CSFC Cambridge

This week, our students participated in the Exam Practice Tests (EPs). These assessments focused on the current units of study and were designed to give students a clear understanding of their progress so far. The EPs play a key role in preparing students for their upcoming Mock Exams in November. We encourage both students and parents to review the results when they become available on the parent and student portal from 21st October. These results will provide valuable insights into areas of strength and any areas requiring further focus in the lead-up to the mocks.

We are confident that this structured approach will set students up for success as they continue to work toward their academic goals this year. If you have any questions or concerns about the results, just let us know. One important thing to remember is that these tests look at material only from a relatively small area of content in each subject, and that for many students, this is their first taste of assessment at A Level standard. Over the coming months, we will continue to guide students towards mock exam success, and then crucially to excellent performance in May and June 2025!

We are excited to inform you about our upcoming Enrichment Week, designed to provide our students with valuable experiences beyond the standard curriculum. The activities we have planned will not only enhance their academic journey but also offer them a unique opportunity to explore real-world applications of their studies.

Enrichment week is between 28th October and 1st November.

Our Year 13 students are making impressive strides in their UCAS applications, with 95% now completed and six students already receiving offers from universities. This is a fantastic achievement, reflecting both their hard work and dedication

This year’s application process has been supported by our new Head of Careers and Higher Education, Mr. Dominic Fuge, who, along with our three Heads of House, has played a key role in helping students craft strong personal statements and make informed choices about their university options.

As we await more offers in the coming months, we are confident that this early success is just the beginning. Our Year 13s are well-prepared for the next step in their academic journeys, and we look forward to celebrating more university offers soon.

Over the coming months, we also look forward to working with our Year 12 students, as we induct them in to our university application processes. This began in earnest on Thursday this last week, when Mr Fuge guided them through CV and Cover Letter Writing.

Please do let us know if you would like any further information about university applications, both to the UK and internationally.

Mr Sweet

Sanika and Arshin, two Year 12 students, recently took charge of the school assembly to share thought-provoking ideas about how we, as members of the CSFC community, can make a positive impact on our environment every day.

They emphasised the importance of using platforms like Vinted to recycle clothes, introducing meat-free Mondays to our school menu, and opting for reusable cups and flasks to minimise plastic use, particularly for Boba drinks, which are very popular in our cohort. Additionally, they are diligently working on creating awareness-raising posters with more innovative ideas.

We have established a tradition at CSFC Cambridge that focuses on bringing people together, celebrating what truly matters, and finding joy in the process. Our main goal is to foster a strong sense of community and purpose, particularly when our students feel that they have made a meaningful impact. As a school, we strongly believe in the numerous benefits of volunteering, including its ability to alleviate stress and anxiety, while simultaneously boosting confidence and overall well-being.

Our journey began in October 2023 when we raised over £250 for Breast Cancer UK. The event was a colourful display of support, as our students donned pink attire and accessories to show solidarity with breast cancer research. They also took the initiative to create informative materials with QR codes to help others understand symptoms and self-examination methods.

In February 2024, we rallied behind Hopes and Homes for Children by selling roses and raising £282 for the charity. Each rose represented a child in need, and the compassion felt across the school was truly heartwarming. One student even went the extra mile by ordering a rose for every single staff member at our college.

Our third event was dedicated to the Young People’s Mental Health Charity. We organised a healthy bake challenge, creating delicious treats like yoghurt dark chocolate brownies and lavender rice pudding with oat milk and cinnamon. Not only did our mission to use overripe bananas as a sugar substitute prove successful, but we also hosted a public lecture on the impact of gut microbes on well-being. Additionally, students participated in a bidding system to purchase artwork generously donated by Dr. Goldsmith, and a year 13 student, Ariel Mo, designed and sold friendship and birthday cards to further support the cause. The response was overwhelming, and we are grateful for the support.

I am delighted to share that we have an upcoming charity event in recognition of Black History Month, Nigeria’s Independence Day, African Human Rights Day, and Africa Food Security and Nutrition Day. Our team has organised an event to showcase African culture, featuring food, music, and games at Tripos Court.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to the African Children’s Fund.

Year 12 students, Claire, Daisy and Renny will be hosting a bake sale on November 12th to raise funds and awareness for world pneumonia. Their initiative aims to reduce research costs and spread awareness about the disease. Their bakes will be themed in blue, symbolising World Pneumonia Day.

Miss Surensoy