20 May 2022

We have had an incredible week in school. The schedule of residentials has continued at a pace with Year 5 heading off to Bushcraft at Blenheim on Monday for two nights. They enjoyed a spectacular trip against a backdrop of lovely Spring weather, making campfires, toasting marshmallows and exploring the great outdoors and I was very grateful to Year 5 for letting me join their adventure. Hot on their heels, Year 4 headed to New Barn in Dorset on Tuesday for a two-night escapade. Full of adventure and exploration, their first stop was Lulworth cove for a picnic and ice-creams on the beach followed by a lovely paddle in the sea. On arriving at New Barn, they enjoyed a pottery session and Bugfest, holding cockroaches, spiders and millipedes to name a few and also learned all about life as a Viking. I am that both Year 4 and Year 5 pupils will be looking forward to a restful weekend after such action- packed trips!

Our Year 3 pupils have also had a busy week. We opened the doors to our Willow Theatre on Tuesday afternoon to Y ear 3 parents for a spectacular Tea Concert. The pupils performed in such an accomplished manner, enjoying taking the stage and demonstrating their many musical talents. Yesterday, Year 3 celebrated ‘Aladdin Day’, dressing up, making lanterns, cooking flatbread and even turning their classrooms into a bustling bazaar!

The summer sport season is in full swing and on Wednesday, we welcomed Chandlings for a fabulous afternoon of cricket and exceptional demonstrations of batting and fielding. Yesterday, Year 7 and 8 athletes headed to Tilsley Park to take part in the South Oxfordshire Athletics competition, with some strong performances all round.

Meanwhile, our Year 11 pupils have approached the start of their GCSEs in a most exemplary manner, taking responsibility for a demanding schedule of examinations, whilst balancing this with ongoing revision. All pupils have been impressed with the way in which they are dealing with the examinations, their displays of resilience and determination and all accompanied with a smile!

Finally this week, it was a real joy to celebrate a true milestone in the history of Cranford, as we formally bid farewell to Year 13 ahead of their forthcoming A levels. Together, they have tackled lockdowns, bubbles, remote learning, living through a period in national history that few will forget. However, more significantly, they are the first 6th Form class to graduate from Cranford House since the 1960s and we could not have asked for a year group that better encapsulates what it means to be a student at Cranford.

In a wonderful celebration, decorated with some poignant hymns, duets and solos, we reflected on the school’s most important value, generosity of spirit, which will carry this group of exceptional young adults throughout their life. It was a pleasure to be joined by Year 13 families for a celebratory lunch after the assembly and we are truly thankful to all the parents for their ongoing support for each student, many of whom have been with us since Junior School. We wish our Year 13 the very best of luck when their A levels start next week.

Have a good weekend!

Dr James Raymond

Headmaster