As we come to the end of what has been a truly phenomenal academic year, this final week has been a fitting celebration of the vibrant, enriched life we enjoy at Cranmore. From the adventurous spirit of our Year 10 pupils on their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Qualifying Expedition in Wales, to the musical brilliance showcased in the Young Musician Winners’ Concerts, the week has been a testament to the talent and opportunity that defines our community.
Tuesday began with an exciting visit from ex-Cranmore pupil Sean Kerr who now plays for the Harlequins and was part of the England U21 team this year. Tuesday’s Moving Up Afternoon gave pupils a chance to look ahead to next year, meeting their new form teachers and enjoying activities with future classmates. That evening, I was delighted to host the current and new parents of pupils in Year 7 who will start their Senior School journey in September. The Year 10 Prize Giving on Wednesday evening was a particularly special occasion, recognising the hard work, progress, and character of our pupils. We enjoyed outstanding musical performances between the awarding of prizes which recognised the talent, service and commitment of our pupils. Yesterday’s Founder’s Day Mass brought us together in reflection and gratitude, honouring the values that underpin our school’s mission.
To all our pupils, their families and staff, I wholeheartedly thank you for your continued support and partnership throughout the year. I wish you a restful and joyful summer break, and I look forward to welcoming our community back in September.
Mr Everitt
Duke of Edinburgh Silver Expedition
On Saturday, seventeen Year 10 pupils travelled to the Black Mountains in Wales for their Duke of Edinburgh Silver qualifying expedition over three days. We camped overnight and the pupils set off early on Sunday morning over Sugar Loaf. It was the coolest of the three days and they marched through the stunning landscape with enthusiasm.
On day 2, the pupils set off with sun cream, hats, plenty of water and an eagerness to walk over the Black Mountains. They returned to camp with smiles on their faces and a little redness! They drank over 80 litres during the day.
Day 3 was an easier day as they headed towards Hay-on-Wye. Although the walk was challenging and the task seemed perilous, the boys persevered. They developed leadership skills, problemsolving, resilience, and patience. We are all extremely proud of them.
Mrs Ebdy
Duke of Edinburgh Silver Expedition
On Thursday 26th June, Year 8 took to the Surrey Hills to complete a 12.5km walk. In recognition of our value of Community, we brought litter pickers, and filled two plastic bags with litter from the paths and woods. Aside from a short downpour, we were blessed with warm, sunny weather and thoroughly enjoyed our journey from the school gates to Netley Heath, before looping back to Cranmore. It was a peaceful, picturesque way to end the term, and helped significantly improve our step counts for the week!
Mr Lamport
Year 8 Ramble
EST Team Maths Challenge
We were delighted to welcome some of our best Year 7 problem solvers from across the Trust to take part in an exciting team event last week. Teams consisted of pupils from more than one school, giving pupils the opportunity to get to know each other and work together in a competitive and fun environment. Each pupil in the winning team was awarded a brand new CASIO calculator and certificate. We loved having all the pupils here and we hope that they had an enjoyable afternoon!
Mr Savvides, Head of Senior Mathematics
EST Public Speaking Competition
On Thursday 26th June, a team of Year 10 Cranmore pupils participated in the annual EST Public Speaking Competition hosted by St Teresa's. The topics debated were wide-ranging and included cloning, the death penalty, conspiracy theories and the power of words.
Cranmore's team consisted of James H as Chair, Connor H as Proposer and Winston S as Opposer. Their motion: 'ChatGPT is making students lazy and damaging their education' provoked a stimulating debate on the role of artificial intelligence in schools. While they did not win the competition, they acquitted themselves honourably in representing Cranmore.
Well done to all the teams from Cranmore, Manor House and St Teresa's for their hard work in researching, writing and rehearsing for the competition.
Moving Up Afternoon
Tuesday afternoon was a great success with Moving Up Day happening across the school. The children had the chance to meet their new classes and to see where they would be having lessons next year. They took part in some ice-breaker and team building activities to help smooth the transition into the next year group. Our new joiners were made to feel very welcome and commented on how excited they were to be joining our school community.
Senior Young Musician Competition Winners Concert
My congratulations to the four winners of the Senior Young Musician Competition who performed superbly in the Winners Concert on Wednesday morning:
Year 7 Joint Winners - Nino L and Mathias P
Year 8 - Morgan D
Year 9 - Daniel B Bravo!
Mr Harris, Director of Music
Egham Regatta and Henley Regatta Experience
On Sunday 29th June two coxed quads from Year 9 took part in the Egham Regatta as a culmination of their year’s work. The 'A' Boat was drawn against Windsor Boys School, who are widely recognised to be the best sculling programme in the country. In a superb race during which the lead changed several times, Cranmore were the ones who held their nerve and crossed the line first, less than half a length ahead of a rather surprised Windsor crew. Unfortunately the boys could not quite reproduce the same performance an hour later and narrowly lost to Walton Rowing Club. The B crew had a great race with Wallingford Rowing Club but Cranmore 'caught a crab' halfway along the course and ground to a halt, allowing Wallingford the win. Once the boats were packed up, the coaches and boys went to Henley where they had a tour of the Leander Club and the boat tents and course of the world famous Henley Royal Regatta. The boys were a real credit to the school, showing very mature behaviour both on and off the water.
Mr Lewis, Head of Rowing
Senior Year groups finished their cricket season with matches against Thomas's Clapham and Ewell Castle. Plus, our U13 1st XI team participated in the Rokeby 6s. Internal matches also took place to finish the enjoyable and successful cricket season.
Sean Kerr Visit
Former Cranmore pupil, Sean Kerr, visited our school this week to speak with our Senior pupils. Sean plays for Harlequins Rugby Club and has represented England both at U21 and A team level.
Sean was able to share his fond memories of Cranmore, and explained to pupils that whilst at school he came to love many sports. It was only in his teens did he start to concentrate more on rugby.
After Sean spoke about his career, there were some great questions asked by the pupils. These included:
What advice would you give when you go from being the strongest player in a team to one of the weaker members (club to county)?
What tools do you use to deal with nerves and pressure before big performances or games?
Please tell us about your daily diet and nutrition?
The pupils were excellent and clearly listened to every bit of advice that Sean gave. Sean has promised to return to Cranmore to deliver and help with rugby sessions next term.
Our final golf match of the season took place on Monday for our pupils in Years 7 and 8 against Surbiton Prep. There was some great golf played on our very own Crangusta by both teams. But it was Cranmore that came out on top with an 8 point win. Well done to all involved.
Please see flyer attached and use the link below for more information: https://lionssports.academy/bookingpage/School-Camp/Cranmore-School
Mr
Hodgson,
Director of Sport
Summer Sports Camp at Cranmore
A Message from our Chaplaincy Team
This Week
A reading from St Matthew Gospel
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he put this question to his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say he is John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’ Then Simon Peter spoke up, ‘You are the Christ,’ he said, ‘the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘Simon son of Jonah, you are a happy man! Because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. So I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.’
Reflection
On Sunday we as a church celebrated the great feast day of St Peter and St Paul. These two pillars of the church were both so different. Both different but both called to share in the Kingdom of God and both witnesses to the love of God. St Peter of course makes that dramatic confirmation of faith at Caesarea Philippi. Jesus asks the disciples, ‘Who do you say I am.’ That is a question each of us is asked, each of us is posed throughout our lives. Let us have the faith of St Peter, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’
Prayer
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope.
To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us, and after this exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Amen
"Remember that nothing is small in the eyes of God. Do all that you do with love."
