SFX School

✨ Year 9 Retreat: What happens when faith and Courage collides? ✝️

What a fantastic retreat day we have had with our Year 9 students!

Students explored the theme “What happens when faith and courage collides?” They spent time reflecting on the impact of faith on individuals and what can happen when courage combines with faith and trust in God. We also considered the real change we are each capable of making in the world through our actions, choices and relationships with others.

Through games, activities, discussion, prayer and reflection, students considered what it means to follow Christ and to become the people God created them to be. They explored the idea that we are all called by God, not to necessarily be heroes but to live with love, courage, compassion and service in everyday life.

From hunting out the traitors and presentations to thoughtful discussions and moments of prayer together, it has been a joyful and memorable week for all involved.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 9 students for the enthusiasm, openness and maturity they showed throughout the retreat. They represented the school brilliantly and fully embraced every part of the experience. ✨

⭐🎉 Special Mention 🎉⭐

This week, as we said farewell to our year 11s, we wanted to recognise a fantastic achievement. Since joining us 5 years ago Daniel has attended school every single day, 100% attendance every single year.

Mrs Prime was pleased to award Daniel with a £50 Amazon voucher in recognition of his commitment and his efforts.

Well done Daniel !

On Friday 90 year 10 geography students visited Redcar Beach and the Newcastle Quayside. In the morning each group completed 3 surveys to analyse beach material and the impacts of coastal management on natural coastal processes. In the afternoon the groups evaluated the success of urban regeneration and the improvements made to the environment. In a year's time they will use the information and data gathered to help complete paper 3 of their GCSE exams.

We had some fantastic successes at the County Athletics Competition last weekend. Including Year 9 student Sam who won both triple jump and 800m. Year 11 student Archie also took 1st place in his triple jump. Well done to all who competed from SFX and represented Hambleton and Richmondshire.

✨🙏

On Thursday, students from year 8 and 9 gathered together to celebrate Mass for the Feast of St Barnabas.

We reflected on the work of Saint Barnabas and how his name literally means son of encouragement. Comparisons were made with one of the churches newest Saints, St Carlo Acutis, and how he encouraged others to come to Christ through modern means. Students were asked to consider how they could encourage others in their daily interactions.

A special thank you to the students who read and to those who led the bidding prayers so thoughtfully and reverently.

We are also grateful to Fr John for celebrating Mass and for his beautiful homily, helping us to deepen our understanding of what it means to be called by God, to encourage others and to be a saint in today’s world.

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This week our GIFT team visited Richmond Methodist School to talk to children about what it means to serve others. During the act of worship pupils shared their own experiences of how they have served others. They talked about Lourdes, visiting our local care homes, being CAFOD Young Leaders, running lunchtime clubs, fundraising and serving in cadets. Worship was concluding by challenging all present to do one thing that serves another this week.

🛩 British Model Flying Association 🛩

We have been incredibly lucky this year to be joined in school by Dave Parsonage, an aircraft engineer who has generously dedicated countless hours to support students Will, Lauren, Ned, Joseph and Bruce. Together, they have designed and built a model aircraft from the ground up.

Over the past six months, the students have refined their design and proudly represented the school in the BMFA Payload Challenge, competing alongside both university and school teams.

The group achieved an outstanding 4th place finish — a fantastic accomplishment and a testament to their hard work, teamwork and determination.

A huge thank you to Mr Lister, Mr Plouchart, Mr Chahal and Mr Henderson for making this trip possible. ⭐

What a team!