6 October 2023
6 October 2023
Dear Parents
We have been blessed with some gorgeous weather this week and are delighted that it looks set to remain for the weekend and Open Morning. Thank you to all our families for your support with this event. We have a record number of visitors registered, so it looks as though it will be a super busy day!
Sixth Form Options Evening
On Wednesday evening, the Sixth Form was ablaze with excitement as our Year 10 and 11 pupils, and families from other year groups, came together to find out a bit more about Cranford Sixth Form and A level options. Seeing so much energy and passion pioneered by our A level teaching team and Sixth Form students was incredible and we know they gave the Year 10 and 11 a lot to think about as they consider their next steps beyond GCSEs. Several pupils came in with strong feelings about certain subjects, only to leave inspired considering something entirely new. We were also delighted by the number of external families who joined us and commented on the energy and enthusiasm of our staff and brilliant Sixth Form students. Thank you to all who joined us. We are also looking forward to our Sixth Form Taster Day on 12 October for our Year 11 pupils – this is the perfect chance to further explore those subjects that piqued your interest on Wednesday. We know you are in for a treat of a day that will fire your curiosity even further!
Poetry Slam
We had another great turnout of pupils at our annual Poetry Slam, to mark National Poetry Day! Pupils from Year 7 to 12 joined lots of members of staff together in the Sixth Form Lecture Theatre, to share poems they particularly liked, as well as some own self-penned compositions. We were delighted also to be joined by Year 6, who came to watch; hopefully it inspired them to take part next year, when they join Senior School!
Return of Agora
Tuesday lunchtime saw the return of Agora - a series of events aimed at enriching the curriculum. The focus was 'Personal Identity' and Mr Atkinson gave a philosophical talk about different ways we might come to define the self. After explaining the dilemma of 'Trigger's Broom', he covered a range of possible physical theories before suggesting that perhaps we can define ourselves through our actions - an existential position. A number of excellent questions were asked and links were made between Psychology and Philosophy. We look forward to the next in these series of talks.
Junior Discovery Day – Saturday 4 November – save the date!
Over the last few months, quietly behind the scenes, we have been planning this year’s Junior Discovery Day extravaganza! We are super excited to launch ‘Cranford World of Sport’ as this year’s theme. From the 30 October, Junior pupils will be immersed in a whole range of activities across the curriculum relating to sport. This culminates in the brilliant Discovery Day, when on the morning of the 4 November, we will throw the doors of Cranford open once again, showcasing a fabulous range of activities for children to take part in, all connected to sport! Please make a note of this date for your diaries – we would love all children to come to Junior Discovery Day on the 4 November dressed in something sporty. This could be as your favourite sporting hero or in some club kit for those that are involved in a sports club outside school. We also would love to extend the invite to family and friends too though pre-booking is essential for all – please click here to register.
This year, we are raising money for Mary’s Meals, who are a brilliant charity funding school lunches in underprivileged communities throughout the world, with the aim of getting children into school to enjoy an education.
In addition, we are appealing to any parents who may like to get involved. If you have links with a sportsperson or would like to run a sports session of some sort during the course of the week or on the Saturday, please get in touch with the office (office@cranfordschool.co.uk).
Have a good weekend!
Dr James Raymond
Headmaster