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Prep Chronicle 17 October 2025

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13 OCTOBER 2025 8 JANUARY 2024 3 JULY 2023 Message Messagefrom fromthe theHead Headof ofPrep Prep The fun and excitement in Prep has continued right up to the end of this half term with a number of trips going out and visitors coming to join us.

Year 1 had an enormously entertaining day at Legoland and our Year 2 cohort visited Windsor Castle. Our Library hosted a series of inspiring workshops by the poet, author and hip hop artist, Karl Nova, who used poetry and freestyle rap lyricism to explore the idea of being strong yet compassionate. The African Caribbean Education Network presentation, as part of Black History Month, was a very powerful session for our Year 5 and 6 pupils. Our guest speaker was very impressed with the level of engagement and the depth of questions that were Music posed.has always been an integral part of life here at Cranmore and it is greatly encouraging to see so many of our children involved with our choirs and various instrumental groups. We are already looking forward to seeing them perform over the weeks and months. Year 6 had the opportunity to experience a little bit of life in the Senior School with a visit to the Science & Technology Centre this week. They were able to see some of our GCSE artwork, as well as having a short question answer session withwho Mr McGhee, of Design & Technology. The afternoon finished taster Well doneand to all of those children have put Head themselves forward to act as representatives of their with classes on our School C lessons inelected the Science labs. Whether or not, all of the children have the opportunity to share their ideas for improving our school community th the suggestions they make to their School Council representatives. This morning was Action Day for Years 4, 5 and 6, with the boys showcasing their individual talents and interests. Although some were apprehensive about performing in front of a large audience of peers and parents, they all didHeaver incredibly well to conquer their nerves and deliver a fantastic morning of entertainment. As importantly, Mr they did this to raise funds for Mary’s Meals and Macmillan Cancer Support. Thank you to our School Council and Chaplaincy Team members for suggesting these two worthy causes. I wish you all a restful half term break. Mr Heaver


Karl Nova Visit to Years 5 and 6 Pupils in Years 5 and 6 had workshops with multi award-winning poet Karl Nova on Wednesday as part of Black History Month and in celebration of National Poetry Day. Karl created huge excitement about writing poetry, performed several of his poems, and ended each session with an incredible freestyle rap. Karl talked about how he became a poet and provided our pupils with some simple structures and tips so that they felt confident enough to write their own poems. His highly interactive presentation style meant that the pupils were enthralled throughout and left feeling truly inspired to read and write more poetry. Karl focused on our school’s value for this year, compassion, and taught the pupils how being strong and compassionate are compatible.

If you would like to order a signed copy of one of Karl’s books for your child, the ordering page will remain open until Wednesday 22nd October: https://www.authorsabroad.com/bookshop/curious-case-karl-nova Mrs Watkinson, School Librarian


Black History Month Talk On Friday, we were delighted to welcome Azaria Sanusi from the African Caribbean Education Network as part of our Black History Month celebrations. Azaria delivered two inspiring sessions—one for Years 7 to 11 and another for Years 5 to 6—each thoughtfully adapted to the age group. She shared fascinating insights into the long and often overlooked history of people of African and Caribbean heritage in the UK, encouraging pupils to think deeply about how ideas of race have developed over time. Through powerful examples and open discussion, Azaria helped students explore topics such as stereotyping, bias, and racism, while highlighting the importance of equality, equity, and justice. Her talk was both thought-provoking and uplifting, reminding us all of the value of understanding, empathy, and inclusion within our school community and beyond. Mr Kelly


Year 6 Visit to our Science and Technology Centre Year 6 pupils were warmly welcomed to the new Science and Technology Centre for an exciting and engaging introduction to Senior Science. The visit comprised two captivating lessons designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding of key scientific concepts. Lesson 1: Introduction to Waves

Pupils explored the fascinating world of waves through hands-on observation and demonstration. Using Slinkys, they visualised the motion of longitudinal and transverse waves, gaining insight into how energy travels through different mediums. The highlight of the session was the Rubens’ Tube demonstration, which dramatically illustrated sound waves using flames to show pressure variations in a gas-filled tube—an unforgettable visual experience that linked physics with real-world phenomena. Lesson 2: Identifying Signs of a Chemical Reaction The second session focused on recognising the signs of chemical change through a series of thrilling demonstrations. Pupils observed: •

The Whoosh Bottle – showcasing rapid combustion and the release of energy.

•

Candle Wax Reaction – illustrating changes in state and combustion.

•

The Screaming Jelly Baby – a dramatic oxidation reaction that produced sound, light, and smoke.

•

Elephant’s Toothpaste – a foamy explosion resulting from the rapid decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.

Feedback and Impact The visit was met enthusiastically with pupils actively participating and asking insightful questions. The experience not only reinforced classroom learning but also inspired excitement about the possibilities of science in secondary education. Mr Minikin


Harvest Collection We were delighted to receive the following letter from Myfanwy at Leatherhead Start. Thank you to all those parents and pupils who brought in generous donations. Dear Mr Jakubowski, I am writing to thank the children, parents and staff of Cranmore School for the wonderful Harvest gifts you had collected for LeatherHead Start.

All our stock cupboards and the cellar were worryingly low, but with your amazing donation we are able to fill the shelves again and they will continue to help us provide three meals a day for our clients during the coming year. I want to thank the staff who organise the collection so that we have all the things we need and for the children and parents who slip in a few treats like exceptionally lovely biscuits and chocolates which always delight the clients. It was a pleasure to join you all for the Harvest Liturgy this morning. It gave us all time give thanks and reflect on the Harvest we are so fortunate to experience. The children were so well behaved, attentive and sang with great enthusiasm. Very best wishes Myfanwy Tothill Chair of the Board of Leatherhead Start


Year 2 Trip to Windsor Castle Year 2 had a fabulous finish to their topic of Castles with a trip to Windsor Castle this week. They experienced what it was like to be a knight in a workshop and explored the different parts of the castle. They were very excited to see the battlements and look through the arrow slits, imagining what it would have been like to defend a castle! Mrs Green


Year 1 Trip to Legoland Year 1 had an incredible day at Legoland. They took part in an underwater creatures workshop, where they listened to a fascinating presentation before creating their own Lego underwater scapes. Afterwards, the children enjoyed exploring the park and rides, with the underwater submarine and pirate ship rides being particular highlights. Year One were amazing throughout they listened attentively, were incredibly polite, made Cranmore proud, and, most importantly, had a fantastic time! Mrs Parker


Music News It was wonderful for the pupils in the Prep School to listen to the older pupils in our orchestra perform during the assembly on Monday. The orchestra played a piece called the 'Best of Bach' and gave a superb performance. If your child was inspired by this performance and would like to start lessons on an instrument, please do contact musicadmin@cranmore.org for more details. Mr Harris, Director of Music

Reception News Reception had a fantastic PJ party with Manor House's Reception class on Thursday. During the party, we learnt all about our teeth and how to keep them healthy, we played party games like musical bumps and musical statues, we listened to the story The Tooth Fairy and the Crocodile, we played, we ate giant cookies and had yummy squash. After that, we brushed all the sugar away! It was so much fun and Reception were all superstars! Mrs Prothero


Sports News On Friday 10th October Cranmore travelled to the National Ski finals in Norwich where 3 Teams, 11 skiers competed (Luke L, Otis P, Jonty H, Samuel B, Harry S, Hugo P, Henry B, Mathias P, Leon G, Jacob S, Max T). 2 of our teams finished 4th in the country, with 1 team missing out on 3rd by 0.4 seconds. The other team finished 5th in the country, again narrowly missing out. If your child would like to join the school ski programme then please email Mr Barson, max.barson@cranmore.org


A Message from our Chaplaincy Team

This Week A reading from the Gospel of Matthew

Jesus taught his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t there more to life than food and more to the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the

sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns. And yet, your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you add a single moment to your life by worrying about things like that?” Reflection

This week we focus on the Festival of the Harvest. Across the Trust we have sought to live out our value of Compassion by collecting donations for the Dorking and Cranleigh Foodbanks as well for the LeatherHEAD START Homeless Hostel. At this time of year let us seek to be thankful for all we have received and grateful for all we have been given. We are also encouraged to be open hearted to the needs of others and recognise more fully

that it is in giving that we receive.

Prayer

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is error, the truth; where there is doubt, the faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. Amen

"Sanctify yourself and you will sanctify society." ~ St Francis of Assisi


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Menu

Week 2

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Soup

Soup of the day

Soup of the day

Soup of the day

Soup of the day

Soup of the day

Main

Beef Massman Curry

Vegetarian

Creamy Quorn and Vegetable Panang Curry

Garlic Naan Bread

Sides

Steamed Rice Green Beans Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce

Additional

Freshly Baked Bread Salad bar

Dessert

Shortbread Finger

Hunters Chicken

Roast Gammon with Stuffing & Gravy

Ham & Pinapple or Pepperoni Pizza

Freshly Battered Fish or Jumbo Fish Finger with Ketchup and Tartare Sauce

Texan Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Autumn Vegetable Bake with a Cheddar and Herb Crumb

Margherita Pizza

Cheese and Onion Frittata

Skin on Roast Potatoes

Potato Wedges

Broccoli

Steamed Carrots

Cesar Salad

Jacket Potato & Baked Beans

Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce

Herby New Potatoes

Freshly Baked Bread Salad bar

Cherry and Coconut Sponge with Custard

Freshly Baked Bread Salad bar

Rocky Road

Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher

Sweetcorn

Chunky Chips Garden Peas

Jacket Potato & Baked Beans

Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce

Freshly Baked Bread

Freshly Baked Bread

Salad bar

Salad bar

Sticky Toffee Pudding and Custard

Fresh Fruit Platter


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Prep Chronicle 17 October 2025 by Effingham Schools Trust - Issuu