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ACTIVE FOR LIFE How St Faith’s champions inclusive, joyful sport for every child
I n an era when young people are increasingly drawn towards screens and sedentary habits, St Faith’s School in Cambridge is putting physical activity firmly at the heart of childhood. With a dynamic, inclusive and ever evolving sports programme running from preschool to year 8, the school remains committed to developing not only athletic ability, but also lifelong learning habits such as resilience, creativity, ambition and independence. INCLUSIVE SPORT Over the past 40 years, sport in schools has changed dramatically. With ever more community clubs, specialist coaching and new technologies shaping how children learn, schools are no longer the sole gateway to activity. So, St Faith’s embraces an extended ecosystem, welcoming specialist coaching to complement its curriculum and help pupils discover passions that extend well beyond the school gates. Despite financial and environmental pressures affecting fixtures across the education sector, St Faith’s has maintained its commitment to inclusion: every child
squad prepares the strongest swimmers for national competitions, while ensuring every KS2 and KS3 pupil builds water confidence. Gymnastics is taught from preschool to year 8, and trampolining – always popular – features for all pupils in year 6, with continued options available in later years. A BROAD, MODERN CURRICULUM At St Faith’s, PE and games are purposefully distinct, reflected even in the uniform. Games focuses on team sports, with seasonal rotations and increasing choice from year 6 onwards, including hockey, rowing, netball, rugby, football, tennis and cricket. Cricket, introduced through fun, skills-based lessons in year 1, evolves into hard ball competition by years 7 and 8, giving every child a pathway tailored to their development. PE lessons offer even greater variety, meanwhile, through a carousel that exposes pupils to athletics, swimming, gymnastics, trampolining and the fundamentals of movement. Newer additions such as Hyrox, Boxercise, pickleball and ultimate frisbee make sure the programme reflects modern sporting interests, while lunchtime clubs and IAPS pathways in minor sports – golf, badminton, basketball, volleyball and more – mean pupils can pursue niche skills with expert guidance. Some pupils compete beyond school in fencing or clay shooting even – a testament to the programme’s adaptability and breadth. Importantly, PE and games also play a critical role in supporting pupils with special educational needs. Whether through the calming rhythm of swimming, sensory feedback of trampolining or social bonds of team sport, pupils can often find confidence, focus and a sense of belonging through movement. A JOYFUL COMMUNITY OF SPORT Victories and defeats are part of the sporting journey, but every match brings pride, camaraderie and moments of joyful accomplishment. St Faith’s sporting philosophy is simple yet profound: to help each child discover the pleasure of moving, the power of teamwork and their own unique place in a supportive community.
in years 6-8 represents the school weekly, with years 4-5 competing in regular bi- weekly fixtures. OUTSTANDING FACILITIES The impressive breadth of sports on offer is supported by outstanding facilities both on site and around the city. Pupils swim at The Leys pool, where a thriving after-school MOVING WITH THE TIMES St Faith’s PE curriculum includes Hyrox, Boxercise and pickleball to give pupils the chance to try out the latest fun fitness trends
Committed to developing not only athletic ability , but also lifelong habits
To find out more, visit stfaiths.co.uk , call 01223 229421 or email admissions at admissions@stfaiths.co.uk
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK APRIL 2026 65
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