10 February 2023
10 February 2023
Dear Parents
This week it really does feel as though Spring has arrived, with some lovely, sunny days and lighter evenings which are very welcome – just in time for the half-term break! I am sure all our pupils need a much-deserved rest after a very busy Spring half-term, which also marks the midway point in the academic year. It is lovely to reflect on all the teaching and learning, trips, activities, performances, sport and enrichment that has already taken place and we are excited for what lies ahead over the next few months!
ISA Hockey Tournaments
This week, our U11 and U14 boys have both taken part in national hockey tournaments. On Tuesday, a group of U11 boys represented Cranford in the IAPs U11 Hockey Tournament. Competing against 30 other teams, they were the only team not to concede a goal and performed brilliantly in some outstanding competitive games. They had a brilliant day and were model representatives of the school. Our U14 boys won the Plate Competition in the ISA National Hockey Tournament, demonstrating excellent skills, teamwork and resilience in some equally competitive games. Well done to all involved!
Creative and Performing Art Trips
On Wednesday, Year 11, 12 and 13 Art, Textiles and Photography pupils enjoyed a wonderful trip to London to visit the Tate Modern. They viewed a number of exhibitions including painter Cezanne and 3D artists Maria Bartuszova and Magdalena Abakanowicz. The pupils were also able to explore the other exhibits to gather contextual references for the externally set assignments and for their personal investigations. The art prompted some very interesting and thoughtful discussions and was a brilliant day for the pupils.
Also on Wednesday, Year 10 and 11 Performing Arts pupils had a fantastic opportunity to see ‘Heather’s – The Musical’. Based on the popular 90’s film, the show tackles tricky topics with toe tapping tunes and excellent choreography and staging! The pupils had a great time and enjoyed the full standing ovation at the end.
A level Religious Studies Conference
Our A level students today attended an event in London designed to extend their knowledge of the content of the RS A level syllabus, encouraging them to analyse and evaluate in making well-informed academic judgement. Featuring a series of lectures from experts in the field, the day was full of thought-provoking content that challenged our pupils intellectually and has fuelled their passion for discussion around such complex topics that we are sure will make its way back into the classroom!
Nursery get to grips with Julia Donaldson!
Our youngest pupils have this week been enjoying the rich variety of stories by author ‘Julia Donaldson’. ‘The Gruffalo’ still features as a firm favourite, with some of her newer books such as ‘The Baddies’, also proving very popular. On Thursday the children enjoyed making a delicious chocolate ‘Gruffalo crumble’ rocky road – sorry Chef Paul but you have competition!
Charity Events
Finally, I wanted to thank several of our pupils, who in response to the earthquake disaster in Turkey and Syria, proactively approached members of staff to instigate fundraising activities in school. In a super-quick turnaround, we settled on ‘Own Clothes Day’ today and would like to thank all our families for their generous donations to this cause, which has devastated so many families in Northern Syria and Turkey.
Our Sixth Form students have also been busy this week, delivering pre-ordered Valentine’s friendship messages and chocolates to support ‘Mary’s Meals’ a global charity who provide meals for children in some of the world's poorest countries. It is lovely to end the week with such obvious commitment to our most important value, ‘generosity of spirit’.
Have a great half-term!
With best wishes
Dr James Raymond
Headmaster