11 3 JULY 20232023 11 DECEMBER DECEMBER 2023 Message from the Headmaster
At the end of last week, our Year 10 Computer Science GCSE cohort travelled to the National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park to view some of the early computers, including the original BOMBE and Colossus machines. The pupils had an opportunity to write code and take an inspirational tour.
I was delighted to hear that 19 pupils have qualified in the Bebras Computing Challenge with their scores placing them in the top 10 percent of pupil participants from around the world.
Year 10 pupils also became our first Cranmore pupils to participate in round one of the Chemistry Challenge run by the Royal Society of Chemistry; we look forward to hearing the results next term.
As the term comes to an end, I would like to acknowledge the wonderful efforts of all the pupils and staff in recent weeks as we prepared for the Carol Service. Along with our assembly, lunch and Christmas activities, it was a wonderful celebration to place us in a very festive mood.
I would like to thank you, our parents, for your ongoing support and wish you and everyone in our Cranmore community a restful and peaceful Christmas.
Mr Everitt
Bebras Challenge 2023-24 Results . The Bebras Challenge results were released earlier this week. I am pleased to share that an impressive 19 of our students have achieved outstanding scores, putting them in the top 10% of the 408,339 students who took part worldwide!
Our successful pupils were invited to take part in the next round, the Oxford University Computing Challenge (OUCC) in January 2024. The 19 successful pupils will receive their certificates and the official invitation to the next round during the last Senior Assembly on Friday 15th December. Mr Afana, Head of ICT
Year 10 Visit to The National Museum of Computing . On Friday 8th December, our Year 10 GCSE Computer Science cohort visited the National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park. Our students not only witnessed the evolution of computing but actively engaged in immersive experiences, including taking part in the Alan Turing AI test; programming in BBC Basic; exploring the BOMBE and Colossus machines; and delving into the importance of encryption.
At the heart of TNMOC's educational programmes is the opportunity for pupils to participate in the Alan Turing AI test. Named after the visionary mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing, this test challenges students to interact with artificial intelligence in a way that mimics human conversation.
The students were introduced to BBC Basic (1980s) programming language. They gained practical experience in coding, bridging the gap between the historical and contemporary aspects of programming.
A highlight of the day was the opportunity for pupils to explore the BOMBE and Colossus machines, both of which played pivotal roles during World War II. The BOMBE, designed by Alan Turing and his team, was instrumental in deciphering German Enigma machine-encoded messages, while the Colossus, the world's first programmable electronic computer, broke complex codes.
Mr Afana, Head of ICT
British Esports Association: Year 10 Rocket League Champions Our Year 10 boys' esports Rocket League team has made waves in the Winter South Swiss Tournament, earning . their place among the top 15 teams in the UK. This significant achievement not only reflects the team's prowess on the virtual field but also marks their advancement to the highly anticipated National Rocket League Student Champs 2023-24. Mr Afana, Head of ICT
Christmas Decorations for Staff In keeping with the spirit of Christmas giving, the Year 8 pupils were busy this week helping to make tree decorations for members of staff as a thank you for all of their hard work this term. With the help of Mr McGhee, Ms Seabrook and the new laser cutter in the Design and Technology department, each of the decorations was designed and cut using state of the art software and machinery. The boys oversaw this process and then carefully added ribbons as a finishing touch ready to present to the staff.
Well done to all involved and we wish you all a Merry Christmas. Mr McGhee, Head of DT
Chemistry Challenge Competition On Tuesday 12th December Year 10 students took part in the preliminary round of the ‘Chemistry Challenge’, a competition run by the Royal Society of Chemistry’s South East region. In teams of four, the boys worked collaboratively to answer four rounds of questions. The results will be released in March 2024. Two schools with the highest marks will be invited to represent the RSC Downland Local Section of the SE Regional Final at Greenwich University in June 2024. In addition, 6 (or more) runner-up schools will be invited to participate in the Downland Local Section Final, to be held at Kingston University in May 2024. Mrs Davies, Head of Chemistry
Senior Carol Service On Thursday evening parents, staff and pupils gathered together for a beautiful carol service. Thank you to all the musicians, singers and readers for their performances. It was a lovely start to the Christmas period and a good opportunity to stop and reflect on the true message of Christmas.
Music News
Congratulations to all of the following pupils who have achieved these great results in their instrumental music exams this term. Mr Harris, Director of Music
Grade
Name
Year
Instrument
2
Scott H
9
Piano
Pass
2
Carlos S
8
Piano
Pass
2
Ned H
7
E-guitar
Pass
2
Luka E
7
Guitar
Merit
2
Freddie B
8
Flute
Merit
2
Isaac C
8
Piano
Distinction
3
Alexander D
7
Piano
Pass
5
Joshua I
10
Violin
Pass
5
Zac D-B
9
Violin
Pass
5
Charlie W
8
Flute
Merit
5
Otis W
8
Cello
Merit
5
Artom E
9
Cello
Merit
5
Kamran H
10
Flute
Merit
5
Ollie C
8
Voice
Distinction
6
Henry C-B
9
Piano
Distinction
Sport Update Our Year 9 and 10 rugby finished on a high with some great performances against Ewell Castle (14s) and Caterham (U15s).
Next term, Year 9 and10's core sport changes from rugby to hockey and football. Rowing and Multi-Sports continues to be a choice for Year 7 upwards. Year 7 and 8 PE changes from swimming to hockey. Autumn Term Sport Cups
Nelson Cup
U12 Most Improved Footballer
Jasper H
Surrey Youth League Cup Football Cup
U12 Footballer of the Year
Freddie W
Senior Cup
U13 Most Improved Footballer
Bertie W
The Linden Cup
U13 Footballer of the Year Footballer Harry P
Cranmore Cup
U14s Rugby Endeavour
Caius W
The Bradshaw Cup
U14 Rugby Player of the Year
Kobey M
The Bailey Cup
U15s Rugby Endeavour
Rònan M
Cranmore Cup
U15 Rugby Player of the Year
James O
Activate Camps at Cranmore
Activate Camps will be taking place next year at Cranmore - please see link below. Cranmore parents are able to take advantage of a 20% discount when booking Activate Camps. The code is LAUNCH20. https://www.activatecamps.co.uk/venues/cranmore-school/
Mouthguards
Please see link for more information regarding OPRO Cranmore mouthguards
Mr Hodgson, Director of Sport
Sport Update Senior Rugby Report
The Under 14s and Under 15s started their season way back in August with three pre-season days, which helped them hone their skills for the forthcoming matches ahead. Both teams were looking forward to entering National Competitions for the first time. Unfortunately for the Under 14s they faced a strong Trinity side in Round 2 of the School Sports National Rugby Competition. The Under 15s fared better in the National Vase Competition, reaching the semi- finals of the region where they narrowly lost despite their super performance.
The match of the season had to be the Under 15 game against Howard of Effingham in Round 2 of the National Vase competition. With the team down to 13 players and losing by 10 points with four minutes to go, the boys showed superb resilience to come back and score two late tries to lead by four points with one minute to go. The drama didn’t end there, the opposition were camped on our line for that last agonising minute until finally we won a turnover and kicked the ball into touch to secure victory. A game that everyone who was there will never forget!
The most entertaining game of the season was the U14B against Ewell Castle, where the boys saw a commanding lead whittled away in the last minute of the game. They were leading 36 -30, when the opposition scored to make it 36- 35 with just the conversion to come. The boys realised that defeat could be snatched from the jaws of victory if the ball went over the crossbar. As their kicker lined up the kick, he struck it well, and the ball headed towards the posts. Some boys followed the flight of the ball, others turned away as they couldn’t bear to watch. The ball narrowly sailed wide of the posts, enabling the boys to savour the delights of a superb victory.
Congratulations to all the boys for all their commitment and efforts throughout the season.
A Message from our Chaplaincy Team
Advent 'I am the handmaid of the Lord,' said Mary 'let what you have said be done to me.'
Reflection
Jesus’ birth is the moment in history where God becomes flesh and dwells among us, the moment when the divine enters into the world, so that we can become divine. From this moment everything is changed. Mary, this ordinary girl, who lived in an ordinary place becomes the handmaid of the Lord, the bearer of God’s begotten son, within whom the creator resides. This Christmas let us echo Mary’s “Yes” to God, open the doors of our hearts and welcome Him in.
Prayer
We pray for all who are homeless and feel left out this Christmas; for refugees separated from their families; and for those who are on their own. We pray for our leaders and for all those in authority. May they be given the wisdom to govern wisely and to seek the good of all. We pray for our families this Christmas. May our homes be filled with laughter and joy. May God, who in Jesus Christ united earth and heaven, grant you the peace of His presence, the joy of His Spirit, and the love which knows no end this Christmas.
Amen
Notices
Menu
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Inset Day
Soup of the day – Carrot & coriander
Soup of the day – Roasted butternut squash & sweet potato
Soup of the day – Leek & potato
Soup of the day – Roasted red pepper & tomato
Meatballs in a fresh tomato & herb sauce with rice
Roasted chicken breast with Yorkshire pudding
Traditional beef lasagne with Italian style salad
Traditional battered fish fillet or jumbo fish fingers
Plain pasta & tomato sauce
Jacket potato & beans
Plain pasta & tomato sauce
Jacket potato & beans
Vegetarian
Roasted butternut squash & red pepper risotto
Layered roasted vegetables & mozzarella bake
No chicken & vegetable puff pastry pie served with onion gravy & new potatoes
Stuffed peppers filled with wholemeal rice topped with tomato sauce
Sides
Sweetcorn/ courgettes
Roast potatoes/ broccoli
Roasted Mediterranean vegetables/baton carrots
Chips/peas/ baked beans
Additional
Salad bar
Salad bar
Salad bar
Salad bar
Dessert
Fruit & winter berry pie with crème fraiche
Millionaire shortbread
Apple crumble & custard
Strawberry smoothie
Soup
Main
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher