Message from the Head of Prep
The clubs programme is in full swing and it has been wonderful to see the children taking advantage of the wide and varied opportunities that they have access to here. With so much on offer, there is hopefully a club to suit every child and excite their interest – and if not, then our School Council is active in bringing forward new ideas.
In this year’s Rotary Writing Challenge, our Upper Prep pupils have enjoyed success, including a Year 5 pupil who came in Second Place in the whole of the South East district for his creative writing. Congratulations to all those pupils who took part.
Music has always been a strength at Cranmore and this year’s Young Musician heats are happening over the coming weeks. On top of this, our musicians continue to be involved with their weekly rehearsals for groups such as the Cranmore Singers and Orchestra Strings. Those interested in learning an instrument are encouraged to contact Mr Richard Harris for more information.
This week, Year 4 enjoyed a fun-filled visit to New Barn Field Centre taking part in a range of activities including den building and bush craft. Thank you to all of those involved and to the boys’ parents for their support.
Good luck to our cricketers facing Shrewsbury House tomorrow.
Mr Heaver
29 APRIL 2024
Cranmore celebrated significant success in this year’s Rotary Writing Challenge, a nationwide competition for writers from ages 7-17. The theme this year was ‘Rebuilding’. 43 Upper Prep and Senior pupils entered this year. The entries were varied and highly creative, and the judges and organisers praised Cranmore pupils for their imaginative and original ideas, and for taking the time and effort to enter this competition.
I am delighted to report that whilst all entrants received recognition for their efforts, four boys had particular success. Jasper H (Year 6) and James B (Year 8) were awarded Highly Commended certificates – meaning that their entries had stood out for their inventiveness and quality. Meanwhile, Elliot W (Year 5) came in Second Place in the whole of the South East district for his hardened soldier dealing with love and loss. The judges commented,
The ultimate accolade, however, goes to Elliott O in Year 8, who came in First Place in the Intermediate category for the district, and will be entered into the Final round.
We are very proud of all entrants, but particularly those four who received special mention. Very well done to
Rotary Writing Challenge Success
Year 4 Residential
The Year 4 pupils spent the first three days of this week on their residential trip to New Barn Field Centre, a 20acre nature reserve in Dorset. They stayed in a refurbished 18th century farmstead and enjoyed a wide variety of exciting activities. The boys were excited to take the Maths Department mascot, Tiny the tortoise, with them, calling his adventure Tiny on Tour!
On Monday, they did some orienteering; met some animals including goats, sheep, pigs and tortoises; built their own shelters and learnt about fire lighting in a bush craft session.
Year 4 Residential
On Tuesday, pupils took part in some Living History activities including making butter, grinding grain and making medicines using natural ingredients! They learnt about the Iron Age and the Roman occupation of Britain and were able to try on some real armour. They enjoyed a barbeque evening meal and sang camp fire songs.
Year 4 Residential
On Wednesday, they walked to Maiden Castle and then departed from there for their return journey to school, stopping for a picnic lunch along the way. They returned tired but happy on Wednesday afternoon.
The trip was a great success and the boys were a credit to the school. Well done, Year 4!
Science Club Reaches record attendance!
We have been delighted to welcome new members to Science Club this term. Arthur W and James H in Year 5 won the first KneX challenge making a working drum kit, which even included a High Hat! The brief was to make a working drum which could change pitch and pupils were very creative in their interpretation – using clips to tighten the “skins” to make higher and lower sounds. This week we have been back in lab coats for more exciting Chemistry – Rainbow Fizz is a challenge to make a rainbow in a test tube using acids and alkalis. It was a lot of fun.
Science Club takes place on Mondays from 4-5pm and is open to pupils in Years 5 and 6.
Dr Verny White – Head of Upper Prep Science
Science Club News
Year 6 French
In their French lessons this week, Year 6 pupils have been composing café dialogues. They enjoyed acting out their scenarios and were able to memorise many of the French phrases.
Year 3 Science
Year 3 planted nasturtium seeds and sweet peas. The children will monitor their growth and consider what conditions they need to germinate, grow and thrive as part of our Science topic this term.
Year 1 Assembly
Year 1 pupils performed beautifully in their assembly this week on the theme of teamwork. They performed a play about insects, who learnt that by working together they could achieve so much more. Well done to all of them for rehearsing so well and giving such a wonderful performance including two fantastic dances.
The Nursery children really enjoyed participating in their Music lesson with Mrs Thornton and enjoyed playing the different instruments. This week our topic has been ‘People who help us,’ and have enjoyed imaginary role play in our Vet’s Surgery! In the Pre-Nursery they learnt all about road safety, acting out various safety scenarios in the Nursery Garden. They also posted their letters and had a visit from our own School Nurse Mrs Berry. She talked to them about her job and all the things it involves.
Ms Luke, Director of Nursery
Nursery News
Sport Update
Our U10s had a great afternoon last Friday with all four teams triumphing away at Parkside. At the same time, our whole Year 3 were playing cricket against Danes Hill back at Cranmore. A whole school cricket block fixture against Rokeby has taken place throughout the week which has been lots of fun. Also on Monday, the U11A team just came up short by one wicket against Cumnor House in the Surrey Cup.
Following our host event for the IAPS swimming qualification round in March, we have received the national results. 13 swimmers from Year 4 through to Year 8 have qualified to take part in the IAPS swimming finals in both relay and individual events. They will have the opportunity to swim at the iconic venue, The London Aquatic Centre, in June. It is an amazing achievement for all involved. Well done swimmers.
We've had some fantastic tennis matches across the Prep school this week including some closely fought games against Rokeby.
May half-term and summer camps taking place at Cranmore
Surrey Football Coaching
https://www.participant.co.uk/surreyfootballcoaching/event/465006/?x=1#init
Activate Camps
https://www.activatecamps.co.uk/venues/cranmore-school/
Use SUMMER15 for 15% discount
Mr Hodgson, Director of Sport
This Week’s House Cup Winners
Congratulations
Sport
Update
to Morton House in Lower Prep and Bowen House in Upper Prep for gaining the highest number of merits this week!
A Message from our Chaplaincy Team
The True Vine
"In a world of noise, confusion and conflict it is necessary that there be places of silence, inner discipline and peace. In such places love can blossom." ~ Thomas Merton
Reflection
Bible Reading
Amen
Every branch in me that bears no fruit he cuts away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes to make it bear even more. You are pruned already, by means of the word that I have spoken to you. Make your home in me, as I make mine in you. As a branch cannot bear fruit all by itself, but must remain part of the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me.
Reflection
In the Gospel today we find ourselves with Jesus as the True Vine. What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this piece of Scripture? How do these words resonate with you personally? Allow yourself some time to contemplate the image of Jesus the True Vine. Imagine that you are the branches and Jesus is the vine, can you hear His gentle voice and the beat of His heart. Stay in that warm and safe space for a time. Ask yourself in prayer, what it means for your own personal life to remain in Jesus and Jesus remain in you. Do you find it easy to hear His voice? What distractions might you need to remove? What other voices are claiming your attention? Pray for the grace to hear and respond to Him more this week.
Prayer
Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom God's love commits me here, Ever this day, be at my side, To light and guard, rule and guide.
Amen
Notices
Notices
Monday
Soup Bank Holiday
Soup of the day – Country vegetable & lentil
Main Spaghetti bolognese
Soup of the day – Leek & potato
Soup of the day – Mushroom
Chef’s carvery –Honey roast gammon with Yorkshire pudding Chicken & sweetcorn pie / Paella
Jacket potato & beans Jacket potato & beans
Plain pasta & tomato sauce
Soup of the day – Spiced butternut squash
Traditional battered fish or fish fingers
Jacket potato & beans
Vegetarian
Sides
Quorn mince bolognese
South Western stuffed sweet potato
Pasta Roasted Mediterranean vegetables Roast potatoes
Vegetable & bean burritos
Fresh vegetable lasagne
Cauliflower & broccoli cheese Mixed vegetables Broccoli Roasted carrots
Additional Salad bar Salad bar
Chips Peas Baked beans
Jacket potato & beans Salad bar
Dessert
Chocolate brownie
Sticky toffee pudding and butterscotch sauce
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
Iced topped vanilla sponge Fruity Friday
Menu
Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
