21 March 2025

Dear Parents

The official start of Spring was heralded this week by some truly spectacular weather and marked with a tremendous 'Splash' by Year 3 & 4 as they delivered a simply sensational Spring Term production! Across an action packed 3 performance runs, audiences were wowed in the Willow Theatre by a tremendously talented cast. I was blown away by the musicality, pace, ambition and execution of a truly challenging school production. Year 3 & 4 tackled a complex performance with real professionalism, charm and mature comic timing. I was particularly struck by the simple sense of fun and generosity of spirit on display as pupils performed with such warmth to a packed theatre full of friends and family. Many congratulations to everyone involved in making this a truly a special production and please do take a look at the pictures from the show - the future of the Performing Arts is bright at Cranford!

On Thursday morning Year 7 and Year 8 enjoyed the opportunity of starting our day together with a stroll in the Spring sunshine down to Moulsford Church. Mrs Wekesa led the school in a reflection on the arrival of Spring, the Christian story of Easter and our school values - she challenged us to reflect on what we can do as a school to live according to our values and to look after our environment and community. Alongside a moment of reflection on the values that are important to us here at school, it was also a joyful opportunity for some communal singing! There is a real power and community in singing together as a school and it was lovely to hear Year 7 & Year 8 in such fine voice!

Elsewhere in school it has been a busy week in the Music department (when is it not!!) full of ABRSM examinations, A-level recitals, GCSE preparation, peripatetic lessons and much more besides. As windows at school are thrown open in the warmer weather it is always a treat to hear the sound of rehearsing musicians trickling across Willow Court. I never cease to be amazed by the sheer range, talent and enthusiasm of our musicians across the school or to be inspired by the commitment of Mrs Powell and her team to music and the arts at Cranford.

For an unprecedented 4th time this year, Cranford's Hockey teams were competing this week at the regional finals amongst a competitive field of schools from across the region. Many congratulations to all of the pupils involved. We are very proud of the incredible range and depth of sporting talent demonstrated this year by pupils from across the school. The continued and growing success of Hockey teams is a reflection of a huge amount of hard work and dedication - well done to everyone involved in two very successful terms of Hockey at Cranford. Next week, thoughts turn to the Summer sports as the PE department begin their preparations for the Summer Term. Our senior school Cricketers are heading out on Wednesday for pre-season training in Spain - we wish them all well for a wonderful adventure and perfect conditions to prepare for a busy summer of Cricket!

Last weekend an intrepid group of over 100 Year 9 and Year 10 students took part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Bronze and Silver practice expeditions, covering an impressive 15-20km a day through the rolling hills of Berkshire and Oxfordshire. The Duke of Edinburgh programme is one of the most valuable and enjoyable opportunities offered across the school each year and the annual round of expeditions is without doubt one of the most enjoyable aspects of this programme. Battling freezing temperatures but under bright blue skies, they demonstrated exceptional teamwork, resilience, and motivation. Navigational skills were put to the test, yet spirits remained high as students supported one another, embodying true Cranford Spirit. Some Silver participants even pushed themselves further, choosing to take on extra mileage at the end of the final day.

Congratulations to everyone on competing your practice weekend and we'll look forward to hearing more as they progress on to their assessed weekends later in the summer.

Finally, thank you to everyone for getting involved in supporting our Comic Relief fundraising today, the school has been an array of colour and we are very grateful to receive such wonderful support from pupils across the school.

Please take a moment to look at this week in pictures.

Best wishes for a restful weekend.
Dr James Raymond
Head