Welcome from the CEO
Adrian Ball
As we come to the end of another exciting and inspiring term across DEMAT, I’m thrilled to share some of the wonderful highlights from our schools that truly show the creativity, energy, and teamwork that make our Trust so special.
In this edition, we are pleased to introduce some of our Trustees, with John Bradshaw, Chair of our Audit and Risk Committee, and Michael Fordham, who serves on our Standards and Ethos Committee. You can learn some fun and interesting facts about them in our ‘In the Spotlight’ section.
This June, two wonderful DEMAT Together events were held in the historic and beautiful setting of St Mary’s Church in Ely. The Art Exhibition featured over 380 inspiring pieces created by pupils from 33 of our schools - a joyful celebration of imagination and young talent. From bold abstracts to delicate sketches, pupils aged 4–11 delighted over 800 guests. Families, staff, and art lovers celebrated creativity, with top pieces earning Certificates of Excellence. We also marked the conclusion of our eight-month eco-initiative, Our Pledge for Nature, delivered in partnership with the National Trust and Wicken Fen. Guided by conservationist and wildlife ranger Ajay Tegala, our young environmentalists explored climate, biodiversity, and wetlands, producing illustrated pledges that expressed their hopes and actions for a greener future.
Some of these were published in a special anthology, and a celebratory event at the church brought this nature-focused journey to a proud and uplifting close.
Elsewhere across DEMAT, we are excited to highlight an overview of the 2025 Governance Conference and celebrate the incredible efforts of our central team, who rolled up their sleeves for a day of enthusiastic volunteering to transform the grounds at St Luke’s.
As we close the 2024–25 school year, I want to send a heartfelt thank you to every pupil, staff member, and supporter across our DEMAT family. Your hard work and enthusiasm make our Trust a wonderful place to learn, celebrate and grow.
Wishing you all a safe, happy, and restful summer break!
Adrian Ball Chief Executive Officer
Message from the Chair
Helen Jackson
Welcome to another edition of We are DEMAT!
In this edition, we’re responding to the popular question: “Who are the Trustees?” in our – In the Spotlight feature. Each issue will introduce two of our Trustees, starting with John Bradshaw, Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, and Michael Fordham, a secondary headteacher who serves on our Standards and Ethos Committee. We hope you’ll enjoy getting to know the people behind the scenes supporting our schools.
This year, we’ve been holding some of our regular Board meetings in our schools, and most recently, we had the pleasure of visiting Orchards. During our visit, I learned something new (this time about the history of evolution and the fascinating Wallace Line!), but what truly stood out was the warmth, enthusiasm, and kindness shown to us by the children of every age. Meeting in schools gives the Board a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. It allows us to see firsthand the incredible work happening in every school, thanks to the dedication of our remarkable staff and governors. It’s a privilege to witness the effort that goes into helping every child flourish and experience an outstanding Church school education.
This edition is full of wonderful stories and celebrations from across our DEMAT schools – achievements, events, and moments of joy in every corner of our Trust.
On behalf of the Trustees, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to every member of staff, governor, supporter, and of course, every child. We know that many of you have gone above and beyond this year to ensure every child has the best possible opportunity to thrive, and we are deeply grateful.
Finally, to those who are moving on from DEMAT, especially our amazing Year 6 pupils, we wish you every success in the exciting new chapter ahead. Our love, hopes, and prayers go with you.
Wishing you all a restful, joyful, and sunny summer break!
Helen Jackson Chair of Board of Trustees
In the spotlight
DEMAT Trustees, John Bradshaw and
Michael Fordham
John Bradshaw
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your working life?
I’ve called Cambridgeshire home since 1990, having relocated from the Northeast, and I’ve really enjoyed becoming part of such a vibrant and welcoming community. Rugby union has always been a big part of my life – I’ve followed the England team across Europe and had the privilege of attending three World Cups in the UK and France. I’m also a keen fan of live music and have been fortunate to see legends like Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, The Eagles and Eric Clapton perform live.
My professional career spanned 34 years with P&O, during which I held responsibility for various European operations. This role gave me valuable insight into the importance of cultural understanding and the need to adapt to different ways of working.
Outside of work and hobbies, my greatest joy comes from family life. I’m a proud father to three amazing daughters and now a grandfather to two energetic and curious granddaughters who never fail to keep me on my toes.
Michael Fordham
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your working life?
I am originally from Devon and Cornwall, but I came to East Anglia to read history at Cambridge and have remained in the region ever since. My professional life started as a history teacher and I am now the headteacher of a school in Norfolk.
In my spare time I am a keen hillwalker and mountaineer – I have completed the Lake District Wainwrights, over 200 of the Scottish Munros, and climbed a fair number of Alpine 4000m summits. In 2012, while the London Olympics were on, I was camped out at the foot of a glacier in Kyrgyzstan making first ascents of mountains there with a team from Cambridge.
What excites you most about DEMAT now and in the future?
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?
Since joining DEMAT in 2018, I’ve seen the Trust go through a period of significant evolution. It’s been a rewarding — and at times demanding — journey. What excites me most is the sense that we’re always striving to do better. Standing still is not an option. There is a shared determination to strengthen every part of the organisation and, most importantly, to ensure that our frontline staff in schools feel supported, valued, and equipped to do their best for the children in their care.
What is your favourite children’s book?
When it comes to children’s books, it’s been a while since I was reading bedtime stories to my own children — but now I get to rediscover the magic through my granddaughters’ eyes. Julia Donaldson is a firm favourite in our household; stories like Tabby McTat and The Snail and the Whale are regular requests and always a delight to share.
What is your favourite children’s book?
As someone interested in sailing and mountains, I would be hardpressed to find a better children’s book than Arthur Ransome’s Swallowdale: the passage where the children stand at the summit of ‘Kanchenjunga’ was read at my wedding. As a child I loved fantasy series where you could immerse yourself in a world, and naturally I would recommend CS Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia and JRR Tolkien’s Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. But I remember my Year 6 teacher suggesting Brian Jacques’s Redwall series, which I think is a wonderful collection of novels for older primary children.
DEMAT Governance Conference 2025
In May, we held a Conference with our Governors from some of our schools at St Mary’s Church, Ely. It was a wonderful time to meet Governors face to face and was an opportunity for them to network with their colleagues. We also took time to update Governors on the direction of travel of DEMAT and focus on improving the outcomes for our children
A summary was provided of the feedback from the recent Governors Survey which highlighted where support for the framework will be improved going forward.
After a well-earned refreshment and bun break, the remainder of the session focussed on why we do what we do and a discussion of how Local Governing bodies should consider specific risks at school level.
We were joined at one stage by a blackbird who had flown in from the outside. It was fortunate that it found the subject matter of our discussion unfathomable and left of its own accord.
DEMAT Together
‘Our Pledge for Nature’
Celebrating the conservationists of tomorrow
Over the past eight months, many pupils across our schools took part in an exciting environmental journey, made possible through a special partnership with the National Trust and Wicken Fen Nature Reserve.
The DEMAT Together ‘Our Pledge for Nature’ series was led by Ajay Tegala, a passionate conservationist, Wicken Fen ranger, wildlife presenter, author, and voice-over artist. With a degree in Environmental Conservation and over a decade of firsthand experience, Ajay’s love for nature shone through in every session. His enthusiasm, storytelling, and deep knowledge helped bring the wonders of the natural world to life for all who participated.
Children took part in six fascinating video sessions, all linked to the Key Stage 2 Geography curriculum. Together, they explored the rich biodiversity and amazing history of Wicken Fen – one of the UK’s most important wetland habitats. Through six captivating video sessions, children explored the biodiversity and history of Wicken Fen, one of the UK’s most important wetland habitats. From dragonflies and bird migration to peat and climate change, each session sparked curiosity and encouraged young minds to think deeply about conservation.
The programme ended with a creative challenge: to design their own illustrated Pledge for Nature - a personal promise to help protect the environment. The response was truly inspiring, and the most powerful pledges were chosen and published in a beautiful keepsake anthology.
To celebrate these budding environmentalists, a special event was held on Friday 20 June at St Mary’s Church in Ely. Staff read aloud some of their favourite pledges, before each proud pupil was called forward to receive their copy of the anthology and a merit certificate, greeted by enthusiastic applause from the delighted audience.
The day finished with a delicious lunch and plenty of smiles – a perfect end to a truly memorable celebration of knowledge, creativity, learning, and our shared commitment to nature.
Green fingers transform school grounds!
Trust Central team volunteering day
Our school grounds recently received a muchneeded makeover thanks to the dedication of a group of volunteers! It was a fantastic gardening day that saw members of the Trust Central team and a wonderful parent volunteer come together to tackle some seriously overgrown areas.
Upon arrival, the scale of the task was clear: the grass was long and unruly, and persistent thistles stood stubbornly at waist height. But, with determination and teamwork, our volunteers set about reclaiming the space. Throughout the day, the transformation was remarkable. The relentless work of cutting back the grass and clearing the thistles not only tidied the area but also revealed a hidden bench and various gardening tools, a testament to how wild the area had become!
The improvements weren’t limited to just the kitchen garden. In the forest section of our grounds, the team uncovered more hidden gems. As they cleared away the undergrowth, a log circle and a fire pit emerged, ready to be enjoyed once again.
We are incredibly grateful to every single volunteer who gave their time and energy to make such a significant difference. Their hard work – rewarded with a selection of cakes and sweet treats throughout the day - has not only improved our school environment but has also directly benefited our pupils. The children have already been able to use the newly cleared spaces for their learning, exploring and engaging with nature in ways that simply weren’t possible before.
We are very grateful to all who gave their time for the benefit of the pupils at St Luke’s.
DEMAT Together Art Exhibition
Young artists celebrated in Ely
This June, the historic setting of St Mary’s Church in Ely, Cambridgeshire, played host to the vibrant Diocese of Ely Multi Academy Trust’s DEMAT Together Art Exhibition, displaying the creativity and talent of children from more than 33 primary schools across the Trust.
Part of a wider programme celebrating the diverse strengths and talents of DEMAT pupils, the exhibition brought together over 380 stunning pieces of artwork created by children aged 4 to 11. From bold abstract paintings to delicate sketches and mixed media creations, the pieces reflected a wide range of themes, techniques, and imagination.
A private viewing was held on 13 June, where the successful young artists were invited to attend with their families. The event was a joyful celebration of artistic achievement, with proud parents, carers, teachers, and school representatives in attendance. More than 800 people filled the church with smiles, laughter, and admiration for the children’s work.
Guests had the opportunity to vote for their top ten favourite pieces, with the most popular entries later recognised with a Certificate of Excellence - a special honour celebrating both creativity and public appreciation.
The exhibition was also opened to the public the following day, drawing interest from the local residents, art lovers, and passersby drawn in by the colourful displays.
The event not only showcased the children’s talents but also highlighted the power of the arts to bring school communities together.
DEMAT Together Art Exhibition
Celebrating creativity and talent
PKC showcase days
St Botolph’s leads the way
Since 2020, we have worked closely with the Primary Knowledge Curriculum (PKC) team who have written curriculum planning for a range of foundation subjects. Building on knowledge of cognitive load theory and Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction, the PKC planning and linked training has supported us to build subject communities focused on professional development. This supports our goal that all pupils are learning more and remembering more over time.
A key part of our work with PKC has focused on professional development and building subject knowledge, especially for mixed-year classes. This partnership has supported not just DEMAT schools, but small schools nationally.
this opportunity. The open days give visiting educators the chance to see excellent teaching in action as well as the impact of a strong curriculum.
St Botolph’s C of E Primary School was chosen to lead the way. Working closely with Emma Lennard (PKC Curriculum Advisor) and Tricia Moss (DEMAT Trust Curriculum Lead), Headteacher Rachel Rayner and her staff developed an agenda that highlights how planning is translated into lessons where pupils think hard and speak articulately and passionately about their learning.
The first showcase was a huge success—and now, termly visits are fully booked, with visitors travelling from as far as Reading and Yorkshire. Visitors observe real lessons, not staged performances.
Teachers share what they already do: consistent, high-quality explicit instruction and strong routines.
When Alex Pethick, Director of the PKC, invited DEMAT to be the first MAT to host PKC Showcase Days, we were very excited by
As Rachel Rayner says:
“Togetherness is the key. We support each other so that when visitors arrive, we feel proud and ready. We’ve built confidence and grown by sharing. One powerful example? A history lesson that began with the line: “Today I want to introduce you to someone amazing… his name was Gandhi.” The room fell silent, and the pupils remembered every word. After sharing the impact of storytelling, it is a widely used technique across the school to harness attention.”
Chris Pearce, Geography Lead, adds:
“Building links with schools across the country has allowed us to share good practice and contribute to the wider professional dialogue around the implementation of the PKC. It is also a valuable opportunity for me to reflect on my own practice by observing colleagues and engaging in meaningful professional exchange.”
Alex Pethick praises the partnership:
“DEMAT’s commitment to sharing best practice has helped schools across the country. Their professional generosity is making a national impact.”
With PKC now reaching over 100,000 children nationwide, DEMAT is proud to play a leading role in shaping better outcomes—for all children.
Visitor Feedback Highlights:
• Teaching vocabulary with Latin. Teaching with storytelling voice. Using jumbled sentences for retrieval.
• Clarity of instruction with very little on the slides. The way you don’t take no for fitting it all into the timetable! It’s inspiring.
• Staff confidence with delivery of knowledge and reducing the text on the slides.
• Knowledge is focussed on learning. Learning is focused on knowledge. Curriculum sequenced and prioritised. It’s clear the children understand.
• The lesson and environment visits as well as the learning behaviours embedded into the lessons.
• The subtle teacherly nuance between retrieval, review and reteach.
• A lovely calm atmosphere. Key vocabulary being taught in lessons using actions and symbols.
• PKC is impactful and does enable children to recall info.
• It’s been empowering and inspiring to see the PKC curriculum done well and the impact it’s having in your school.
• The importance of routines, reviewing curriculum time to ensure coverage, consistency and modelling - powerful teaching.
• Wonderful relationships with staff and children, confident children.
DEMAT is proud to play a leading role in shaping better outcomes - for all children. Map
Explicit instructions leading to
outcomes
Thriplow
Thriplow’s exciting new trim trail!
There’s a brand-new adventure waiting on the playground at Thriplow School – a fantastic trim trail, kindly funded by their amazing PTA!
The children have been loving every moment on the new equipment – climbing, balancing, and having fun together. It’s been brilliant to see them grow in confidence as they test their skills and support one another.
Older pupils have done a fantastic job helping the younger ones learn how to use the trail safely, showing just what great role models they are.
To celebrate the big occasion, the Thriplow Ambassadors proudly cut the ribbon on the first day of term to officially open the trail , and it’s been a hit ever since!
A big thank you to the PTA and everyone who helped make this exciting addition to our school possible!
Hilgay Riverside Dancing into the spotlight!
Hilgay Riverside Academy was bursting with pride as children from Years 1 to 6 took to the stage at the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange for a dazzling dance festival to remember!
After weeks of fun-filled rehearsals with a specialist dance teacher, our talented pupils were more than ready to shine, and shine they did! Performing under the bright lights of the theatre, they wowed the audience with high-energy routines set to a toe-tapping disco theme. Think sparkling costumes, funky moves, and big smiles all around!
The whole venue came alive as schools from across the area joined in the celebration of rhythm, creativity, and teamwork. Our Hilgay dancers lit up the stage with confidence, showing off the hard work they had put into every single step.
The audience was packed with proud families, who clapped and cheered their hearts out. The atmosphere was electric and full of joy, a true celebration of talent, determination, and the power of the performing arts.
“All of the children performed brilliantly,” said one staff member beaming with pride. “They danced their hearts out and had so much fun. It’s something they’ll never forget.”
The event was more than just a performance, it was a chance to build confidence, work together, and let creativity shine, as students expressed themselves through movement. It was a shining example of the power of the arts in education, and an event to remember for Hilgay Riverside Academy.
A huge well done to our incredible dancersyou were disco-tastic!
William de Yaxley Spring into adventure!
Residential trips for Years 4, 5 and 6
With Spring in full bloom and summer just around the corner, it was the perfect time to pack our bags and set off on our exciting residential trips!
At William de Yaxley, our residential visits are a big part of school life. They help children grow in independence and confidence, becoming braver and more adventurous each year. As the children move through the school, the trips become a little further from home and include even more fun and challenging activities.
Year 4 pupils enjoyed a wonderful, sunny three-day trip to Burwell House – their very first school residential! During their stay, the children took part in a range of geography and science-based activities. They practised using 4-figure grid references to find places on a map, carried out a traffic survey, and explored how land is used in different ways. They also compared Burwell village to our own, spotting similarities and differences in the buildings and layout.
As budding nature detectives, the children searched for signs of wildlife and took part in a tree survey, measuring the height and girth of different trees. One of the most popular activities was the thrilling game of Burwell Fox, where the aim was to avoid being caught by the farmer! The children also had a brilliant time building shelters—and testing how waterproof they were using a very enthusiastic water gun!
Year 5 pupils travelled to Caythorpe Court, a PGL centre near Grantham, for an action-packed adventure. With a wide range of exciting outdoor activities, the trip was all about teamwork, perseverance and stepping outside of comfort zones.
The children built rafts (some stayed dry… others didn’t!), took on the vertical challenge, and climbed a 10-metre telegraph pole before leaping for a trapeze bar! The giant swing was also a huge hit – and definitely one of the favourites among staff and pupils alike.
Other activities included rifle shooting, orienteering, laser tag, a campfire evening and the always-messy Balloon Splash. After three days of non-stop fun, the children returned home with big smiles, boosted confidence and a real sense of pride in what they had achieved.
The week after SATs, Year 6 set off for their fun-filled residential to sunny Bournemouth. This year, the trip was organised by the school rather than through a travel company – saving families
around £200! Even a new hotel was found just five minutes from the beach, with sea views and a lovely private space to relax in. It was so perfect, a booking has already been made for next year! On the way down, we stopped at Monkey World to learn about how they rescue and care for animals that have been mistreated or orphaned. The huge play area was a great place to stretch our legs after the long journey.
After dinner on the first night, everyone headed down to the beach for games in the sand and paddling in the sea – always a highlight! The next day was packed with history and excitement at Beaulieu Palace and Motor Museum, which was once a World War II spy training centre. We explored the palace, toured the sculpture garden, rode the monorail and vintage bus, and saw some amazing classic cars.
On the final day, everyone visited Paulton’s Park where the children enjoyed the thrill of roller coasters and theme park rides.
For some, it was the first time trying these rides and their brave smiles said it all. Sadly, the log flume was out of action, so the famous record of 34 rides in a row still stands… for now!
Anthony Curton Extending Intra-Competition events beyond Sports Day
Anthony Curton has been working hard this year to expand their Intra-Competition events beyond the traditional Sports Day. In the autumn term, they launched their first Intra-Hockey events which were a great success and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone involved.
More recently, they wrapped up their Spring Intra-Events with a fun and energetic ball skills challenge for Early Years and Key Stage 1. The children rotated through four sport’s day-style activities, including throwing, catching, balancing, and dribbling. Each house had to work both individually and as a team, and it was wonderful to see the children supporting one another and having such a great time. A big well done to all the houses for their enthusiasm and effort!
Key Stage 2 also took part in exciting IntraTag Rugby competitions, with Years 3 & 4 and Years 5 & 6 facing off. The pupils showcased the skills they’ve been developing in our P.E. curriculum and demonstrated great teamwork and sportsmanship throughout.
We are all very much looking forward to our Summer Intra-Events. Overall points to date (Spring) across all year groups:
1. St Patrick – 120 points
2. St George – 115 points
3. St Andrew – 113 points
4. St David – 91 points
Holme and Stilton
A season of learning, adventure, and reflection
Earlier this term, children from Hedgehog Class (Year 6) at Stilton and Foxes (Year 5 and 6) at Holme embarked on an unforgettable residential adventure to Ironbridge, staying at YHA Coalport for three days in June.
This marked the first joint residential visit between the two schools since before the pandemic, and it was a joy to see pupils from both communities coming together as part of the wider DEMAT family. The children immersed themselves in a wide range of activities that brought their learning in Art, History, Geography, and PSHE to life. Highlights included visits to the Iron Museum, Enginuity, the Tile Museum—where they each designed and created their own tile—and the ever-popular Blists Hill Victorian Village. At Blists Hill, pupils stepped back in time, experiencing life as Victorian schoolchildren (thankfully without the cane!), and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. The trip wrapped up with a walk across the iconic Iron Bridge and a well-earned ice cream treat before heading home. Huge thanks go to Mrs Smallman, Stilton’s Deputy Headteacher, for her leadership and planning, and to all the dedicated staff who gave their time to make this enriching experience possible.
Meanwhile, at the end of the spring term, children from both Holme and Stilton Primary Academies took part in a deeply thoughtful Easter Enrichment Day. Pupils explored different aspects of the Easter story - such as Palm Sunday, the crucifixion, and Pentecost - through reflection, discussion, and art. The day encouraged children to slow down, wonder, and respond creatively, resulting in a beautiful collection of artwork that was proudly displayed in the local church for families and the wider community to enjoy. Adding to the experience, Reverends and members of the church communities from both schools led a powerful “Experience Easter” journey.
Children moved through various stations around the church, each offering moments of spiritual reflection, connection with nature, and opportunities to listen, think, and wonder. It was a meaningful and memorable day for all involved.
The Norman Family Dining
Written by our Y5 and Y6 pupils in Owls Class.
Here at The Norman, we have reintroduced our Family Groups. Family Groups are used for many different things, including our Family Dining. We have incredible Year 6 pupils who are the Family Leaders.
We have been working hard on our routines at lunchtime for the past term. The Family Leaders go down to the hall earlier than the rest of the school and they help set up the dining hall. We set the table for every child, checking the lunch orders so that children have the right cutlery that they will need. We make sure everyone has a cup of water, and we put out each child’s name tags in their place. Once the hall is ready, we all stand behind out seats silently and wait until everyone is here. When everyone has arrived, we say our school lunchtime prayer and sit down. Tables then go up one at a time to collect their lunch, and the Family Leaders help the younger children cut up their lunches if they need it. The Top Table Leaders sound the drum with 10 minutes left, and the leading adult gives us a question of the day, and then we have a 5-minute warning, so the Leaders start clearing away plates and wiping down their tables.
Everyday, a family group is chosen as the “Best Table” which means you get to leave second for outside play, and the following day you get to go up second after the “Top Table”. The Top Table is chosen each Friday, and they get a special tablecloth, fancy placemats and flowers on their table. They are also first to go to play every day, and first to collect their lunches all week!
We love Family Dining as it is helping the Y6 children to be responsible, independent and caring. They also get the chance to be a good role model to the younger children, who love their Y6 Leaders. We always have lovely conversations, and you can make new friends with people sitting next to you. One of the best things about Family Dining is that it gives you a chance to be relaxed so you can talk and eat with friends calmly in a much quieter lunch hall. It’s great to have teachers eat their lunch with us and ask how the day is going as they sit at the tables with us.
The main thing is Family Dining brings us TOGETHER!
St Andrew’s A magical visit from Pinocchio!
Last month, St. Andrew’s Primary School in Soham was thrilled to welcome M&M Theatre Productions for a lively and captivating performance of ‘The Adventures of Pinocchio’, the beloved children’s classic by Carlo Collodi. Bringing the magic of live theatre right into our school hall was a truly special experience. With vibrant costumes, catchy songs, and beautifully designed sets, the performance had pupils completely hooked from start to finish. Even though the tale of Pinocchio is more than 140 years old, the talented cast brought it to life with such humour and energy that children of all ages were
The excitement didn’t end there! Pupils in Years 5 and 6 took part in an exclusive Theatre Workshop, where they discovered the behind-the-scenes magic that makes a show like this possible. To their amazement, they learned that just five actors played all the characters! They also got hands-on with lighting and sound effects and, of course, had the chance to shine with their own acting skills.
It was a fantastic day full of fun, creativity, and inspiration, one we’re sure the children will remember for a long time to come!
Stanground St John’s Year
5 take a trip around the world – without leaving Stanground!
In early May, Year 5 pupils from Stanground St John’s went on a journey of discovery at the Religion & Belief Roadshow, held at St Michael’s Church and led by the brilliant team from the St Philip’s Centre in Leicester.
The roadshow was an exciting chance for children to explore how people of different faiths and worldviews live, worship, and celebrate - all under one roof! With stalls representing eight different religions and beliefs, pupils got hands-on with beliefs, clothing, traditions, worship, music, and even some tasty treats from around the world.
Each stall was run by a volunteer, eager to share their experiences and answer curious questions. The children loved learning about how people from different backgrounds can live side by side in harmony, and the event really brought to life the idea of respect, understanding, and community.
“It was like going on a world tour without needing a passport!” said one excited pupil.
The visit gave everyone lots to think about and showed just how amazing and diverse our world and our local community really are. It was an exciting and fun way for the children to learn more about the many cultures and communities that make up cities like Peterborough.
A big thank you to all who made this brilliant day possible!
Babraham A magical musical journey with the Tiny Magic Orchestra
What an unforgettable experience! Children were treated to a visit from the Tiny Magic Orchestra, led by talented musicians from the renowned Britten Sinfonia, and it was nothing short of magical!
The performance featured a beautiful mix of live instruments, including the harp, ukulele, clarinet, and flute. But that wasn’t all! There was also a mysterious “invisible orchestra” hidden inside a magical music box that added surprise and wonder to the performance!
The musicians took their audience on a musical adventure like no other. With sound as their guide, they travelled up a mountain, under the sea, and even blasted off into space!
The children didn’t just sit and listen, they became part of the performance, clapping, moving, and using their imaginations to help bring the story to life.
This exciting visit supports the growing Babraham Music Curriculum, which they’ve been developing over the past few years to spark a love of music and creativity in all their pupils. Who knows—today’s musical journey may have inspired the next great composer, conductor, or performer!
Thank you to the Tiny Magic Orchestra and Britten Sinfonia for bringing music, imagination, and joy into their school.
Stanground St John’s We’ve won the Sounds-Write Silver Award!
We’re thrilled to announce that our school has been awarded the prestigious Sounds-Write Silver Award - a fantastic recognition of the outstanding work we’re doing in phonics to help children learn to read and write with confidence.
This award highlights how effectively our teachers deliver the Sounds-Write phonics programme, ensuring lessons are clear, consistent, and engaging for all learners. A key part of this success is thanks to our dedicated Phonics Associate, who not only leads high-quality phonics sessions in school but also supports other schools across our Trust. Through training, mentoring, and handson support, they’ve played a vital role in raising literacy standards and empowering both pupils and staff.
Winning the Silver Award is a proud moment for our whole school community, but it’s only the beginning! We’re committed to building on this achievement, continuing our work with SoundsWrite, and ensuring that every child becomes a confident, capable reader and writer.
A huge well done to all the staff, pupils, and supporters who helped us reach this milestone. We’re excited for what comes next!
Stilton MC Grammar rocks Stilton!
On Tuesday 3rd June, the pupils of Stilton Primary were treated to a truly unforgettable experience - a high-energy visit from none other than MC Grammar himself! Taking time out of his jampacked schedule, the rapping teacher and literacy legend brought the house down with a morning full of rhythm, rhymes, and reading fun.
In true superstar style, the entire school got into the spirit of the day. Pupils arrived dressed in their glitziest outfits, waving handmade signs and ready to sing along to some of MC Grammar’s greatest hits. The excitement kicked off with a special session for our preschool and EYFS classes, where MC Grammar read stories and performed favourites like “Wowza!” and “Reading is Amazing!” But the real showstopper came when the whole school gathered for an electrifying live performance.
Each year group had prepared a special song, and the hall came alive as pupils stood proudly to sing catchy grammar anthems like the Tricky Word Song, the Comma List Song, and the unforgettable FANBOYS Song. There were rap battles, times table rap-offs, and even some surprise teacher freestyles, all creating an atmosphere of pure joy and inspiration.
MC Grammar wrapped up the visit with a tour of every classroom, stopping for photos and autographs, and many children proudly brought along his book to be signed. Judging by the beaming smiles, it’s safe to say the memories made that day will last a lifetime.
A huge thank you goes to our amazing FOSS (Friends of Stilton School) team for organising this brilliant event. The children are still buzzing—and we suspect they will be for a long time to come!
MC Grammar with the FOSS team and Headteacher Mrs King.
Anthony Curton and Tilney All Saints Staying safe with Crucial Crew
Children from Anthony Curton and Tilney All Saints recently took part in the Crucial Crew event at King’s Lynn Fire Station - a brilliant day packed with important safety learning in a fun and interactive setting.
The event is designed to teach children essential life skills and how to stay safe in a range of real-life situations. Through handson activities and engaging presentations, the children explored potential hazards in a safe, controlled environment and learned how to respond responsibly.
Throughout the day, pupils took part in sessions led by the Coastguard, Police (focusing on online safety), Air Ambulance, Fire Service, Norfolk County Council’s “Be Prepared” team, and St John Ambulance. Each group shared valuable advice—from how to stay safe near water or on the internet, to what to do in a medical emergency.
The children came away informed, confident, and inspired to take responsibility for their own safety. A huge thank you to all the organisations involved for making learning about safety so memorable and meaningful!
St Christopher’s Meet our road safety heroes!
Over the past year, our incredible team of Year 4 Junior Road Safety Officers (JRSOs) at St Christopher’s have been working hard to promote safer journeys through a range of fun and impactful school events.
From raising awareness through music to leading school-wide surveys and competitions, our JRSOs have truly earned their title as Road Safety Heroes. Below, Adeline and Jesse share their highlights from an exciting year of making a difference.
Jesse’s Road Safety Highlights
Hi, I’m Jesse and I love being a JRSO! One of the best things we’ve done this year was creating our very own road safety pop song and music video, which we entered into a national competition. With help from Miss Jarred, we rewrote the lyrics to one of our favourite songs - Bruno Mars’ “A.P.T.” - and turned it into “A.B.C.” to share our key road safety message: Alert, Bright, and Cautious. It was so much fun performing and recording it!
Another event I really enjoyed organising was our non-uniform day, where everyone came to school dressed in bright, stripy, or fluorescent clothes. This fun day raised over £180 for BRAKE, a charity that supports people affected by road accidents. We were so proud to support such a meaningful cause.
One of the toughest parts of my role was judging the entries for our Road Safety Poster Competition. There were so many amazing designs that I wanted everyone to win! But with Miss Brown’s help, we managed to choose one winner from each year group.
Our Junior Road Safety Officers
Adeline’s Road Safety Adventures
Hi, I’m Adeline, and I’ve loved being part of the JRSO team! My favourite part of the role was leading our whole-school travel survey, where we visited every class, even Year 6, to find out how pupils get to school each day. We shared the results in assembly and created a leaderboard showing which class had the most children walking, cycling, or scooting to school. It was so exciting to see the competition grow!
We also took part in a Community Speed Watch alongside PC Ainsworth and PC Smith. They spoke to us about road safety and showed us how they help prevent dangerous driving. The best part? We got to use a real speed gun outside school, and thankfully, none of our teachers were caught speeding!
Most recently, we organised a Road Sign Scavenger Hunt around Red Lodge. Children searched for road signs and learned what they meant. Everyone who joined in was entered into a prize draw and won some amazing road safety goodies.
I’m really looking forward to attending the Suffolk County Council JRSO Ceremony in July. Miss Jarred says we might all receive certificates for our hard work, and I can’t wait to bring mine back to show my friends and teachers!
Ready for our Speed Watch!
Guyhirn Happy 150th Birthday, Guyhirn
Guyhirn is turning 150 years old this year! That’s a century and a half of inspiring minds, building friendships, and creating memories that have lasted generations.
It all began in November 1875, when the school welcomed its very first pupils, just months after the foundation stone was laid in May of that year. Since then, thousands of children have walked through these doors, each one leaving their own mark on the incredible story of Guyhirn.
As part of this milestone celebration, the school has been diving deep into its archives and what a treasure trove they’ve uncovered! From weathered logbooks to black-and-white photographs, the past has come alive with stories that are surprising, heartwarming, and sometimes downright charming. Here are a few gems:
• “11th September 1939 – Owing to the outbreak of war and the influx of children from evacuated areas, school will not reopen until further notice.”
• “12th November 1937 – The school is closed today to allow the tarmac to be laid in the playground.”
• “18th September 1933 – I have commenced the service of Horlicks Malted Milk in the school this morning. Those participating received a beaker of milk during playtime.”
• “8th July 1940 – Work on the erection of air raid shelters for the use of school children began today.”
• “June 1921 – A health visitor enquired if the children had any ill effects from the daylight savings scheme. In the head teacher’s opinion, there were none.”
Looking back has reminded everyone just how much the school has grown, and how much its heart has stayed the same. To mark this truly momentous occasion, the school has lined up a series of joyful celebrations, including a special service at the church this July, where pupils will honour the school’s legacy and share their own stories of life at Guyhirn.
Other highlights of the celebrations include a special 150th birthday pack for every child—complete with a commemorative mug, book, bookmark, certificate, and yes, a delicious birthday cupcake! There will also be a heartwarming reunion event, bringing together former staff, governors, and alumni from across the decades. Among the special guests will be the school’s oldest former pupil, aged 92, who will return to share cherished memories and browse photo albums filled with moments from years gone by.
It’s not just a celebration of the past, it’s a joyful look forward to the next 150 years of discovery, connection, and community.
Here’s to the stories you’ve told, the lives you’ve touched, and the bright future ahead.
Happy 150th, Guyhirn C of E Primary!
Little Thetford A Spring of discovery and play
This spring, Little Thetford buzzed with excitement as it proudly hosted a Science Fair in celebration of National Science Week.
With the theme “Change and Adapt,” the entire school transformed into a vibrant hub of experimentation, curiosity, and hands-on learning. Pupils showcased an impressive range of investigations, from exploring gravity and the solar system to building water recycling systems and experimenting with renewable energy. Many paid tribute to famous scientists such as Isaac Newton, Marie Curie, and Louis Pasteur, while live demonstrations added a dynamic touch to the event. The children spoke with confidence and enthusiasm as they explained the science behind their projects, impressing parents, teachers, and members of the local community with their depth of knowledge and creativity.
Alongside the academic excitement, the school also unveiled an exciting new addition to its outdoor space - a brand-new Trim Trail. Installed just in time for the warmer weather, this fantastic piece of play equipment was made possible thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts of the Friends of Little Thetford School (FOLTS). Their dedication has given pupils a fun and active way to enjoy their break times, build physical confidence, and stay healthy. The Trim Trail has quickly become a favourite among the children, who can be seen daily climbing, balancing, and challenging themselves with joy and energy.
It’s a wonderful example of how community spirit and teamwork can enrich school life - both in and out of the classroom.
Anthony Curton A Fantastic term of fun, learning, and achievement!
This term has been packed with excitement at Anthony Curton Primary School, with enriching experiences both in and out of the classroom.
We were thrilled to welcome back classical pianist Siobhain O’Higgins for a morning of live music, thanks to the charity Classical Music Rocks. Children watched in awe as she revealed the inner workings of the piano, danced to her beautiful playing, and even joined in to perform pieces they’d been learning. The visit helped spark curiosity and appreciation for classical music in a wonderfully hands-on way.
In Year 5, children swapped pencils for aprons when Aspens, the school caterers, led a fantastic bread-making session. Pupils learnt about the role of yeast and the art of kneading before enjoying the delicious results—filling the school with the smell of freshly baked bread!
Meanwhile, the school’s Easter spirit was on full display as pupils created colourful Easter Egg designs, which were proudly hung in Walpole St Andrew Church. Thank you to the Church Team for judging the entries and donating Easter Egg prizes. Congratulations to all our class winners!
Another seasonal highlight was a special visit from some woolly guests. Mr Wilkinson, the Deputy Head and a sheep farmer, brought lambs into school to teach children about animal care and farming. Pupils loved bottle-feeding the lambs and learning about
Reception Class held a joyful Royal Tea Party, dressing in regal outfits and enjoying jam sandwiches and tea, while Class 1 explored the Sea Life Centre in Hunstanton, marvelling at rockpool creatures and baby penguins—did you know starfish can regrow their legs?
Year 6 had an unforgettable trip to Bletchley Park, the historic home of WWII codebreakers. Pupils cracked Morse code messages and learned about the incredible machines that helped change the course of history.
To top it all off, the school is proud to have earned the School Games Gold Mark Award for 2024/25! This national recognition celebrates their commitment to sport and competition. From football matches and KS1 multi-skills festivals to whole-school Intra-Competitions and events at Wisbech Grammar School, every child has had the chance to get involved. A huge well done to all pupils, staff, and supporters who helped us achieve this award.
What a brilliant term it’s been - full of creativity, curiosity, teamwork, and achievement!
Babraham and Thriplow Football, friendship,
and cake!
Babraham vs Thriplow – March 2025.
The much-anticipated annual boys’ football match between Babraham and Thriplow took place on Shrove Tuesday - and it was a brilliant day of sport, laughter, and even cake!
Played on home turf at Babraham, the match was full of energy, team spirit, and great goals. At half-time, the players took a wellearned break with some delicious cake—because what’s Shrove Tuesday without a sweet treat?
Thriplow took home the win again this year, but the real victory was the fun had by all and the great sportsmanship on display.
It was a fantastic opportunity for the boys to build confidence, develop their football skills, and enjoy healthy competition.
Many of the Year 6 players will be heading to the same secondary school in September, so this match was also a great way to start forming new friendships. The excitement continues as Babraham and Thriplow prepare to join forces for a shared Isle of Wight residential in May—we can’t wait for more fun, friendship, and maybe even a football kickabout on the beach!
Well done to all the players - you made your schools proud!
