The Art Studio

The school walls are adorned with artwork demonstrating the creativity, imagination and technical skills of our children. From exquisite sketches in charcoal to volcano collages and beautiful still life paintings created by Year 3 to 8 for mothers and loved ones, we have been blown away by the exceptional standard of work. Our young artists have also been inspired by the meticulous drawing style of visiting illustrator and author Jane Hissey, who created the best-selling ‘Old Bear and Friends’ series.

We are so proud that 27 of our entries to 2023’s Young Art Competition in aid of children’s cancer charities have been chosen to be exhibited at the Royal College of Art between April 26th and 29th. Among the work selected, we received three commendations in the Year 4 to 6 category (Daniel S, Daisy D, Ophelia O’M), one Highly Commended In Year 2 to 3 (Nico M) and a notable 3rd Prize in the Year 4 to 6 category for Tom R. This is a prestigious, national competition receiving over 7,000 entries with just 10% of those entered being chosen to exhibit. Our children’s creativity interpreting the theme of ‘Looking Out’ was highlighted by the judges and we are incredibly proud of them all!

Fantasy Maps

Turning daily Form Time into a creative outlet, Year 6 have been designing their own fantasy maps. After tracing rice to create imaginary continents, islands and oceans, staining their paper with tea and burning the edges, the children have been adding character with mountain ranges, palm trees, rivers and valleys. Garnering attention across the school, the maps have been used across the curriculum, from supporting role play in drama to history and English where Luca B was awarded a Distinction for his creative writing, inspired by his map. This immersive activity is now an Occupation and we look forward to seeing the maps continue to evolve!

The Music Barn

It has been a busy term for the Music department as we welcomed Mr Jelf in his new role as Director of Music. Year 6 kicked off with a bang as they headed to the O2 to sing in the largest youth choir concert in the world, Young Voices, swiftly followed by our House Music Competition which demonstrated the strength of our instrumentalists and singers across the year groups through a fantastic selection of songs on the theme of ‘weather’. A fantastic clash of fierce House competition was balanced with respectful and supportive behaviour towards each other; the spirit of Cumnor in action. Well done to everyone that participated!

Off the stage, many of our children enjoyed new practical music curriculum projects including Year 6 who have been studying Gamelan music, Year 7 who have been studying Samba music, and Year 8 who have been undertaking a ‘music for film and television’ composition project. Year 3 and 4 have been introduced to the new class sets of xylophones and djembe drums now available and Year 5 will be learning to play the new steel pans in the Summer term!

Greek Day

‘Portals to the Past’ joined us for a fabulous day, filled with all things Greek in support of Year 3’s study of Ancient Greece in History. The children had a chance to re-enact the ancient Olympics by throwing foam javelins, acting out myths, playing traditional board games and practising war formations. In true Cumnor style, we also took our learning outside, making Greek soldiers down at Woodpeckers.

Book Week

Our biggest Book Week yet, the children experienced writing workshops and engaging talks from talented writers.

• The costume parade was spectacular! This year, more than ever before, the children, and staff, used their talents and creativity to create some truly amazing costumes.

• Giles Abbott, the UK’s only blind storyteller, told stories steeped in folklore and captivated every child.

• West End in Schools performers used dance and drama to bring Fantastic Mr Fox to life with the younger years.

• Mimi Thebo, an author long-listed for the prestigious Carnegie Medal for Writing for children and young teens, taught them how to look at the world differently and inspired the children to write in a way they have never tried before.

• Australian Poetry Slam champion, Philip Wilcox, engaged Year 8 for a day, inspiring them to write and perform thought-provoking and powerful poems; the atmosphere was electric, and energy and enthusiasm of the children was tangible...