There was a buzz of excitement this morning as Year 10 and 11 pupils departed on the highly anticipated Geography trip to Sicily. The expedition is an excellent opportunity for them to enhance their knowledge of the GCSE curriculum.
On Tuesday our Year 10 pupils attended the Surrey Festival of Skills where they could learn about future career pathways and meet with businesses and training providers who were showcasing their amazing opportunities. The feedback from pupils was overwhelmingly positive with many saying how the event had given them much to think about.
Equally, I was delighted that the Year 8 Renaissance Challenge pupils were discussing the progress they have made on their projects as they edge closer to finishing their challenge. It is a great way to encourage their intellectual curiosity and challenge their understanding in their chosen topic.
On Thursday we welcomed poet Adisa who engaged pupils with his high energy, interactive performance and workshops touching on issues such as identity, self-confidence and peer pressure blues. The same evening, I was very proud to host a number of Governors from schools in Surrey on Thursday. Many of them commended our outstanding facilities and the opportunities available to our pupils.
It has been a busy half term and I encourage pupils to have a well-earned break but continue learning in the wider world outside of the routine and structure of the school term. I would like to wish all in our community a restful half-term and I am already looking forward to the CPA fireworks on Saturday 9
Visit from Adisa The Verbaliser
On Thursday, Years 8 to 10 took part in performances and workshops with the performance poet Adisa. In addition, Year 7 pupils were able to take part in a ‘meet and greet’ session during lunchtime in the library. Adisa offered a unique perspective on how to generate captivating poetry and all of the boys managed to produce their own poetry using the techniques he suggested. It was a wonderful way to end the month in which we have celebrated National Poetry Day and Black History Month.
Black History Month Activities
In Senior Assembly this week, Year 9 and 10 School Prefects spoke about the contributions of key black figures in the field of STEM. In addition, Year 7 looked at the works of Léopold Senghor, a poet, academic and politician in their French lessons.
Music News
Huge congratulations to young pianist, Nino L (7MC), who played Chopin’s Nocturne in Eb so beautifully in the ‘All In A Chord’ concert at the Yehudi Menuhin Hall on Friday evening. This concert, organised by Ashtead Rotary Club, raised funds to support those Ukrainian families whose lives have been traumatised by the ongoing war. Musicians from the Yehudi Menuhin School and other local schools performed and I was very privileged to hear them all playing so well. My thanks to Nino’s piano teacher, Mrs Affonso, who also supported him that evening.
If your child is interested in learning to play an instrument or take singing lessons, please do contact myself or Mrs Thornton.
Mr Harris, Director of Music
The Renaissance Challenge
Our Year 8 Renaissance Challenge participants met this week to discuss the progress they have made over the course of their projects. As they near the conclusion of their work, it was interesting to hear how the various
Senior School Council News
Henkes Shield, Saturday 12th October
The Henkes Shield is an annual football competition between Cranmore and Rokeby school, involving age groups U9s to U13s. Established in 1983, this was the 39th year the event has taken place - with two years being cancelled due to poor weather and Covid. Prior to this year, Cranmore had won the competition 20 times, to Rokeby’s 18. 8 matches took place throughout the exciting morning with one point being awarded for each win, 0.5 for a draw. Cranmore needed to achieve 4.5 points to retain the prestigious shield. We are very pleased to say that Cranmore is the winner of the 2024 Henkes Shield. Out of the eight matches played, Cranmore won seven. Congratulations to all involved and thank you to Rokeby for hosting. See you at Cranmore in 2025.
Hole-In-One!
On Tuesday, our U18 Golf team played St Georges Weybridge in the ISGA Knockout Plate competition. It was a fantastic afternoon, played at St Georges Hill Golf Club, voted the 9th best golf course in the country. With Daniel D (Year 11), Ollie M (Year 10) and Sam S (Year 10) representing the school in three close matches, I am pleased to say that Cranmore won the overall match by seven points and will progress into the next round. The highlight of the day came from Sam S. Standing on the 3rd hole, a 170-yard par 3 with a 6 iron in hand, Sam struck the ball perfectly out of the centre of the club and watched it draw off the right side of the green, catching the slope of a green side bunker. The ball landed softly and rolled towards the hole; the boys held their breath with their hands on their head as the ball continued its journey to the inevitable destination, dropping into the centre of the cup for a hole in one! It was an achievement that any golfer aspires to and one that many never reach. Well done Sam and the Cranmore team.
Mr Cox, Head of Golf
On Saturday 12th October, Jonty H, Otis P, Hugo P, Samuel B, Harry S, Rafferty C Mathias P all competed in the National Ski Finals in Norwich. Samuel, Harry and Rafferty missed out on 3 place by 0.12s - there was less than a second between 1st and 4th! Jacob, Leon, Max and Mathias missed out on the podium by less than a second in their race. Mathias won fastest unregistered boy for the 2nd year running.
U14s Rugby versus Thomas’ Putney Vale
Last Friday, a Trust Co-ed Sport Showcase evening took place at St Teresa's. Over seventy Year 10 to 13 pupils attended from the three schools to play in mixed netball and hockey matches. There was music playing, plenty of refreshments and lots of support to make the community event a truly special one. Well done to everyone involved.
The Henkes Shield
A Message from our Chaplaincy Team
This Week
Bible Reading from the Gospel of Matthew
Jesus taught his disciples,
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear.
Isn’t there more to life than food and more to the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns
And yet, your heavenly Father feeds them.
Reflection
Over the past few weeks the Church has focused on the wonderful gift of creation. So often we fail to see life with the eyes of faith. God has us in the palm of his hands. He knows us and he loves us. He will take care of us and guide us on. Thank you for all those who donated to our Harvest Appeals. Your kind gifts will be shared with those in our community who are in need. Thank you so much for the Christmas boxes that have been donated across the Trust. These will be collected by Mr Agius on 12th November. Your generous gifts will go along way to making Christmas special to many young people in need. They will also be reminded of the love that God has for them.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, we believe that you are present in our school.
Help us throughout this year to remain close to You.
Help us to see the great gift of your creation. May we be good stewards of all you have given us and look after the wonderful animals you have placed in our care.
“May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.” St Teresa of Lisieux
Soup
Main Locally sourced pork sausages & onion gravy
Vegetarian
Sides
Additional
Jacket potato & beans
Mild beef chilli con carne served in a taco & dips / Jerk chicken drumstick
Plain pasta & tomato sauce
Roasted pork loin with Yorkshire puddings & apple sauce
Freshly baked pepperoni pizza with Italian style salad
Traditional battered fish fillet or fish fingers
Dessert
Vegetarian style sausages & onion gravy
Mashed potato
Broccoli / sweetcorn
bar
Chocolate cake with chocolate sauce
Quorn & bean chilli
Vegetable rice
Roasted carrots / Mediterranean vegetables
Jacket potato & beans
Plain pasta & tomato sauce
Jacket potato & beans
Rocky road
No meat meatballs in a tomato sauce
Roast potatoes/ mixed vegetables
Freshly baked cheese & tomato pizza
Jacket wedges/ sweetcorn
Mac ‘n’ cheese with chef’s salad
Chips/peas/ baked beans
Salad bar
Shortbread biscuit
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
