13 January 2023

Dear Parents

Despite the variable weather, the second week of our Spring Term has been a vibrant hive of learning, fun and curiosity across all areas of the school.

I’m sure you will join me in congratulating Y11 and Y13 on successfully navigating their mock examinations. We have all been impressed by their self-assured and mature approach to these examinations and I have no doubt they will go on to achieve the success they so richly deserve this Summer. I hope they all enjoy a well-earned and restful weekend.

Sixth Form

One of the most rewarding aspects of school life is supporting students as they make that leap into the world beyond Cranford. Mrs Mir, Dr Hill and the Sixth Form Team have worked hard to develop a detailed and bespoke programme of support for pupils with their UCAS applications. Cranford’s 1:1 support programme allows the Sixth Form team to provide bespoke and personalised support for each student as they complete their applications to university, alongside the expert provision in place to support specialist applications, such as for Oxbridge or Medical Students. The over-arching aim of life in Sixth Form is to build a bridge between school and university, preparing our students for those important next steps beyond school. The Sixth Form team are skilled in providing individual support and encouragement, whilst furnishing students with the skills required to build independence for the world beyond school.

It has been exciting to watch the completion of the UCAS applications for Y13 and it is always rewarding to see the offers arrive from courses as diverse as Classics, Geology, Computer Science and Engineering from Universities across the UK and USA. One of the metrics we were most proud of last year was that 95% of pupils achieved a place at their chosen institution. This reflects both the hard work of our students and the excellent advice and guidance provided by the Sixth Form team here at Cranford.

Alumni

On that note, one of the highlights this week was a visit from our recent Sixth Form Alumni, returning for Chef Paul’s rocky road and a catch up before they head back to university or to continue with their Gap Year travels. We are looking forward to seeing more of them over the term as many have offered to help advise Year 13s in their preparations for life beyond school.

Year 3 & 4

There has been great excitement throughout Year 3 and 4 as they begin preparation for the forthcoming production of ‘Going for Gold’! The children were thrilled to have the chance to demonstrate their acting skills, as they auditioned for a variety of roles in the Willow Theatre in front of the rest of the year and several members of staff. We were excited to watch them get into character and aptly convey a range of emotions. I can’t wait to see how they develop in rehearsals over the next few weeks!

Year 4 have also enjoyed some very exciting Science experiments, to identify how much gas weighs. Using bottled fizzy drinks, they had to shake them precisely 70 times before taking the lid off to release the gas, recording the difference in weight pre and post shake. I'm pleased to report that no explosions took place as a result of the vigorous shaking!

Trips

There was a real buzz of excitement on Wednesday evening at the pre-departure meeting for the upcoming ski trips. Pupils and parents were able to gain more insight into the trip itinerary; from ski lessons to pizza evenings and ice-skating! We are very much looking forward to the trips, with Year 7, 8 and 9 heading to Bardonecchia, Italy and Year 10 and 11 heading to Piancavallo, Italy.

We are also thrilled to be launching a Geography trip to Iceland for pupils in Year 9 – 12 next Spring (2024), with an action-packed programme of activities and excursions. This is a unique opportunity that will support the Geography curriculum and provide the perfect environment to learn about a range of physical processes in ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’.

PTA AGM

Thank you to all the parents who attend the PTA AGM on Thursday evening, and special thanks to Mrs Lanyon and Mrs Pink for their leadership and for pioneering such fabulous fund-raising for the school.

Miss Wildbore

Finally, we are looking forward to welcoming Miss Wildbore back to school after the half-term break, following her maternity leave.

Have a good weekend!

With best wishes,

Dr James Raymond