4 October 2024
Dear Parents,
Sixth Form Options Evening and Year 10 and 11 Tutor Evening
A huge thank you to all our families who came into school on Tuesday evening for our Sixth Form Options Evening. I always think this is a very special event for pupils, as they begin looking at pathways beyond GCSEs. It is exciting to think about A level options, particularly with the broad curriculum choices Cranford offers. What is also lovely is to see is our Sixth Form pupils in action, speaking passionately about the subjects they have taken and encouraging next year’s cohort to join them. We were pleased to be joined by several external families considering Cranford Sixth Form, all of whom commented on the warm welcome they received by staff and current pupils and on the quality of the information they felt they came home with after speaking to our brilliant Sixth Form ambassadors and teaching team. Next week, we look forward to our Year 11 pupils taking part in Sixth Form Taster sessions, which we know they will find valuable in giving them more to consider ahead of finalising choices. Please don’t forget that the teaching team are more than happy to chat to your son or daughter in more detail about course content and subject combinations, if they have questions.
Henley Literary Festival
This week, we have been celebrating literature and many of our Junior School year groups had a brilliant time attending Henley Literary Festival! The importance of reading is something we foster throughout all stages of school. We know there is nothing better than getting engrossed in a story and also know how important reading is in developing curiosity and empathy.
On Tuesday, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 enjoyed listening to author Petr Horacek talk about his book ‘Blue Monster’, which is a lovely story about friendship and forgiveness. Petr captivated the children with his incredible animal drawings, which in their words were ‘amazing’! It was a very special trip that fired the imaginations of all our pupils, who all came away with a signed copy of ‘Blue Monster’, something I know they will treasure.
On Wednesday, Year 3 and 4 couldn’t wait to meet award-winning author, Cressida Cowell, who wrote ‘How to Train Your Dragon’. Clearly inspired, Year 3 and 4 eagerly returned to school to set up their own ‘ideas’ book and create their own dragons.
Poetry Slam
On Thursday lunchtime, there was standing room only in the Sixth Form Lecture Theatre, as many of our Senior pupils joined in our annual poetry slam in celebration of National Poetry Day. It was brilliant to see pupils from new Year 7s to Year 13 join together to share poetry, cheer and encourage each other to perform. Above all, they had fun! We heard a huge range of poems, some comical, some poignant, some written by pupils and some poems selected by pupils. What was striking was the reminder, if one was needed, of what a special community we have here at school and what it means to be a pupil at Cranford - academic rigour, generosity of spirit and fun all fully on display. It made me smile all afternoon. We would strongly encourage you to take a peek at three poems (linked here) created by our talented pupils that were performed yesterday. We hope you agree that they are exceptional!
Open Morning
Finally a quick thank you in advance to our Senior School pupils for assisting us with tomorrow’s Open Morning. We are delighted that the weather looks dry and are looking forward to welcoming many visiting families looking for places across all sections of the school. Our pupils are our best advert and we are so proud of them. We know that whatever they are doing tomorrow, whether they are involved in tours, demonstrations, sport or music, they will be brilliant and so thank you for letting us show them off!
Have a wonderful weekend.
With best wishes,
Dr James Raymond
Head