12th OCTOBER 2020
Message from the Headmaster We had an exciting start to the week with former rugby international and TV pundit Topsy Ojo joining us for two assemblies on resilience. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed his presentations, which were thought-provoking and inspirational. He reminded us to listen to our inner voice that tells us, ‘we are capable of achieving wonderful things’ and that, ‘you will never know what you can achieve unless you are willing to give it a try.’
It was a delight to end the week with Action Day during which pupils in Years 4 to 8 have had the opportunity to perform online and entertain their year group peers. I enjoyed the music, dance, reciting of poetry, comedy sketches and dramatic performances that displayed the varied talents and interests of the pupils. A huge thank you to Mr Harris and Mr Hinds for organising this event which will help raise vital funds for the Mary’s Meals charity.
The pupils have adapted incredibly well to the new structures and protocols put in place during this first half of the Christmas term; they have been a credit to themselves and the school. I would also like to thank the parents for their understanding and ongoing support. I wish everyone in our Cranmore community a restful half-term break.
Mr Everitt
Assemblies on Resilience Our week started with an inspiring assembly with rugby player Topsy Ojo talking about his experience of success in the field of rugby and his top tips for resilience:
1.
Do not underestimate yourself.
2.
You are not on your own.
3.
The effort will be worth it.
Black History Month in Drama Year 4 explored the themes of identity, labelling and accepting difference. They shared facts about themselves and worked on ideas from Benjamin Zephaniah’s “I am a Person” poem and his recent performance of “People will always need people.” The pupils contributed extremely mature responses in discussion and presentations.
Year 5 showed still images of emotions that Rosa Parks would have felt: fear, isolation, sorrow, anger and pressure. They used the rehearsal technique of a conscience alley to explore her thoughts and choices, when making her decision not to move. The pupils considered questions they would ask her and how she may have responded. They conveyed empathy and understanding for a period of time that was very divided and challenging for many.
Year 6 looked at John Agard’s Half–Caste poem performed by him. They experimented with the dialect used and different emotions to convey the lines, expressing the meaning and aims of the poem.
Year 8 wrote their own Martin Luther King “I have a Dream” speeches. Here are some examples taken from their
“I have a dream that people can be who they are with no challenges…. and be accepted for that…”
“I have a dream that one day no person will be judged or repressed simply because of their colour, their gender or their beliefs.”
“I have a dream that one day no one will go hungry or thirsty whilst others feast.” “I have a dream that one day no one will become happy at the expense of other souls’ wealth or wellbeing.” “I have a dream that one day no one will have to be concerned about their economic status, their skin colour or their appearance.”
“I have a dream that everyone will cooperate with each other, no matter what economics or education they have.”
Nursery go on a Bear Hunt The Nursery enjoyed reading ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.’ They made bear ears, binoculars and telescopes to take on their very own bear hunt walk in the Cranmore School grounds. They have all been practising pedalling on the bikes in the Nursery garden. In Pre-Nursery the children have been looking at traditional stories and made some lovely bear pictures for their display.
Year 1 explore their sense of smell Year 1 enjoyed doing a science experiment to investigate their sense of smell. They differentiated between the smells they liked and those they did not like.
Year 2 learn to use different tools at Forest School Year 2 pupils went to Forest School today and continued building on skills using different tools. They made swords by whittling wood and then lashing string to put it together.
Year 2 put the finishing touches to their beautiful castles Year 2 pupils have worked so well on their stunning castles for this term’s topic. Their attention to detail has been wonderful.
3LD visit to Forest School 3LD loved visiting Forest School. They made forts, climbed trees, made mud pies, made a swing. But most of all‌ they had so much FUN!
Year 5 pupil Amelie enjoys success in the Rotary Young Writer competition We wish to congratulate Amelie in Year 5 for her achievements in this year’s Rotary Young Writer competition. Amelie began by placing second in the local round of the Junior Age Group. She then went on to win the District Round of the Competition and is seen here holding her trophy. A wonderful result. Well done, Amelie! The judges were impressed by all the entries from Cranmore. They noted that ‘In Amelie’s charming story, connected by a reassuring lullaby, the writing flows and concludes well.’ Amelie’s success follows on from others in recent years by Cranmore pupils. I hope that some of our budding writers will consider entering the new competition, the title of which is ‘My Happiest Day’. Further details will be given after half term. Mr Chapman
Year 5 pupils explore the history of the Ghanaian Kente cloth in Art lessons Year 5 have been working with colour and to celebrate Black History have taken their learning to Ghana to explore the history of the Ghanaian Kente cloth, worn by wealthy or important Ewe and Akan Africans. They have used coloured paper to create layered weavings inspired by the intricate patterns and bold colours that are an integral part of the Kente garments.
Spinning Seeds Year 5 pupils have been studying pollination and fertilisation in Science this term. All pupils in this year group have been making helicopter spinner models and carrying out investigations to see how this type of seed is dispersed. Working scientifically has been a focus; we have been learning about fair tests and control variables. We have also enjoyed collecting seeds and playing with real spinners from the Sycamore trees near the tennis courts at playtime.
Year 7 explore Decision Maths Algorithms in ‘Modern’ lessons In their Decision Maths lessons, 7MH have been learning about some of the algorithms used to solve a variety of network problems. They began by being challenged to solve the Konigsberg Bridge Problem and were then presented with Euler’s powerful analysis of network representation.
A good illustration of this problem can be found in Marcus Du Sautoy’s Royal Institution Christmas Lecture series: ‘The Number Mysteries’. https://www.rigb.org/christmas-lectures/watch Last week they considered Prim’s and Kruskal’s algorithms for minimum connectors, so are now equipped to solve the UK’s broadband challenge! This week we explored shortest path problems. So, if you ever wondered how your sat nav works, ask a Year 7 pupils to explain Dijkstra’s Algorithm…
Next half term the group will investigate the Route Inspection Problem and Critical Path Analysis – a must for any budding project manager! Mr Pulford
Thank you to the CPA We are so grateful for the two new indoor/outdoor table tennis tables. Thank you all very much.
Sports Reminders Rain or shine, sports lessons for Year 4 upwards will always take place outside. Pupils must have a change of clothing in school on the days they participate in sport, particularly in periods of adverse weather. Please ensure that the spare clothing is Cranmore sports kit where possible. Pupils in Year 2 upwards should have their shin pads, boots and water bottles with them for their PE and Games lessons. Mouthguards There is now the option to buy customised Cranmore mouthguards. See flyer overleaf or go to: https://www.opromouthguards.com House Polo Shirts Larger sizes of House Polo shirts are now available, including for those pupils in Year 7 and above. https://www.schoolblazer.com
Year 4 pupils enjoy a wide variety of sports in their PE lessons
Year 3 pupils have fun dancing in their PE lessons
Camp Information
Activate Camps for hockey: https://www.activatecamps.co.uk/venues/cranmore-school/ For rugby and cricket: https://www.theonlycamps.com
A message from our Chaplain A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke. Glory to you, O Lord. Jesus said to his followers, “So I tell you, don’t worry about the things you need to live—what you will eat or what you will wear. Life is more important than food, and the body is more important than what you put on it. Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or save food in houses or barns, but God feeds them. And you are worth much more than crows. None of you can add any time to your life by worrying about it. And if you can’t do the little things, why worry about the big things? Think about how the wildflowers grow. They don’t work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that even Solomon, the great and rich king, was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers.” The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflection
In our world and as we go through life it is easy for us to think about what we don't have. Yet, God has given us so much. There is so much that we can be thankful for. This week, pause and think about all the many blessings God has poured upon you.
Mr Jakubowski
Chaplaincy Notices
Click here for the Just Giving link to donate to our Harvest appeal for the homeless people in our area.
Click here for the Just Giving link to donate to Mary’s Meals for Action Day.
For information about our Christmas Shoebox Appeal, click here.
Click on the link below for the Wednesday Word for pupils:
https://www.paperturn-view.com/uk/wednesday-word/holiday-special?pid=MTA101634&v=7.7
Menu Monday
Main
Chef’s Trolley
Vegetarian
Sides
Additional
Dessert
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Chicken & Vegetable Fried Rice served with Chorizo (optional) Tomato & Cucumber Salad/Chef’s Salad
Pasta Carbonara
Locally Sourced Beef Burger in a Bap
Chicken Tikka Masala
Battered Cod Goujons or Fish Fingers
Chef’s Salad
Sliced Iceberg Lettuce & Sliced Beef Tomatoes
Tomato & Cucumber Salad
Chef’s salad
Roasted Vegetables & Halloumi
Spaghetti Neapolitan
Vegetable Burgers
Vegetable & Chickpea Tikka Masala
Quorn Minced Chilli Stuffed Roasted Peppers
Mixed Vegetables
Green Beans & Carrots
Sauté Potatoes & Sweetcorn
Rice & Broccoli
Chips & Peas
Jacket Potato & Beans
Jacket Potato & Beans
Jacket Potato & Beans
Jacket Potato & Beans
Jacket Potato & Beans
Chocolate Fudge Slice
Lemon Drizzle Slice
Carrot Cake
Sticky Toffee Traybake
Tropical Fruit Slices
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher