19 FEBRUARY 2024
Message from the Head of Prep
Last week marked the start of Lent and although we were not able to gather as a school community for our usual Ash Wednesday service, we began this week by considering what Lent means to us. We remember that this is a period for prayer, fasting and almsgiving. With this in mind, this afternoon we observed a Lenten Fast Day whereby those in Year 4 and above went without the fish and chips that we typically enjoy on a Friday and instead shared a simpler meal of soup and sandwiches. The money saved from this small sacrifice will go towards helping those less fortunate than ourselves.
Adoration is being held from 8am to 8.25am every Wednesday. Parents are warmly invited to meet with our School Chaplain, Mr Jakubowski, in the school office at 7.55am to go to the Chapel and spend some time in the presence of Jesus.
This half term got off to a musical start with some amazing individual performances, not just in assemblies but also for Glenesk School who came to join us on Wednesday afternoon. Thank you to everyone involved with that. Rehearsals for the annual House Music competition continue. Each House is starting to put their own touches to some incredibly well-known pieces around the theme of ‘Faith and Peace’. On Friday 1st March, we will be hosting Stringfever as part of Cranmore Live and tickets are selling fast.
Years 2 and 3 parents were invited in on Thursday to come and see their children’s work. It was a lovely opportunity for our pupils to showcase all their hard work and progress from the start of the academic year. They also enjoyed showing their beautiful classrooms. Thank you to all who came to join us for the afternoon.
Although it has been rather wet and windy, some would argue that it is perfect cross-country weather and our teams have turned in some great runs, earning a number of top 10 placings in the recent Highfield event. Hockey fixtures began in earnest this week with everyone from Year 3 upwards involved with competitive matches. Well done to the U11s who are currently undefeated. Good luck to all of those involved with this evening’s swimming gala against Downsend and tomorrow’s hockey against Cranleigh.
Year 4 History
Here is a culmination of Year 4’s hard work learning about the Ancient Greeks this term. They have written postcards outlining the differences between Ancient and Modern Greece; designed posters of words associated with the alphabet; created labyrinths out of card/matchsticks/string/modelling clay; invented imaginary Gods or Goddesses; written menus and tourist guides; painted Spartan shields and swords; and even sampled Modern Greek cuisine.
Mrs O’Mahony is very impressed with their results and they all achieved Merits towards their Houses.
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week
The breaktime hot chocolate sales, held before half-term in recognition of Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, together raised a wonderful total of £468. This money will be divided between children's mental health charity Place2Be and the NSPCC. Thank you to everyone who took part either in serving or in purchasing. Lower Prep pupils have also produced this beautiful display, which is a lovely reminder to help us think about how we can help ourselves and others.
Edmund in 5AV’s American-style Pancakes
Will in 5DC’s Honeycomb
Ben in 5AV’s Cake
Ethan in 5NC’s Cake
Year 5 Science
Josh and Gill’s Sticky Toffee Cake with Dates
This pudding recipe was given to me by a friend and is a favourite of both our sons, so I have named it after them. The ingredients are all in imperial units (old-fashioned ounces). Use a 20cm or 22cm round cake tin, which you grease with butter and line with a circle of baking parchment or greaseproof paper. There are a few chemical changes which take place during the preparation and baking – and it tastes delicious! You will need an adult to help you, but it is a quick pudding to make.
Ingredients
For the cake
2oz butter - soft
6oz golden caster sugar (white will do)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs, beaten before adding
6 oz self-raising flour
6 oz dates, roughly chopped
½ pint of water
1tsp bicarbonate of soda
For the toffee Sauce
4oz dark muscovado sugar
4oz butter
4oz golden syrup
4oz double cream
Method
For the cake - In a large bowl, beat together the soft butter and sugar till light and fluffy using a mixer or hand whisk.
Beat in the eggs and vanilla, followed by self-raising flour.
In a small pan, place the chopped dates and water and bring to the boil, reduce heat and simmer (gently bubbling) for 5 mins. At this point I use a hand stick-blender to whizz the mixture until smooth, but if you chop the dates really small and you like to taste fruit then leave this step out.
Add 1 tsp of bicarbonate of soda to the hot date mixture and stir – watch the chemical reaction take place!
Add the date mix to the cake mixture and mix with whisk again.
Pour into your pre-greased and lined cake tin and bake at 180oC for 35-40 mins.
To make sauce – put all the sauce ingredients in a sauce pan on a medium heat and allow to melt together, whilst stirring. Once it starts to bubble – let it simmer (bubble gently) for 3-5 mins, to let sugars caramelise and the sauce thicken.
Serve the sauce poured over the cake – delicious with ice cream! It keeps well in fridge for a day or so too.
Year 1 Visit to Chobham Adventure Farm
Year 1 pupils visited Chobham Adventure Farm just before half-term. They had a fabulous time, enjoying playing on the slides, learning about where food comes from, feeding the animals and playing in the outdoor playground.
Mrs Bowen and Mrs Norris
Music News
Nursery News
The Nursery had great fun at Forest School this week, they made pancakes on the fire and enjoyed them for their snack. They have been practising their fine motor skills, focusing on their cutting skills. The children enjoyed their first walk of the term, taking their magnifying glasses and looking for the first signs of Spring around the grounds of Cranmore.
Ms Luke, Director of Nursery
Well done to Oliver C in 3CS for playing the piano in this Monday's Lower Prep Assembly. Congratulations on a superb and confident performance.
