3 May 2024

Dear Parents

This week has been a week of celebrations, from a wonderful Year 5 Tea Concert to the Year 11 Celebration Assembly and our Year 13 Leavers’ Event.

Year 5 Tea Concert

On Tuesday we saw another delightful Musical Tea Concert, showing off the Year 5 talent. Beginning with an exciting rhythmic African drumming performance, the audience were then treated to a range of solos from pupils who have individual music lessons, with performances on the piano, harp, violin and guitar to name only a few. I was so impressed with the enthusiasm and musical ability of Year 5, who collectively treated the audience to a brilliant afternoon that showcased not only individual talent, but also the efforts of the year group together, as they rounded off with a rousing rendition of "Touch the Sky". Well done Year 5!

Sent off with smiles; Year 11 Celebration Assembly

Year 11 had a brilliant send off yesterday, ahead of study leave for the GCSEs. The Sixth Form lecture theatre became Cranford’s very own cinema for the first treat of the day, as Year 11 cosied down on the beanbags and sofas to watch a film with the obligatory cartons of popcorn and a delicious milkshake. Despite having to adopt wet weather plans and relocate the Year 11 Festival from the back field to the sports hall, spirits were high as the pupils tucked into delicious platters for lunch and enjoyed a bit of crazy golf and the inflatables. However, the true celebration was the Year 11 assembly, hosted by Miss Holbrook and Mrs Atkinson. Shaped very much by Year 11, the assembly featured some brilliant musical performances and readings. What was apparent through it all, was the sense of family, adventure and fun that each member of Year 11 has embraced, whether they joined in Nursery, or as late as Year 10. With a few tears, but much laughter, Year 11 were applauded by the whole school as they left the Willow Theatre to enjoy a celebratory tea with parents. We wish them the best of luck in their GCSE examinations and look forward to being part of the next chapter of their stories, as they embark on A levels next year! Please take a look at the photos from this magical day.

Applauding our Year 13 Leavers’

Today also marked a very significant page in the lives of our Year 13 students, as it was their turn to be celebrated. This is a particularly proud moment for us as teaching staff, as this incredible group of young adults leave school life behind and anticipate the excitement of university, gap years, the world of work and all that lies ahead. In a special whole school Leavers’ service, we learned about failure and that mistakes should be viewed as opportunities that shape growth and success, and that it is our mindset that defines what direction setbacks will take. We also observed the friendships and memories that Year 13 will have forged over their years at Cranford and how being part of such a special school community has shaped the values that we hope will carry the year group on into the future. The celebrations continued over lunch as Year 13 were joined by parents at ‘The Beetle and Wedge’. This evening, the students have their prom to look forward to and we hope they have an amazing time! We are truly honoured to be able to commemorate the class of 2024 and say well done and good luck! Please enjoy these photos from the day.

Have a lovely bank holiday weekend!

With best wishes,

Dr James Raymond

Headmaster