4 MARCH 2024
Message from the Headmaster
It was a pleasure to end last week with the Cranmore Live concert. The annual event has been running for almost two decades and this year’s performance was as popular as ever. The family electric string group String Fever hosted workshops for pupils before performing with pupils their rendition of Stand by Me to a packed Auditorium, followed by their own highly entertaining show.
Book Week has been celebrated throughout the school with an array of different activities to encourage a love of reading. On Tuesday, Years 7 and 8 enjoyed a visit from author Helen Dennis who has published a number of action-packed books about unbroken codes and mysteries from history. Today we have enjoyed a book-themed lunch and many competitions, quizzes and other book-themed activities have taken place.
Pupils from Years 8 and 9 participated in a public speaking competition with their peers from St Teresa’s. Well done to our swim squad members who had a convincing win over ACS in a gala on Tuesday.
Finally, congratulations to all the boys who took part in the ISA Cross Country National Final, particularly Ben S and Theo L who were crowned ISA National Champions in their respective age categories, an incredible achievement.
Mr Everitt
Pupils in Years 6, 7 and 8 had an exciting author visit on Tuesday with Helen Dennis, author of The Secret Breakers and Ink series. Helen shared what led to her becoming a writer and the inspiration behind all of her books. Helen ended the sessions by giving the pupils their own codes to break. Her talk gave us a fascinating insight into the world of code breaking, adventure and mysteries and many pupils have bought signed copies of her books.
Author Visit for Years 7 and 8 by Helen Dennis
Mrs Watkinson, School Librarian
Cranmore Live: Stringfever
We were thrilled to welcome back the Broadbent family, aka Stringfever, to perform at this year’s Cranmore Live. Cousin Graham, brothers Neal and Ralph, and sister Sophie, are all superb musicians in their own right but the magic really happens when they come together as Stringfever. Violinist Ralph oversaw the afternoon workshops which saw 43 young string players from Cranmore, St Teresa's, Manor House and St Thomas of Canterbury work on their concert piece, 'Stand by Me'. After the workshops and a hearty dinner, the pupils, supported by Stringfever, put on a fabulous rendition of their piece at the start of the concert. This was followed by an immensely entertaining set by Stringfever, the highlights of which were the film medley, Tchaikovsky medley, The History of Music in 5 minutes and their ever-popular and extremely amusing take on Ravel's Bolero. The 250strong audience showed their appreciation with applause and laughter in equal measure. A special mention must go to Mr Chapman and Mr Heaver, who were somewhat surprised to be plucked from the audience and displayed their talent for violin playing during the Bolero. They may have played just a single note, but what a note it was! My thanks to Claire Harris (Director of Music, St Teresa’s Prep School) and Nevada Summerley (Head of Music, Manor House ) for bringing and supporting their pupils throughout the event. Thanks also to Cranmore music staff, Piers Roberts and Lara Horn, for their support on the day. Lastly, thank you to Caroline Yalden (Director of Music, St Teresa’s Senior School) who joined us for the concert. It was a truly wonderful and inspiring evening for us all and I am already looking forward to planning next year's Cranmore Live.
Year 7 Retreat at Wintershall
Last Thursday, Year 7 pupils enjoyed a wonderful Lenten Retreat at Wintershall. They learnt more about the importance of Lent and took part in a number of Stations of the Cross reflections. It was a great day during which their faith was strengthened. Pupils were given the chance to take a step back from school life and grow spiritually
Two National Champions!
On Saturday 2nd March, 6 of our Senior Cross-Country team headed up to Yorkshire for the ISA Cross Country National final. After qualifying through previous rounds, they were now representing London South. The conditions were very wet but the boys all ran superbly. Incredibly, Ben S and Theo L were crowned ISA National Champions in their respective age categories. Daniel B came 5th, Henry C came 8th and Oli W and Sam S ran a great race and they both came in the top 20. Well done to all six runners; we are extremely proud of your performances!
Our U15 7s team had a great day at the Surrey 7s tournament held at Old Caterhamians RFC last week. The team won all 4 of their pool matches against strong opposition. This included scoring over 110 points and only conceding 24. The team narrowly lost in the quarter-final but it was an excellent achievement as they made the last 8 out of 40 teams.
Our U14s and U15s had hockey matches on Saturday against St John's, Leatherhead. This included an impressive 6-0 with for the U14A team. The U14 A to C football teams played against Harrow on Tuesday, the U13s played hockey against Hoe Bridge on Wednesday, the U13A team attended the Surrey 7s, the U15A hockey team played against King Edward’s School Witley and our U15B football team played against City of London Freemen’s. Today, our U12s compete in the Surrey 7s and tomorrow, our U14A team play hockey against Caterham.
This Week’s House Cup Winners
