Fun at Fairfest

In July, the whole of Fairfield High School for Girls came together for a fantastic drop-down day during their final week before the summer holidays. It was a brilliant opportunity for students to celebrate their school community, explore different aspects of wellbeing, and challenge themselves by trying something new – including a wide range of physical activities. The event also highlighted the importance of giving young girls the chance to try activities they may never have experienced before.

Since May, Ciara has been working closely with a dedicated committee at Fairfield High School for Girls, meeting weekly with pupils and the Assistant Head to plan and organise Fairfest. The pupils played a huge role in shaping the day, sharing creative ideas about what they thought their peers would enjoy and suggesting activities that were new and exciting for many students.

We were grateful to receive funding from StreetGames’ Moving Forward Together programme, which helped us make this fantastic day possible. Sam Barton, Place Partnership Manager at StreetGames, came along to see the event in action and said: “It was fantastic to see so many females active in such a range of activities like fencing – and the fact that it was organised by young people made it even more successful.”

With eight exciting activities to choose from – delivered by both local providers and in-house staff – there was something for everyone. During the challenge period, pupils took on brand-new experiences such as rock climbing, archery, fencing, mindful crafts, a fashion challenge, and more. All year groups also joined in an interform inflatable obstacle course competition, adding a burst of friendly rivalry and laughter to the day. Another highlight was an inspirational talk from former Olympic long jumper Abigail Irozuru, who brought energy, motivation, and powerful messages about perseverance and ambition.

The atmosphere was electric as students stepped outside their comfort zones, discovered new skills, and embraced every moment. The day ended in style, with the whole school gathering on the field to enjoy fantastic performances from the school choir, the band, and the much-loved teacher band – the perfect finale to an unforgettable day.