The day also provided opportunities to meet members of the emergency services in Suffolk and to learn about other important aspects of life in the county, including nature conservation and wellbeing services. After taking shelter from the rain to enjoy lunch indoors, the children watched horseshoes being made and fitted, before exploring the wildlife tent where they learned about bees, the history of Suffolk, and migrating birds. The day continued with the ever-popular Sheep Show, where the children learned about wool and watched live sheep shearing. To round off the day, everyone enjoyed a fun tractor ride. Before leaving, the students collected six trees to bring back to school, which the children are excited to nurture and watch grow. Overall, it was a busy and enriching day filled with hands-on learning and unforgettable experiences. A huge thank you to all the staff who supported and led the trip with such enthusiasm.
It was also a real highlight to see so many students now involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. Having restarted our involvement in this fantastic organisation two years ago, it has been a real delight to see how quickly this has grown into a core part of our offering, with all of Year 9 undertaking this award as part of their Saint Felix Diploma. The Bronze Award students encompassing three different year groups, all completed their designated practice expeditions, successfully developing key skills in navigation, teamwork, and campcraft. They all displayed excellent levels of leadership and progress during the course of these expeditions, growing into the unaccompanied walk at the end. Meanwhile, those undertaking the Silver Award demonstrated real independence, organisation, and resilience. The practice walks took place in the beautiful countryside surrounding the school, whilst the temporary campsite on Ruth’s Field provided valuable sociable time to forge new friendships and play games of Monopoly, highlighting the additional benefits of switching off from technology and connecting with others; what is not to like about that!
The Athletics season is just beginning to gather momentum and over the weekend, four students represented Team Waveney Athletics Club competing at Norwich and performed way above expectations. Not only did they show great determination, in some cases competing in the adult section, but they also displayed the talent that they have with Ronnie L and Jan C-C both winning their 100m sprint competitions as well as the 100m relay! Both of these students and Rory H were then also placed in the adult category and Michale H performed with huge credit in his team debut. In other sporting news, Charlie M and Patrick G have both made it through the first stage of the Gothia Cup trials, a prestigious international football tournament, which really is a huge achievement. We wish all of our students the very best in their sporting endeavours this term and in the Race For Life the week after next; your support is very welcome and huge thanks to Holly R-W for her excellent organisation of this event.
In other great news, Josie Leggett, Year 6, was successful in her audition for the principal role of Mary Lennox in the Spotlight production of ‘The Secret Garden’ at the Beccles Public Hall on the 11th to 13th September. Well done and good luck with your rehearsals, Josie, we will all be coming to support you.
Hoping that the weather remains glorious for the weekend!
Yours sincerely,
Matthew Oakman
Head