14 June 2024

Dear Parents

I wanted to start today by thanking parents for the feedback on our clubs provision for the next academic year. The whole team have worked incredibly hard to offer such a breadth of extra-curricular activities for all our pupils to access, and we are delighted to have received over 3000 applications for different clubs through all sections of the school. The extra-curricular provision is an important and vital part of school life. Not only does it reinforce a passion for learning, but it also supports the development of transferable skills that will stay with pupils for life. The Cranford Pathway is raring to go and ready for September!

Year 10 Sixth Form Taster

On Tuesday, our Year 10 cohort gained a glimpse of their future as they had the first in a series of Sixth Form transition events. The Sixth Form was buzzing, as they enjoyed a breakfast together before joining taster sessions in the A level subjects they are considering. The day provided all our Year 10 with food for thought and is also critical in helping them focus their minds as they begin considering next steps. After a delicious and much needed lunch, the pupils heard from a guest speaker before spending the afternoon in group enrichment activities. It was really pleasing to see all Year 10 so engaged and thoughtful about life after GCSEs. Later on Tuesday, we welcomed Year 10 parents in for Year 10 Parent Tutor meetings. Thank you to all the parents who commented on the success of the Sixth Form Taster; it was really lovely to know that Year 10 were so animated after the day and to hear about their genuine enthusiasm for this important next step. We can’t wait to take this journey with you!

Year 12 Geography and Biology Field Trip

It seems that Year 12 have enjoyed significantly better weather in South Wales than we have had here this week. They have been working incredibly hard, exploring a variety of topics and locations during the completion of the practical component of their A level. They have also been able to make the most of the incredible 850-acre estate that is Margam Discovery Centre. Please click here for some pictures of the trip.

GCSE and A level Creative Arts Exhibition

I am sure I say this every year, but I was blown away by the standard of work on display in our GCSE and A level Creative Arts Exhibition. The exhibition was a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate the work of our pupils, each of whom has developed significant skills over the last two years of their course. I know how much effort and time goes into every piece, which was clearly reflected in the sketchbooks. Thank you to all our parents who attended the evening. I’m sure you will join me in congratulating the pupils for such thought-provoking and exciting pieces.

Summer Productions

Elsewhere in school, preparations are in full swing for the forthcoming Year 7/8 performance of ‘Matilda’ and Year 5/6 production of ‘Robin and the Sherwood Hoodies’. We are excited to return to the Cornerstone Theatre in Didcot for what promise to be a sensational series of shows! I never cease to be amazed by the talent, enthusiasms and creativity of our pupils. Thank you in advance to everyone coming along to support these performances over the next two weeks.

As the end of term comes into view there is still so much to look forward to this summer at Cranford. Our summer sports programme builds to a crescendo next week as Senior School and Junior School look forward to two competitive days of athletics as part of our Sports Day provision. Cricket and tennis fixtures continue at a pace across the school and preparations are well underway for our Junior School Families Day event, not to mention an exciting Senior School Music Concert at Dorchester Abbey, Enrichment and a plethora of trips, from theatre and sports trips today, to a surfing adventure, a West End show and much more besides. I’ll look forward to hopefully seeing lots of families at these events over the next three weeks.

Fingers crossed some summer weather will choose to join us shortly!!

Please do take a minute to look at these photos from the week. Have a lovely weekend!

With best wishes
Dr James Raymond
Headmaster