I was delighted to welcome everyone back to Cranmore for the start of the Spring term. I have enjoyed hearing about our pupils’ experiences over the holidays. One such event was the hugely successful Cranmore ski tour which was blessed with snow in Pila, something that eluded many resorts. Although some pupils were still a little tired at the beginning of term, the feedback was that it was a tremendous trip and a truly memorable visit to the Aosta Valley.
On Tuesday, both Year 6 and Year 9 pupils were treated to a rugby masterclass. I would like to thank former Harlequins player Tom Williams, current Harlequins player and England International Danny Care, current Ealing fullback David Johnston and former Currie Cup and current Director of Rugby of Dorking RFC, Armand Roux, for giving up their time to share their experience and expertise with the pupils.
You will be able to see that progress continues on our new building and I am pleased to see the scaffolding being taken down this week, revealing the newest addition to the facilities at Cranmore. Internal fitting continues and once the considerable landscaping has been completed, we hope to have the facility handed over to us this term.
We are looking forward to welcoming the London Community Gospel Choir to Cranmore on Thursday 2nd February for what promises to be an inspirational workshop throughout the day. I hope you will be able to join us for the concluding concert later that evening.
Message from the HeadmasterCranmore Ski Trip to Pila, Italy
44 pupils from across the whole school and their parents had a wonderful ski trip in Pila, Italy, over the Christmas holidays. A real bonus was the abundance of snow, in contrast to much of the rest of Europe. Those in the group who had never skied before made superb progress, experiencing some red runs by the end of the week and working towards parallel skiing. The more advanced skiers built on their already excellent technique. Mr Mellstrom acted as a ski guide to the parents, showing them the best runs and restaurants as well as offering them some pointers along the way. Once the slopes had closed, we enjoyed some great après-ski, tubing, a trip into the old town of Aosta and delicious Italian pizza and ice cream. We are already looking forward to next year’s trip!
Music News
I am thrilled that we will be welcoming back the fabulous London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC) to Cranmore on Thursday 2nd February. Choristers from St Teresa’s and members of the Cranmore Upper Prep and Senior Chamber Choirs will be invited to join the gospel choir for an afternoon workshop and then to sing along with them at the evening concert. LCGC will be performing a 45minute set as part of this hour-long concert. Tickets for the 7pm concert will be available later this month to parents of those children taking part. Based on last time LCGC were here, this promises to be a really exciting and inspirational day for all involved.
Mr Harris
Maths and Stem Clubs
In Mr. Savvides' Maths Club session, the pupils looked at Desmos, a graphing app. They learnt about a variety of curves and their real-life applications, including sine waves, which are used extensively by games developers to make water effects or smooth character movements. We also heard the ear-piercing sound that sine waves make when amplified! The pupils had lots of fun playing with and animating a variety of curves.
In Mr Rahman’s Stem Club session, the pupils conducted a scientific experiment on how to make slimes. They learned about the properties of slime including the fact that it is a non-Newtonian fluid, meaning it is neither a liquid nor a solid and has properties of both. They also knew that ‘slime is made up of polymers, which are made of long chains of molecules that bind together when the ingredients blend’. Most importantly, they realised that having incorrect compositions of glue, borax, water, and food colourings may affect the quality of slimes. They worked out the right amount of ingredients needed to make high quality slimes. They thoroughly enjoyed this experiment and had lots of fun playing with colourful slimes.
Towards the end of last term, Maths and Stem clubs joined forces and held two exciting sessions for Upper Prep and Senior pupils.
Mr Rahman and Mr Savvides
Year 3’s new topic: India
Year 3 are very excited about their new topic for this term – India. They are looking forward to learning many interesting facts about India and sharing information and resources which they find independently.
Sandwich-making in 1AB
1AB made a jam sandwich this week by following instructions. We talked about how important it is for instructions to be in the right order. We loved eating the sandwich afterwards!
Mrs Bowen Mrs Sinclair and Miss FreemanNursery News
This week in Nursery the children have been focusing on Arctic animals and used mixed media to create their own animals for display. The children enjoyed their first Music lesson with Mrs Thornton, and learnt some new songs as well as performing traditional nursery rhymes. All the children have been busy practising their pencil control and scissor skills!
Reception News
Reception have got off to a great start this new year with their new topic, ‘Cold As Ice’. The children have created beautiful snowflake art as well as super writing. Well done, Reception. We are so proud of you!
Ms Luke, Head of Nursery
Miss Hurl and Mrs Prothero
Mr Hodgson, Director of Sport
