The final week of this term has been an exciting mix of study and activities. Year 11 linguists have completed their speaking mock exams and some CCF cadets had the thrilling opportunity to go flying at RAF Benson. Art Club members welcomed their parents who joined them in wreath making. Congratulations to those pupils who took part in the Bebras coding challenge and achieved excellent results.
I would like to congratulate all the pupils and staff that contributed to the incredible end of term activities. As ever, I am particularly proud of the level of performance in both the Prep and Senior Carol Services by all our talented readers, choirs and musicians.
Throughout this term, our community has continued to think about those who are less fortunate. I would like to thank our pupils for showing compassion for others by raising vital funds for both Save the Children and the Princess Alice Hospice.
Today, we are fortunate to be able to spend time with each other celebrating a successful term and enjoying a wonderful Christmas lunch. I wish pupils, staff, parents and everyone in our Cranmore community a restful and peaceful break and I look forward to seeing everyone back at school in the New Year.
Mr Everitt
Christmas Jumper Day
Today started with our end-of-term assembly during which the colourful array of Christmas jumpers were on display. The results of the raffle were announced, as well as this term’s house cup winners, Radford. Staff and pupils were treated to a performance by the superb Cranmore Rocks band. The festivities continued as everyone enjoyed a delicious Christmas lunch.
Carol Service
Parents, staff and pupils gathered on Thursday evening for one of the highlights of our school year, the Christmas Carol Service. Our staff and pupils worked incredibly hard to produce an outstanding evening and it was a very welcome opportunity to pause and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas ahead of the forthcoming festivities.
STEM Trip to Sandhurst Royal Military Academy
On Wednesday this week, STEM pupils from Years 7 and 9 attended the Commandant’s Parade at Sandhurst RMA. The boys had the chance to take photos with soldiers and experience what it feels like to spend a day as a cadet. One of the most memorable moments was the motivational speech from the Army Chief, which focused on spreading love and kindness around the world and inspiring others to do the same. Despite the freezing cold weather, the boys thoroughly enjoyed the parade it was truly a once-in-alifetime experience.
Mr Rahman, STEM Coordinator
Bebras Challenge
This year, 415 of our pupils participated in all four levels of the Bebras Challenge, which had over 460,000 participants nationally. Organised by the Raspberry Pi Foundation and Oxford University's Faculty of Mathematics and Computing, this competition focuses on problem-solving and computational thinking. I am excited to announce that 33 boys achieved Gold Level, placing them in the top 10% nationally. They will be invited to the next coding challenge, scheduled for 24th March to 4th April 2025, with more information to follow in January. Full details can be found here.
Mr Afana
Bebras Challenge Results
Here is the full list of Senior pupils who achieved Gold certificates in the Bebras Challenge:
Seniors (14-16)
Inters (12-14)
Christian C (Best in school)
Samuel T
Thomas A
Juniors (10-12)
Sebastian A
Colin W
Damir M
Finn G
Colin C
Jordan B
Alex F
Miles K
Austin J
Cameron S (Best in school)
Carlos S
Elliot W
Anthony N
Rafe H
Teddy L
Andrew W
James L
Max H
Henry B (Best in school)
Joshua C
Nino L (Best in school)
Sebastian W (Best in school)
Congratulations to the following Senior pupils for their excellent results in their instrumental exam results this term:
BBC Micro: bits—Gladiators Challenge
Congratulations to our three teams for their submissions to this year’s BBC Micro: Bits Gladiators challenge! They designed gadgets to help Gladiators Phantom and Dynamite excel, providing either hand-drawn or digital designs with explanations of their function.
Teams must describe their concepts and how the gadgets work in 100 to 300 words, focusing on creativity and practicality to enhance the gladiators' performance. Well done to all for your hard work!
Hugo
Henry Sotaro
Max
Jesse
Ethan Reid
Arthur
James
Alex
Full details can be found here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/microbit/articles/zc6b7v4
Mr Afana
Project 1: Muscle Maker
Project 2: Micro Blitzers
Project 3: Push Up Pal
Art Club Open Afternoon
I was delighted to welcome so many of our Art Club's parents into the Art room on Monday to make Christmas decorations from festive natural materials together. We all had a really great time and everyone went home with some fabulous pieces to hang up at home. I do believe many parents surprised themselves with their creative credentials!
Mrs Sanders
Symme-tree in Year 7
Pupils in Year 7 have been creating a 'Symme-tree', showcasing the 64 different ways symmetrical designs can be made from shading squares in a 9 by 9 grid. The pupils all took different roles to complete the project and were really proud when they found them all!
A Message from our Chaplaincy Team
This Week
Through our Carol Services we have once more been drawn into the story of Jesus’ birth: this moment in history when God becomes flesh and dwells amongst us. God enters into our human story. The great miracle of Christmas is that Jesus wants to be born within each one of us and to become present in each beating heart. “Behold I stand at the door and knock.” The divine enters into our world and our world is changed forever.
Try not to miss the mystery of Christmas this year, but rather recognise the divine love that is all around us.
When we are silent, when our phones are put away, when we spend quality time with our friends and family and put the needs of others first, then we will become more aware of Jesus’ presence amongst us.
Prayer
Jesus come to us.
May your divine love be born in us today. Still our beating hearts that we may hear you. Help us to make room for you this Christmas.
Remain close to us.
Amen
Week
Soup
the
Main
Vegetarian
Mild Beef Chilli Con Carne served in a taco & dips
Mixed Bean & Quorn Chilli
Piri Piri Chicken with Pitta Bread, Baby Gem and Homemade Sauces
Cheesy Vegetable Enchilada
Honey Roasted Gammon with Stuffing & Gravy
Sweet & Sour Turkey Noodles
Freshly Battered
Fish or Breaded
Fish Fillet with Ketchup and Tartare Sauce
Sides
Additional
Spicy rice Steamed Sweetcorn
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Potato Wedges
Macho Peas
Rainbow Slaw
Feta & Spinach Filo Pie
Sticky Teriyaki
Quorn & Aubergine
Macaroni
Cheese with a Crispy Onion Topping
Garlic & Thyme Roasted Potatoes Green Beans
Steamed Rice
Broccoli
Chunky Chips
Garden Peas
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
White
Dessert
Citrus Drizzle Cake
Chocolate & Cherry Shortbread
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Apple Filo Pie with Custard
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
