10 February 2017

Earlier this week, we were delighted to welcome Year 11 parents into school for their final Parents’ Evening before the summer examination season.

The maturity and focus of our Year 11s during such a busy start to the Spring Term has been incredibly impressive and I am sure they are all ready for a well-earned rest before the final push towards their GCSEs!

Elsewhere in school, I have greatly enjoyed visiting Year 4 to hear all sorts of suggestions for ways to make the school more environmentally friendly. The children came up with some brilliant ideas that really engaged with the science behind how we light, insulate and construct our school buildings. This theme continued in Year 3 where the boys and girls wowed parents and pupils with their fabulous rocks and soils museum on Wednesday afternoon and assembly on Thursday morning. There was some superb scientific knowledge on display and I never cease to be amazed by the pupils’ growing self-assurance, poise and energy in assemblies. Elsewhere, Years 5 and 6 enjoyed a trip to Oxford with an inspiring creative writing workshop at the Story Museum and a chance to explore some of the city’s many literary links.

My thanks to everyone who was able to join us at last night’s EYFS Mathematics evening. Parents of our youngest pupils gathered to learn how Mathematics is approached here at Cranford House in what was a very informative event. I’m told the highlight was Miss Carpenter’s amazing Maths Rap!

Over in Senior School, we marked our Internet Safety Day on Tuesday with an assembly and extended form time exploring the importance of e-safety. We spend a great deal of time discussing this subject in school and supporting our pupils in developing the knowledge and understanding to make safe, informed decisions as digital citizens. E-safety expert Matt Lovegrove, who spoke to many parents earlier this term, will be returning to school later this Spring to discuss the topic again with pupils. I look forward to sharing more details on this nearer the time.

I hope you all enjoy a well-earned rest over the half term break.

With best wishes

Dr James Raymond