25 March 2022

This week we have celebrated Cranford’s first ever World Week. Pioneered by a very passionate Year 6 pupil Darcie and based on the Earthshot competition, which is a global competition designed to incentivise environmental change, the whole school have got involved in looking at ways to make Cranford eco-friendlier and more sustainable.

Darcie first pitched her impressive ideas in a meeting with the Senior Leadership Team before half- term and then met with the Heads of School and deputies to create a plan for the week. There has been a different focus each day, including Protect and Restore Wildlife, Revive our Oceans, Clean our Air, Fix our Climate and finally, Build a Waste Free World. During Form Time, pupils have been set tasks and discussed ways to champion positive environmental change at Cranford. It has been a very exciting, thought-provoking week, inspiring change and action, and marks the first of many Cranford World Weeks.

Also this week, we have continued to welcome many parents on site, at various Coffee Mornings and also at Junior School Parents’ Evening and Year 7 Parents’ Evening. Thank you to all the parents that have passed on such positive feedback. It has been lovely seeing you all in school and we look forward to welcoming you to other events after the Easter break.

On Tuesday, Year 12 students visited the UCAS Discovery Event at Farnborough Exhibition Centre. This was a brilliant, explorative opportunity to talk to over 100 UK Universities about the courses on offer and also to find out about life at university. The students left laden with information and prospectuses as they eagerly considered future paths of study. They then headed to the University of Reading to have their lunch on campus in the glorious spring sunshine, whilst absorbing campus life! We are looking forward to supporting the Year 12 on this exciting journey ahead as they decide on university courses and destinations.

Last weekend, our U13 gymnasts took part in the ISGA Gymnastics Competition, which is one of the leading competitive floor and vault gymnastics competitions for independent schools. The team performed brilliantly across multiple disciplines, showing strength, agility and flair in abundance and I am delighted to report that they won the gold medal in the team event and a bronze in the individual event! Well done to all who took part.

Have a good weekend!

Dr James Raymond

Headmaster