Welcome from the CEO Adrian Ball
It’s time for the Autumn edition of We Are DEMAT, our termly roundup of the success, creativity, and energy that make our schools shine. This edition celebrates the fantastic achievements, memorable moments, and wonderful community spirit shared across our Trust
As the first term of the 2025–26 school year comes to an end, it has been wonderful to see so much energy, creativity, and teamwork across our DEMAT schools. From exciting competitions to inspiring visits, this term has been full of moments to celebrate!
In this edition, we’re delighted to introduce two of our Trustees, Kate Griffiths-Lambeth and Michael Fordham. Discover some fun and surprising facts about them in our In the Spotlight section
This term has been packed with memorable DEMAT Together events. Pupils showed their skills and sportsmanship in the Football Tournament, while the Carols Service brought festive cheer to everyone. We also celebrated the opening of a brand-new pre-school and enjoyed unforgettable residential trips. Schools marked Harvest festivals, came together for Remembrance Day, and cheered the winner of the Under-8s Delancey UK Chess Championship.
Our pupils have had the chance to meet some amazing role models too, including Paralympians and the uplifting visit of Bishop Dagmar, Bishop of Ely. These events have inspired us all and reminded us about can be achieved through curiosity, dedication, and teamwork.
I am excited about the opportunities that lie before us, as we look ahead to the coming terms. Whether it’s embracing new challenges, inspiring innovation, or continuing to strengthen our sense of community, I am confident that we will keep empowering every pupil and member of staff to create the foundations to build successful futures.
Thank you to every pupil, staff member, and supporter for making DEMAT such a vibrant and caring community.
Wishing you all a joyful festive season and a bright start to the new year!
Adrian Ball Chief Executive Officer
Message from the Chair
Helen Jackson
Welcome to the latest edition of We Are DEMAT!
Welcome to our latest edition of ‘We are DEMAT’! You will find much to celebrate in its pages, not least a spotlight on two more of our Trustees, Jon Young and Kate Griffiths-Lambeth.
At our first Board Meeting of the year in October, it was fantastic to hear how well our schools have begun the new school year. Our “back-office” teams have also had a great start. Our new IT team, in particular, has been working hard to make sure every school has the right technology, equipment, and online security to support children’s learning and to help staff focus on what matters mostgiving every child the very best education.
Our geographical school hubs have now been running for over a year, and it is inspiring to see how much teamwork is happening within them. Headteachers and staff across different schools are sharing ideas, supporting one another, and working together on exciting new projects. Being a Headteacher can sometimes feel lonely, but we now hear many positive stories about how connected and supported they feel within their hubs.
We are truly grateful for the creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication shown by everyone in DEMAT. Staff at every level are working together to enrich each child’s school experience and help them achieve their very best. Their commitment reflects our Trust verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
On behalf of the Trustees, thank you to all our pupils, parents, carers, staff, and governors. You each play an important part in making our Trust a place where everyone, whatever their age or role, can be valued, supported, and encouraged to thrive.
I wish you all a very happy and blessed Christmas, and I look forward with confidence to all that 2026 will bring to our DEMAT family of schools.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Helen Jackson Chair of Board of Trustees
In the spotlight
Getting to know DEMAT Trustees, Jon Young and Kate Griffiths-Lambeth
Jon Young
Trustee
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your working life?
I grew up in North Yorkshire and still love that part of the world. After school, I spent a year as an Army Officer before studying Economics at Cambridge University. I trained as an accountant with Lloyds Bank and later worked as an economist at the House of Commons. My passion for the subject led me into teaching, and I’ve taught Economics (as well as Maths and PE), mainly to sixth formers, later became Head of Department and Deputy Headteacher.
I’m now Director of Education for the Diocese of Ely and dad to three wonderful teenagers. I enjoy sports, music, and reading, and I love getting outside with our Shetland Sheepdogs after a busy day. I’m also learning Spanish - slowly but surely!
What excites you most about DEMAT now and for the future?
DEMAT has come a long way since its foundation in 2013 and is now a well-established primary MAT. I’m excited that we’ll be building on these strong foundations by opening our first
Kate Griffiths-Lambeth
Chair of Personnel Committee
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your working life?
My roots are in the Fens, my mother’s family having lived near Peterborough for generations. My family tree is notable: my greatgrandfather was a local doctor, his son co-invented the Iron Lung, and my cousin, James, a famous Olympic oarsman from Wisbech, served as Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire.
I studied Law at Cambridge, before working internationally. Now, I am firmly back in the UK. I run my own business, specialising in helping people and organisations to thrive during periods of change and transformation.
Beyond my business, I serve as a Trustee for a Farm Trust supporting people with autism, sit on the CISI’s Integrity and Ethics Committee, help steer the Connecting HR Group, and advise a charity dedicated to helping young people gain essential skills and work.
To unwind, I enjoy fishing, cooking, and the Arts. My family is hugely important, especially spending time with my two wonderful sons and my 95-year-old father.
The more I have worked in secondary schools, the more I have realised how important primary education is. I have become quite involved in school music and how leaders create the conditions in which music and other arts can thrive, and I look forward to talking about this more with DEMAT schools in the future.
What excites you most about DEMAT now and for the future?
It has been fabulous watching DEMAT develop over the years, and everyone’s hard work was rightly recognised when we were awarded the prestigious MAT of the Year!
secondary school at Alconbury Weald in September 2027. With only one Church of England secondary in the Diocese, it’s thrilling to see DEMAT expanding into this new phase.
What is your favourite children’s book?
I’ve always loved children’s literature and, as a boy, I remember enjoying adventurous/escapist tales, from the classics such as Around the World in 80 Days, The Call of the Wild, and the Narnia series. When my own children were toddlers, I enjoyed The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr and all of Catherine Rayner’s stories.
I value our strong sense of community and that we do so much more than simply teach the national curriculum. Highlights such as the annual art exhibition, sports events, concerts, and last year’s inspiring ‘Impossible Questions’ project are brilliant examples of this added value. We have a bright future, and we make a tangible difference to the young people in our schools and the wider community.
What is your favourite children’s book?
When my sons were small, we loved The Church Mice series by Graham Oakley; the illustrations are wonderful.
DEMAT Together A Football Tournament to remember!
During September, the Ramsey Colts Football Development grounds came alive with the sound of cheers, laughter, and brilliant football skills as children from across our schools came together for the DEMAT Together Football Tournament. The event celebrated everything that makes our schools special - teamwork, sportsmanship, and respect and great manners - while creating wonderful memories for everyone involved.
A total of 14 teams took part, each bringing their very best to the pitch in an exciting round-robin competition. The day was full of superb teamwork and outstanding manners, amazing saves and fantastic goals, a real showcase of respectful sporting spirit.
Each team was made up of 10 players and everyone made the most of the glorious sunshine. Substitutes, parents, and staff cheered on enthusiastically from the sidelines, and lunchtime was a chance to relax with packed lunches and plan the next round!
After some very close matches, it was Milton who claimed the top spot, with Bury taking a well-deserved runners-up position. The special Golden Boot Award for showing the DEMAT value of RESPECT went to Elm, whose players impressed everyone with their helpfulness, manners, and sportsmanship both on and off the field.
It was truly a wonderful day, filled with fun, friendship, and football, one that will be remembered for a long time to come!
Bury - runners up with CEO Adrian Ball
Elm - with CEO Adrian Ball
Milton - winners with CEO Adrian Ball
Together
DEMAT Together
A truly joyful Carol Service!
The magnificent Ely Cathedral was filled to the brim for this year’s Annual DEMAT Together Christmas Carols, bringing together children, school and central team staff, and special guests from across the DEMAT community.
The beautiful Order of Service included Bible readings by seven pupils and uplifting, celebratory carols, with rousing and polished performances from the Ely St Mary’s School and United Voices choirs. Moments of reflection and joy filled the Cathedral as everyone joined their voices in song beneath its stunning vaulted ceiling.
Special highlights of the service included an inspiring talk from the Venerable Dr Alex Hughes, Archdeacon of Cambridge, who reminded everyone of their individual uniqueness, and the hope, love, and light that Christmas brings; and the blessing given by the Very Reverend Mark Bonney DL, the Dean of Ely.
It was a truly joyful occasion, a celebration of community, faith, and togetherness, which marked a wonderful start to Advent and the festive season for all in the DEMAT family.
DEMAT Together
A truly joyful Carol Service!
New staff welcomed to DEMAT
Just before the start of the Autumn term and the new academic year, our New Staff Induction Day took place at St Botolph’s CofE Primary School in Peterborough.
New teachers had the opportunity to meet our CEO and education team who shared the exciting vision for our schools. Throughout the day, they explored our Principles of Education, discovering what makes DEMAT schools successful and how every pupil is given the chance to shine.
The induction also gave everyone a chance to meet the central team and explore how all the different parts of DEMAT work together to support our schools. Whether new to teaching or joining with experience, everyone left with a clear understanding of how DEMAT operates and how they will be making a difference in their schools.
We were delighted to welcome all our new colleagues into the DEMAT family and start this exciting journey together!
Thriplow Bake
a difference for Macmillan!
Our Year 6 children did a fantastic job organising a Macmillan Coffee Morning for parents and the local community in September. In the days leading up to the event, they worked hard to bake delicious cakes and carefully plan all the logistics to make sure everything would run smoothly. There was a real buzz of excitement as they prepared signs, organised tables and discussed who would take on each responsibility.
On the day itself, every child had an important role to play. Some welcomed visitors with big smiles, others served cakes and drinks, and several took charge of keeping the washing-up station running smoothly. Their teamwork, politeness and confidence shone through, and many visitors commented on how mature and helpful the children were.
The Coffee Morning was a huge success, bringing together families, friends and members of the community for a lovely morning of chatting and cake.
Thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm of Year 6, an impressive £289.81 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Support. We are extremely proud of their efforts and the kindness they showed in supporting such a meaningful cause.
Anthony Curton An heroic visit from our local paramedics!
Anthony Curton Primary School enjoyed an unforgettable visit from the East of England Ambulance Service this term! Many classes had the fantastic opportunity to step inside a real ambulance to explore the fascinating equipment paramedics use every day and even got to hear just how loud the sirens can be! It was an exciting, hands-on experience that everyone thoroughly enjoyed.
The visit was led by a friendly and knowledgeable team who were fantastic with the children. The paramedics demonstrated how they help people in need, including using stretchers and applying bandages. As an extra treat, the children tried on some of the uniforms that paramedics wear, which brought lots of smiles and giggles.
Years 5 and 6 also took part in dedicated CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) sessions. Pupils practised chest compressions on CPR dummies, tested their rhythm to different songs, and even had the chance to handle some of the real tools paramedics use when saving lives. They all did an amazing job and learned some truly valuable, life-saving skills, and everyone left full of curiosity and admiration for the important work that paramedics do every day.
A huge thank you to the East of England Ambulance Service for taking time out of their busy schedules to share their expertise. The pupils are now more confident, informed, and inspired to help others in an emergency!
Wisbech St Mary
Celebrating happiness, adventure, and achievement
The Autumn term has been packed full of fun, adventure, and celebration! It began with Wear What Makes You Happy Day for World Mental Health Day.
Pupils from Nursery to Year 6 arrived in outfits that made them smile, from princess dresses and Sonic costumes to rainbow onesies, unicorns, football kits, and cosy pyjamas. Staff joined in too, creating a cheerful, colourful school.
The day raised money for play therapy, art therapy, and LEGO wellbeing activities, and pupils made posters about kindness, happiness, and looking after their minds.
Children went on an exciting and unforgettable Kingswood residential trip, where they climbed walls, tackled obstacle courses, enjoyed campfires and discovered the joy of learning beyond the classroom.
Everyone tackled new things with enthusiasm and resilience, made friends, and grew in confidence. Deputy Headteacher Victoria Bradshaw said, “It was amazing to see how much the children developed in just a few days. Their teamwork and sense of adventure really shone through.” Staff were proud of their good behaviour and kindness throughout the trip.
A special thank you to the dedicated staff team who gave their time and energy to make the trip such a success. Excitement is already building for next year’s adventure.nA special Celebration Assembly was held at the village church, recognising pupils’ achievements, effort, character. And personal growth. Awards included the Citizenship Award, celebrating compassion, kindness, and responsibility; the Savory Award for Progress, honouring
determination and growth; and the Sports Cup, presented to a pupil showing outstanding teamwork, commitment, and positivity in sport.
Staff, families, and pupils joined together in pride as the achievements of each child were recognised Headteacher Jaynie Lynch remarked, “It was a privilege to celebrate the journeys of these remarkable young people. Their achievements reflected the dedication, creativity, and strength of character that define our school community
During November, our annual Fireworks Spectacular display was a sky-high success and raised an incredible £13,000 to support pupils and enhance learning opportunities. Organised by the school’s Parent, Teacher and Friends Association (PTFA), the event brought the local community together for a night of dazzling entertainment. Families enjoyed a stunning fireworks display, live music, fun-filled stalls, and plenty of activities for all ages. Hundreds of people attended to soak up the atmosphere and share in the excitement. PTFA Chair Lisa Fox said, “We were thrilled by the generosity shown this year. Every penny raised will benefit the children at Wisbech St Mary.” Headteacher Miss Jaynie Lynch added, “This was a phenomenal achievement. We were so grateful to our PTFA and community for their time and enthusiasm and we’re already excited for next year!”
The funds raised were invested in improving the learning environment and providing additional resources for pupils, making a real difference to their education and school experience
It was a term full of laughter, learning, and happy memories, and everyone at Wisbech St Mary CofE Academy had so much to celebrate!
Celebration Assembly
Swaffham Bulbeck and Swaffham Prior What a
wonderful term!
What a wonderful term it was at school!
The children settled brilliantly into their new year groups, and school life was as busy and exciting as ever.
We were incredibly proud to receive both a GILT Award for the Primary Science Quality Mark and a GOLD Primary School Games Award. These fantastic achievements celebrated the whole staff team’s dedication to providing the very best learning experiences for every child.
One of the term’s highlights was the expansion of the school Nursery provision, allowing the youngest children to stay all day. The Dragonflies have loved painting, mixing colours, and role play, and thoroughly enjoyed phonics sessions, bike riding, and Play-Doh fun, especially while learning about The Colour Monster!
In The Nest, children became young chefs, using real ingredients and kitchen tools to bake delicious cookies (some with raisins!) and whip up tasty dips for pitta bread and carrot sticks.
Meanwhile, Kingfishers (Years 3 and 4) embraced the great outdoors at Forest School, building dens, climbing trees, and roasting marshmallows around a cosy fire.
Sport was another major focus this term, with Years 5 and 6 impressing everyone at the cross-country event in Newmarket and the football tournament in Mildenhall, showing fantastic teamwork and determination. “This was such an exciting experience. We are pumped for the next game!” said one proud player. The same year groups also had the exciting opportunity to meet Charlotte Cane, their local MP, and learn all about life in Parliament, including the fun fact that MPs are allowed to carry swords!
This talented group of pupils also took the lead in writing the school newsletter, packed with updates on trips, visitors, and everyday adventures.
The term ended with a joyful Harvest Service, featuring songs, artwork, and class performances of The Parable of the Sower. It was a wonderful celebration of gratitude, community, and teamwork, perfectly reflecting a term filled with learning, laughter, and achievement.
Stilton Remembrance Day 2025
Our Year 6 pupils, who are members of the Collective Worship Crew, played an important role in the Remembrance Service in Stilton on the 11th of November. As representatives of the school, they showed great maturity and pride as they joined members of the community to honour those who served and sacrificed their lives in conflict.
The children read beautifully during the service and laid poppy wreaths on the graves of soldiers from Stilton who lost their lives in the First World War. Many attendees commented on how respectful and thoughtful the pupils were throughout the event, showing kindness, empathy, and a genuine understanding of the significance of Remembrance Day.
In school, pupils also took part in a special Remembrance service and joined together to observe the two-minute silence at 11am, reflecting on the service and sacrifices made by the armed forces on our behalf.
The day provided a meaningful opportunity for pupils to connect with their local history, deepen their understanding of remembrance, and show gratitude for those who have protected our freedoms. We were incredibly proud of all our children for the maturity and compassion they showed throughout this important day.
St Andrew’s
Rising stars
During November, two St Andrew’s teachers had the absolute pleasure of taking a team of Year 5&6 girls to the East Cambridgeshire U11 Girls Football Competition (ESFA) at Witchford Village College.
The girls were outstanding from start to finish, playing with pride, determination, and true St Andrew’s spirit. Their teamwork, attitude, and sportsmanship shone through in every match. Across eight games, the girls delivered an incredible performance, losing only one, drawing one, and winning an impressive six matches. With a total of 14 goals scored, they achieved the highest goal tally in the entire competition, a fantastic achievement for such a newly formed team.
Their brilliant effort earned them the runner-up position, an exceptional result for their very first competition together. This is just the beginningonwards and upwards! A huge WELL DONE to Team St Andrew’s!
Bury Exciting times!
It’s been a fantastic term at Bury C of E Primary School, filled with creativity, teamwork, and achievement across all areas of school life!
We were thrilled to launch our OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) Programme, thanks to funding from the Learn-2-Live Well Fund. This exciting initiative is transforming lunchtimes, making them more active, imaginative, and inclusive. With around 20% of a child’s school day spent at play, we wanted to make every moment count. Since introducing OPAL, our playground has come alive with children building dens, dressing up, riding scooters, and exploring in all weathers, especially now that wellies allow everyone to enjoy the grass, even on rainy days! Plans are underway for new play features, including a mud kitchen and sandpit, and we’re so grateful to our local community for their generous donations. It’s been wonderful to see our pupils’ creativity, teamwork, and confidence grow as they play, learn, and explore outdoors.
Meanwhile, pupils from across the school took part in a special Street Naming Workshop with Jack Wycherley from Burmor Construction. The children came up with brilliant and imaginative name ideas for a new nearby housing development in Bury. Their suggestions have been passed on to the Parish Council, and we’re all hoping one of our pupils will soon see their idea on a real street sign!
To top off an already amazing term, our talented Tag Rugby team lifted the Hunts Sports Tag Rugby Cup after a series of outstanding performances. The players showed fantastic skill, determination, and teamwork, defeating Offord Primary in a thrilling final.
Bringing home the trophy was a proud moment for everyone. What a way to celebrate the spirit of Bury!
Ely St Mary’s A wildly wonderful day!
Ely St Mary’s Junior School had an unforgettable treat when The Animal Experience visited, and what a fantastic day it was! The team brought
The Animal Experience team specialises in helping children discover the natural world, understand conservation, and learn about caring for animals. Their sessions encourage curiosity, respect, and responsibility, showing the children why protecting wildlife and habitats is so important.
The pupils were captivated from start to finish, and there were smiles, laughter, and plenty of excitement as they listened carefully and asked thoughtful questions. A real highlight was meeting a seven-week-old baby meerkat, who is being hand-reared by the team after sadly losing its mother at just two weeks old.
It was a truly unforgettable experience for everyone! This visit also tied in perfectly into the children’s current English unit, where they are writing a balanced argument on whether zoos should exist. Over the week, they have been exploring both sides of the debate and learning to gather facts, weigh different viewpoints, and form their own reasoned opinions.
Experiences like this help bring their learning to life, making it meaningful, memorable, and incredibly fun!
It’s always an exciting unit of work, and seeing these amazing animals in person made it even more inspiring and memorable for the children.
Ermine Street Year 6 take on PGL Caythorpe Court!
Late in October, our Year 6 pupils embarked on an action-packed adventure at PGL Caythorpe Court.
Over three thrilling days, they took part in a variety of land and water-based activities that challenged them, inspired them, and brought out their best teamwork. One of the highlights was archery tag, which had pupils communicating, cooperating, and working together to hit their targets. On the water, canoeing gave many the chance to master new skills in paddling and steering, learning to control their craft with growing confidence.
Evenings were just as fun, filled with laughter and community spirit. Pupils gathered around the campfire to sing songs, sharing stories and enjoying the cozy atmosphere. The trip ended on a high note with a silent disco, where everyone danced the night away under the stars. The visit was not only exciting but also incredibly valuable. It helped pupils build independence, resilience, and teamwork, leaving them with unforgettable memories and a real sense of achievement.
It was an adventure they will be talking about for a long time to come!
Guyhirn Inspiring futures begin with career talks
This academic year, our Upper Key Stage 2 class has embarked on an exciting journey of exploring future possibilities through a series of inspiring career talks. The aim is to help pupils understand the wide range of roles within our community, spark new interests, and encourage them to start thinking about the many paths they might follow as they grow older.
So far, the children have enjoyed fascinating sessions delivered by professionals from both the fire service and the paramedics. These visitors shared real-life experiences, demonstrated equipment, and explained the important responsibilities involved in their day-to-day work. The pupils asked thoughtful questions, learned about teamwork under pressure, and discovered how these roles contribute to keeping the public safe.
While the talks were taking place, younger pupils across the school had their own exciting opportunity. They were invited to explore the ambulance and fire engine up close, and see the tools and medical equipment, and learning about how emergency services respond in urgent situations.
Their curiosity and enthusiasm helped create a memorable experience that broadened their understanding of the world around them.
These visits have been an inspiring start to our year of career exploration, and we look forward to welcoming even more visitors who can share their passion and expertise with our pupils.
St Botolph’s Community miles for charity!
14 Runners, 160 Miles, 3 Bike Punctures and £2,225 Raised for Charity!
Here at St Botolph’s, we take pride in living out our school values of community, courage, and compassion in many different ways. A recent shining example comes from one of our families, working alongside two of our staff members, as part of the Rumbles Run Club.
Craig Matthews and Pauline McGranachan, together with the Rosella family and nine other runners, took part in a 24-hour relay race to raise money for the Peterborough Area Down Syndrome Group. Over the course of the race, the group ran an incredible 160 miles, swapping main runners every hour while supported by others cycling and running alongside them.
The local community got right behind them, cheering from balconies and the roadside through the night, helping to inspire the runners, and contributing to the amazing proceeds raised. Craig and Pauline ran 32 miles each as main runners, in addition to supporting with even more miles and cycling 40 miles! The team battled fatigue, rain, and even three bike punctures, but their determination never wavered.
Thanks to their extraordinary efforts, the group has so far raised £2,225 for a fantastic cause. We are incredibly proud of their commitment, teamwork, and the way they embodied the spirit of our school values, truly going above and beyond to make a difference!
St Andrew’s
Stilton and Holme
A visit from Bishop Dagmar
During September, the pupils and staff at Stilton and Holme Primary Academies were delighted to welcome Bishop Dagmar for a very special visit.
Bishop Dagmar led Collective Worship at both schools, focusing on the value of RESPECT, one of our core school values. She shared a new prayer with the children and accompanied it on her guitar, filling the hall with joyful singing.
Afterwards, Bishop Dagmar gave a special blessing to everyone and took time to answer the children’s thoughtful questions before enjoying a tour of each school.
Many pupils spoke afterwards about how inspired they felt. One pupil said they felt “closer to God,” while another reflected that they “could do more with God by their side.” It was a memorable and uplifting day for everyone involved.
Thank you, Bishop Dagmar, for helping us reflect on what RESPECT really means and for sharing such a meaningful experience with our school communities.
Together we shine and remember!
This term, our school community came together to create a brand-new vision, one that reflects who we are today and what we hope to become. After thoughtful discussions and a community vote, we chose an inspiring Bible passage to represent our vision and hopes:
“Let your light shine.” (Matthew 5:16)
This powerful message captures the spirit of Farcet - a place where every child is encouraged to shine brightly, share their talents, and grow into confident, compassionate individuals.
Alongside our new vision, we created a set of school values to guide everything we do. These values, which link closely with DEMAT’s vision, celebrate the qualities we see every day in our pupils and staff. ‘We are FARCET’ - We are Forgiving - Ambitious - Resilient - Compassionate - Equal - Together.
Our community has already been putting these values into action. During our Harvest Festival, we were touched by the generosity of our families, whose donations supported the Salvation Army and Yaxley Food Bank. The festival was also a proud moment for Earhart Class (Reception), who performed Dingle Dangle Scarecrow for the first time; their joyful singing and artwork truly made them shine. We are also extremely proud of one of our Year 6 pupils, who has earned a place at the prestigious
The King’s (Cathedral) School, Peterborough. This fantastic achievement shows ambition, hard work, and resilience, values we are proud to nurture at Farcet
Later in the term, to mark 80 years since VE Day, our Art Leader led a creative remembrance project. Each pupil painted a poppy from a recycled bottle base attached to a garden cane, creating eighty-three poppies now displayed by the school entrance and War Memorial as a beautiful tribute of remembrance.
Each child also designed their own cardboard poppy, decorating it with a range of materials. These were combined to form a wholeschool poppy wreath, which was laid during our Remembrance Day Collective Worship. During the service, our school choir sang Fields of Poppies to honour all those in the Armed Services who gave their lives for our peace and freedom.
A cornet player from the Salvation Army performed The Last Post to mark the beginning of the two minutes’ silence, followed by Reveille to bring it to a close.
Guilden Morden
Step into the magic of our newly renovated reading space!
We are thrilled to introduce our school’s newly renovated reading space, a vibrant, welcoming corner thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of reading.
Our dedicated staff have worked tirelessly to create a cosy, imaginative, and nurturing environment where every child can unwind, explore new worlds, and experience the joy and wonder found within the pages of a book.
We are especially grateful to our PTFA for their generous donation of beautiful new books, which have truly brought the space to life. Children can now browse the shelves at their leisure, discover new favourites, share recommendations with friends, and even borrow books to enjoy at home with their families.
This special space stands as a testament to our school’s commitment to fostering imagination, confidence, creativity, and a genuine passion for reading in every learner.
Holy Cross Alpine skiing superstar gets Holy Cross moving!
At the end of September, Holy Cross had a very special visitor, Sean Rose, a Paralympic alpine skier, and an inspiring sporting hero.
Sean set the children, and the staff, a lively fitness challenge made up of four one-minute activities including squats, spotty dogs, star jumps and burpees. Keeping going for the whole minute was tough, but everyone tried their best and kept going!
In the two weeks before Sean’s visit, the children worked hard to collect sponsorship. Many pupils raised over £50 each, helping us reach an amazing total of £650 for new sports equipment. Our Sports Leaders are now busy creating a wish list of exciting playtime items for everyone to enjoy.
Before saying goodbye, Sean held a brilliant Q&A session. The children asked thoughtful questions and learned all about his journey to becoming a top athlete, his experiences at the
Guyhirn
Paralympics, life in the spotlight, and the amazing work he does now to inspire young people.
Did you know that Sean is the UK’s most successful alpine skier and has won more than 40 international medals?
Marking 150 Years with a Garden of Reflection and Growth
To mark the 150th birthday of our school, we have created a special Celebration Garden. The idea for the garden came from the children, who wanted a space where they could relax, reflect, and enjoy reading during breaktimes.
The garden includes areas for quiet reflection, featuring metal artwork, water features, wind chimes, and a herb garden that supports our sensory learners. There is also a dedicated space for growing vegetables.
So far, the children have enjoyed harvesting and eating strawberries and peas, and they are eagerly awaiting the leek crop to include in our Christmas lunch.
The garden has quickly become a cherished space, serving both as a calm, reflective area and as an inspiring learning environment.
This wonderful project was made possible thanks to grants from Wryde Croft Community Windfarm and Living Sport, along with a generous donation from the local Thomas Hardy Trust.
St Christopher’s Fledglings Pre-School takes flight
There’s a real buzz of excitement at St Christopher’s Primary School as we celebrate the opening of our brand-new Fledglings Pre-School! Officially launched on 15th September, Fledglings welcomes children aged 3 and 4 into a world of wonder, play, and discovery - the perfect place for curious minds to take their very first steps on their learning journey.
Every day at Fledglings is bursting with opportunities to explore, imagine, and create. The carefully planned curriculum helps children build strong foundations for future learning while having lots of fun along the way. Through exciting topics from the Primary Knowledge Curriculum (PKC), children dive into fascinating themes, while the Sounds-Write nursery programme helps them tune into sounds and wordssetting them up brilliantly for reading success.
Creativity flows freely in ‘Story Dough’ and ‘Scribble It!’ sessions, where little hands and big imaginations come together to make magic. And when it’s time for adventure, Forest School afternoons invite the children to step outside, explore nature, and discover the wonders of the great outdoors beyond their beautiful pre-school garden.
Inside, the classroom is a treasure trove of possibilities! Thoughtfully designed with Early Excellence resources, every corner encourages independence, confidence, and curiosity.
The children have already made thes pace their own, exploring, sharing, and learning together with huge smiles and endless enthusiasm.
Hilgay Riverside
An amazing adventure at Hautbois House!
Year 5 and Year 6 pupils from Hilgay Riverside Academy recently enjoyed an unforgettable residential trip to Hautbois House, near Norwich, and what an adventure it was!
From the moment they arrived, excitement filled the air. The children threw themselves into a packed programme of outdoor activities that tested their teamwork, courage, and sense of fun. A clear favourite was paddle boarding, with laughter echoing across the river as pupils balanced, paddled, and occasionally splashed, their way to success!
But the excitement didn’t end there. Pupils took on abseiling, archery, crate stacking, and pioneering, as well as the low ropes course and the thrilling zip wire. There was also time to explore nature through pond dipping and to enjoy the rush of grass sledging, racing down the slopes with big smiles and even bigger cheers.
Hautbois House was the perfect home away from home. Its beautiful grounds, friendly staff, and delicious meals made everyone feel safe, happy, and well looked after. With the whole site reserved just for the school, there was a wonderful family atmosphere throughout the stay.
By the end of the trip, pupils had grown in confidence, strengthened friendships, and created memories to treasure.
Both teachers and children agreed it was a truly fantastic experience that they’ll remember for years to come!
The Norman Honouring Remembrance Day together
On Tuesday, 11th November, our whole school community gathered for a thoughtful and moving assembly to mark Remembrance Day.
We learned about the importance of honouring those who served our country, both in the past and today. To show our respect, we ended the assembly with a minute’s silence, giving everyone time to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by so many, and to pray for peace in places around the world where conflict still affects people’s lives.
After the assembly, Years 5 and 6 made their way to the War Memorial at St Andrew’s Church in our village. Each class carried a beautifully crafted wreath, made with great care and creativity, to lay in honour of the fallen soldiers. At the memorial, our Year 6 pupils led a heartfelt service of remembrance. Parents and members of our local community joined us, creating a warm and supportive atmosphere.
During the service, the children read the powerful and emotive poem In Flanders Fields by John McCrae. Their thoughtful reading, followed by another moment of silence, allowed everyone present to reflect on the bravery and selflessness of those who served.
Babraham CofE
Primary Schoo l
We are incredibly proud of our eldest pupils, who represented our school with maturity, kindness, and deep respect.
Their leadership helped make this year’s Remembrance Day a truly meaningful experience for our whole community, reminding us all of the importance of remembering the past and working towards a more peaceful future.
Babraham
A Champion Chess Player in our midst!
We are delighted to share some exciting news from Babraham School! Minh Nguyen, aged 8, from Magpies Class, has won the Under-8s section of the Delancey UK Chess Championship last weekend.
Minh faced nine opponents in total, tackling several very challenging matches along the way. His hard work, concentration, and brilliant strategy paid off - and he emerged as the overall winner in his category!
He proudly brought his magnificent winner’s cup into school this week to show everyone, and his wonderful achievement was also celebrated during a special collective worship
We are all incredibly proud of Minh and his fantastic success, well done, Minh!
