MICHAELMAS TERM
SEPTEMBERDECEMBER
INTRODUCING OUR HEAD BOY & HEAD GIRL
Daniel and Georgia took up their roles as Head Boy and Head Girl for the 2023-2024 Academic Year. Along with the Prefects they delivered pupil-led initiatives throughout the year such as fundraising for local charities, hosting pupil voice councils and supporting all year groups as pupil ambassadors at breaktimes and school events.
PREFECT
TEAM
Head Boy Daniel Calje
Head Girl Georgia Foster
APPOINTMENTS
SUMMER 2024 SUCCESSES
Many pupils were busy representing their clubs in various sporting endeavours over the summer. At the start of the term, we congratulated Alistair B for representing the UK Lions at hockey, Freddie D for playing for North Yorkshire Cricket, Finn H for playing football for North Yorkshire, and Teddy W for being selected for a trial period with the Newcastle United FC Academy.
Our girls have also excelled on the football pitch, with Eliza N successfully gaining a place in the Leeds United shadow squad, Teddy H being awarded Player of the Season by her club Bedale, and Annabel M gaining a place in the York City U16 squad.
We are incredibly proud of everyone’s achievements.
TEAMWORK MORNING
As part of a warm welcome back to school and an opportunity for new pupils to get to know their classmates, pupils enjoyed an exciting day in the Wild Wood. Led by Mrs. Rea, they participated in a variety of fun team-bonding activities.
SCHOOL TRIATHLON
The sun was shining for Year 3 - Thornton (Year11) pupils as they took on the school triathlon with determination and enthusiasm. The event challenged them to their limits, combining swimming, biking, and running while fostering resilience and a sense of achievement. It was a brilliant day that showcased determination and team spirit.
EQUESTRIAN TEAM SUCCESS
Well done to Frank, Liza, Bella B and Bella E who all represented Cundall at the NSEA showjumping at NEC at the start of term. Liza finished 4th in the 60cm and has qualified for the NSEA finals and Bella E came 3rd in the team competition in the 70cm.
Frank took part in the First Ridden category at the Horse of the Year Show in Birmingham and came in a very impressive second place!
YORKSHIRE AIR MUSEUM
Year 4 enjoyed a day out at the Yorkshire Air Museum to further embed their understanding of World War 2 and bring their History lessons to life! They performed a 'parachute' jump and explored a rare Halifax bomber.
MICROHABITATS
In their outdoor Wild Acre Wood lessons, Year 2 learnt about microhabitats, studying the creatures that live in our wood. They had a great time hunting for creepy crawlies, locating habitats, and identifying features of the creatures they found.
ELEPHANT SCULPTURES
Year 2 completed their stunning elephant masterpieces! These creations began with wireframes and plastic bottles, carefully covered in Modroc before being painted and decorated with gems and glitter. The results were impressive! The children thoroughly enjoyed their studio time, especially working alongside older pupils who kindly assisted them during break times.
HARVEST FESTIVALS
Year 3 to Thornton pupils, parents and staff enjoyed a Harvest Festival in the gym and Pre-prep gathered at Cundall Church to give thanks for nature’s bounty. At our Harvest Festivals, we give thanks for what we are fortunate enough to have, share as a community the successes of the past year, give hampers to support our local community and look forward to a new cycle, a new school year and new opportunities.
COWES
Our Eldmire (Year 10) pupils began the term with an exciting and adventurous start, learning to sail keelboats while overcoming challenges and building confidence. They also had the opportunity to try windsurfing and paddleboarding, broadening their skills on the water.
MONK PARK FARM
Year 1 had a lovely day visiting Monk Park Farm. Farmer Hayley welcomed them to the farm, introducing the pupils to the guinea pigs, rabbits, pygmy goats, llamas, sheep, alpacas, highland cows, deer and wallabies. They enjoyed feeding the animals and cheered on the pigs in a pig race.
CHÂTEAU DE LA BAUDONNIÈRE
Swale (Year 8) had a successful trip to France, packed with fun activities and staying at the Château de la Baudonnière. They visited the Bayeux tapestries and the majestic cathedral before venturing to the Normandy beaches for an up-close look at the D-Day landings. They kayaked, baked fresh bread, dressed up and rolled in mud! Immersing themselves in the culture, sights, and sounds of France made for an unforgettable and inspiring learning experience.
LORETTO TOUR
The U11 and U13 Girls' Hockey teams headed up to Scotland to play in the Loretto Cup. Both teams finished as winners of the Plate! A brilliant experience against tough opposition.
ISA HOCKEY
U11, U13 and U15 Girls Hockey teams played at the ISA Hockey tournament in London, at the Lee Valley Stadium in the Olympic Park. The U11s came 2nd in the Plate Competition and were super excited to meet GB star Holly Hunt and see her Gold medal. U15 Girls won the plate after losing only one game all day! An excellent result. The U13s finished second in their group stages and 8th out of 20 teams. It was a fantastic event to be part of.
SPORT
It’s been a strong term for sport at Cundall, with pupils achieving excellent results across the board. Our hockey teams delivered confident performances, securing several well-earned victories. The boys also impressed in rugby, taking part in a full calendar of tournaments and fixtures across all age groups.
Opposition included: Mowden Hall, Read School, Red House, Ripon Grammar School, Scarborough College, Sedbergh, Terrington, and Yarm — with Cundall pupils consistently showing great skill, determination, and teamwork.
Well done to all our teams for their commitment and sportsmanship this term.
YEAR 3 POETRY
EVENING
Year 3 delighted parents and friends with an evening of music and poetry. Each pupil recited a poem they had learned, while those who learn musical instruments performed solos on trumpet, guitar, and piano. The group came together for three vocal pieces: 'Consider Yourself' from Oliver, 'Feed the Birds' from Mary Poppins, and 'Today' by Mark and Helen Johnson.
The event showcased teamwork and leadership, with pupils performing with impressive confidence.
JAMBO!
During their Geography lessons, Year 5 have been learning all about Africa. They were joined by Pauline and David, who gave a comprehensive talk about their life in Kenya. The pupils learned how to greet each other in Swahili and were captivated by stunning photos of Kenya’s wildlife. David shared personal stories of growing up in Kenya, including his adventures snake hunting instead of attending Sports Day— something a few of the boys found particularly exciting! The interactive talk provided a hands-on exploration of Kenyan culture. Pupils examined items brought back from Kenya and tried on traditional clothes and necklaces.
HARLOW CARR
Year 3 took part in a workshop at Harlow Carr Gardens linking to their work in Science on Healthy Eating.
BARLEY HALL, YORK
INFORMAL CONCERTS
Pupils enjoyed performing for friends and family in the library. The evening concerts featured singing, saxophone, trumpet, piano, and drumming performances. For several pupils, it was their début in front of an audience — overcoming any initial nerves and entertaining us all.
As part of their History topic on Tudors, Year 5 visited Barley Hall in York. The day started with a tour of the Tudor house learning all about the Snawsell family who once lived there. The children took part in two interactive workshops. In the "Arms and Armour" workshop, they learned about the weaponry of Tudor times, getting hands-on experience with replicas. The "Healing and Medicine" workshop unveiled the rudimentary medical practices of the Tudor period, and we were very pleased that Archie didn't actually lose his leg!
RESTART A HEART DAY
Yorkshire Ambulance Service volunteers guided pupils in Aram (Year7) - Thornton (Year 11) on performing CPR, using a training video alongside hands-on practice with inflatable manikins. The YAS team praised the pupils for their excellent attitude towards learning how to be CPR confident and their impeccable manners.
HALLOWEEN DAY & SPOOKY DISCOS
Our parent committee of volunteers, Friends of Cundall, organised fabulous Halloween Discos for all year groups in the Gym. The pupils enjoyed dressing up and carving pumpkins for a spectacular whole-school carving competition.
REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
The whole school gathered for the Remembrance Service to honour all those who sacrificed their lives or have been injured in service to our country. Led by Mr. Reece, the ceremony featured moving contributions from Canon Michael, Mr James-Roll, and our Head Prefects. Henry Porter honoured us with a poignant rendition of The Last Post.
Lest We Forget.
EXPLORING SHAKESPEARE
The Drama & Music GCSE pupils and scholars experienced two very different types of theatre in November. They watched a performance of Verdi's opera 'Macbeth'. This three-act opera, sung in English was supported by a 28-piece orchestra and performed by a cast of over 30 actors. This dark tale of ambition and murder gave the pupils a deeper understanding of Shakespeare's tale and for many of them, they were able to experience live opera for the first time.
They were also taken to see RSC's touring production of 'The Merchant of Venice' by William Shakespeare, this re-imaging of Shakespeare's production sets the piece in London in 1936 during the build-up to World War 2. A powerful production explored the themes of family, antisemitism and money in a pacey and atmospheric piece.
The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to experience live theatre in beautiful settings, as well as being able to watch Shakespeare in two very different ways!
FIRE OF LONDON EXPERIMENT
Mr Jackson helped Year 1 recreate the Fire of London in the Wild Wood. They burnt houses that the children had made and watched how the fire would have spread in 1666. They managed to save 3 houses by creating a fire break.
ALFRESCO LEARNING WORKSHOP
Children learned about wattle and daub: Pre-Prep pupils enjoyed working with sticks and mud to recreate building walls as they would have been constructed in the 17th century. This hands-on activity helped deepen their understanding of why these natural materials burned so easily and how this contributed to the rapid spread of the Great Fire of London.
SCULPTURE GARDEN
THEATRE TRIPS
Leckby (Year 9) art and textiles pupils, along with Cundall art scholars, visited Thirsk to explore some exceptional artworks. The trip began at the Zillah Bell Gallery, where they viewed a range of inspiring prints and paintings. The pupils then moved on to Thirsk Hall Sculpture Garden, where they admired large-scale sculptures set in beautiful surroundings. The trip concluded with a visit to see the intricate, dreamlike work of Robbie Fyfe.
It was an inspiring experience that sparked creativity and served as a fantastic introduction to the GCSE art and textiles course for Leckby pupils.
SKIPTON CASTLE
Year 2 enjoyed a fantastic trip to Skipton Castle, where they delved into its rich history. They learned how castles were designed for attack and defence, how their structures evolved and about the daily lives of the people who lived there. The pupils demonstrated excellent behaviour throughout the visit and had a thoroughly enjoyable day exploring this historic landmark.
FLAMINGO LAND
Year 2 had a great trip to Flamingo Land Zoo. They took part in a workshop to support their topic, 'Habitats'. They met different animals and learned how they support their environment. They also watched a fantastic sea lion show, observed the tigers being fed and ate their lunch with some very friendly Peacocks. The day was finished off with a fantastic guided tour of the zoo.
NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM
As part of Reception's topic "Let’s Move!” they visited the National Railway Museum in York for their first school trip. The fun started as they climbed on the school minibus, ready to embark on their adventure. At the museum everyone enjoyed looking at the different trains, spotting different features and comparing designs and engineering. The children asked lots of questions and were able to share their thoughts and responses within the group. A particular hit was the model railway, and there was much excitement each time the train appeared from a tunnel. Such a lovely day out!
SINGING IN THE COMMUNITY
AFRICAN DANCE WORKSHOP
Our staff and pupils spread Christmas cheer at Alne Hall, Oak Trees, Spring Hill Court and St. Monica's nursing homes. They shared songs and festive joy which were warmly received and deeply appreciated by the residents. Our pupils' efforts to bring Christmas spirit were met with gratitude and joy.
Year 5 took part in an African dance workshop to support their learning of their Geography topic "Africa". The children had a fantastic afternoon exploring and celebrating different African dance styles. They learnt how the miners in South Africa told stories through the power of music and rhythm as well as learning a tribal dance. It was a brilliant afternoon!
STANDING TOGETHER
Cundall pupils and staff came together by wearing odd socks as part of an anti-bullying campaign. This small yet powerful act of solidarity shows that we stand united against bullying of any kind! In support of Children in Need, the pupils enjoyed a non-uniform day and raised £658 and the senior hot chocolate stall raised £154.55.
CAROL SERVICE
Ripon Cathedral was filled with pupils, families and friends who gathered to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas at our Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. The service was beautifully led by our talented choristers and readers. It was wonderful to see so many members of our Cundall community coming together at this special time of year.
RIPON YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Our Cundall musicians achieved success once again at the Ripon Young Musicians of the Year competition in November. Congratulations to Connie, who won the Year 3 & 4 class singing 'Tomorrow' from Annie; to Seb, who won the Year 5 & 6 class playing 'The Entertainer' by Scott Joplin on the piano; and to Amos, who was highly commended by the adjudicator for his performance of “Everything Else” from 'Next to Normal' in the Year 9 & 10 class. Well done, everyone!
THE LION, THE WITCH & THE WARDROBE
Year 4 children performed “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” at the Galtres Centre in Easingwold. There were a lot of lines and songs to learn, as well as some complicated stage management to accomplish, and they did an amazing job. The book had been the focus of some of their topic work and now they know it inside out. A wonderful experience for both the performers and their audience.
COSMIC ADVENTURE
Year 5 had a mesmerising trip to Lime Tree Observatory, exploring the planetarium and learning about constellations and the night sky without an atmosphere. Outside, they viewed Jupiter, Saturn, and its moon Titan through a telescope and even waved at astronauts on the International Space Station. A truly awe-inspiring experience, with many children declaring, "My mind is blown!"
RIPON CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCE
Our cast from Cundall's production of the musical 'Annie', were delighted to sing at the Ripon Cathedral Christmas Gift & Food Fair. They gave a rendition of seven songs from the show to an appreciative audience, and then greatly enjoyed supporting the chocolate tombola stall which was set up nearby. It was a great opportunity for the cast to get some performing experience as a group, and to focus on learning the songs for their show, which will be performed at the end of April 2024.
PRE PREP NATIVITY
Cundall Pre-Prep pupils performed an exceptional Nativity performance at the Galtres Centre in Easingwold. Their rendition of the Christmas story was filled with impressive singing, acting, and storytelling, showcasing great skill and patience. The dedication of our outstanding teachers and the unwavering support of proud parents have culminated in a performance that filled us all with immense pride and festive joy. Thank you Pre-Prep for your wonderful Nativity.
WINTER BALL
The Friends of Cundall organised a magical Winter Ball at Aldwark Manor, where staff and parents came together to relax and enjoy each other’s company at the end of a busy term.
CHRISTMAS FAIR
Friends of Cundall hosted a fantastic Christmas Fair in the Quad, creating a memorable event for all. Guests enjoyed musical performances, a Santa train ride, and a special visit with Father Christmas himself in the Library. With an array of gift stalls, craft stations, a festive raffle, and seasonal refreshments, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
LODGE BARNS
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JANUARYMARCH
LONDON ART TRIP
Thornton Art and Textiles pupils had a very successful three-day trip to London at the start of the year. They visited a wide range of galleries and museums - including Tate Modern, and the Hunterian Museum - to inspire them and expand their ideas for their exam unit. The pupils also participated in a (legal!) graffiti workshop in Leak Street Arches, Waterloo, before being rewarded for all their hard work with a trip to see The Lion King in the West End. They all returned feeling motivated and inspired for the last few months of the course.
24-HOUR BADMINTON MARATHON
To celebrate the end of the Lent term, Thornton (Year 11) Prefects decided to embark on the mammoth challenge of playing Badminton for 24 hours to raise money for 4 of their chosen charities. This was an incredible feat of endurance. The pupils rotated between teams of four throughout the night, with girls versus the boys in intense matches. The event was broadcast live to an audience of supportive teachers and parents.
Undeterred by fatigue, they persevered, fuelled by the knowledge that their efforts were in support of worthy causes. In an incredible display of generosity and community spirit, the Thornton Prefects raised an astounding £2,385 in just 24 hours. The funds will be
distributed among their chosen charities, including the Oddballs Foundation, Save Our Seas, the British Red Cross, and Cancer Research UK.
This extraordinary event not only showcased the talents and determination of the Thornton Prefects but also reinforced the school’s ethos of fostering well-rounded individuals who are compassionate and socially conscious.
SCHOLARS' SUPPER
Cundall Manor Scholars welcomed Mr Andrew West, a Former England and Great Britain Hockey player to their second Supper of the Year.
Mr West spoke inspirationally to the pupils about winning 56 caps, joining the world of Investment banking, co-founding an Education Technology company and working with one of the world's largest boutique fitness franchise brands and the lessons life in sport taught him. He shared experiences and quotes and engaged pupil participation. The Scholars thanked Mr West for sharing his time and expertise with them.
ROYAL ARMOURIES
Year 4 had a wonderful visit to the Royal Armouries in Leeds. Greeted by the sight of 2,500 weapons on display on the staircase alone, the children went on to see a full-sized armoured elephant, examples of different weapons throughout the ages and got to try their hand at firing a bow. Children enjoyed trying on replica helmets and were shocked at how heavy they were! After a sword-fighting demonstration between an Anglo-Saxon and a Viking, the children became archaeologists and carried out their own digs and used the artefacts to find out further information about how Anglo-Saxons lived. The children also took part in a re-enactment of Beowulf with our own Miss Gisbourne taking on the role of the evil Grendel!
THE WORLD OF JAMES HERRIOT
Reception thoroughly enjoyed their school outing to The World of James Herriot. They enjoyed exploring the former home and surgery of Alf Wight in Thirsk, identifying and discussing features and artefacts related to life in the past. The children were interested to learn about the work of a vet. They particularly enjoyed the interactive gallery where they helped to deliver a calf and examined several small animals in the vet's role-play area.
PRE-PREP BACK IN TIME DAY
Our ‘Back in Time’ Day was a wonderful journey through history. Pupils arrived at school in imaginative costumes and enjoyed learning about a range of inspiring historical individuals. They explored the lives and achievements of Walt Disney, Anne Frank, Mary Anning, Emmeline Pankhurst and the Wright Brothers, while also sharing fascinating facts about their own chosen historical figures.
CHARITY FUN RUN!
Cundall Manor's Sports Department hosted a brilliant Charity Fun Run. The children wore impressive fancy dress costumes — Super Mario, a flamingo, a giraffe, bears, tigers, Indiana Jones, and a banana, to name a few, were spotted on the course! Many thanks to everyone for your unwavering support. A total of £1,060.00 was raised for the Magnolia Cancer Centre charity.
SKI TRIP TO CANADA
The Ski Trip to Jasper, Canada was a huge success. Open to all pupils from Year 6 upwards, 37 pupils enjoyed amazing snow conditions, empty pistes, sunshine, tree-lined runs, and challenging slopes for all their abilities. Everyone had a fantastic time, and those who had never skied before improved impressively with their daily lessons and afternoon free ski! They had fun-filled evenings too with group dinners, a pizza night and an exciting ice hockey match! We would like to thank Mr James, Mr Cook, Mrs Cook and Mr Couttie for all their hard work arranging the trip.
WORLD BOOK DAY
The School was alive with various activities celebrating our love of books and the transformative power of reading to enhance English skills. World Book Day was not only fun but also an inspiring opportunity for pupils to encourage each other to become enthusiastic, independent and effective readers. In the afternoon the whole school had a moment of pause to ‘DEAR’: Drop Everything And Read, no matter where they were or what they were doing!
As part of our World Book Day celebrations, Year 5 & 6 pupils visited Ripon Library and the children took part in a library scavenger hunt. They needed to search the whole library for books that were part of different categories using the Dewey system to help them. Year 3 & 4 pupils visited the White Rose Bookshop in Thirsk. Nursery, Year 1 & Year 2 pupils had a fantastic day, with a reading session in the morning by Senior School pupils and then an immersive storytelling workshop by Cassie from StoryCraft Theatre Company.
SCIENCE WEEK
This year’s Science Week at Cundall was centred around the theme of time, allowing for a diverse exploration of the topic throughout the week. Excitement kicked off on Monday with Swale’s thrilling trip to Manchester Velodrome, where they learned about the Velodrome’s time, distance, and speed measurements while witnessing British Olympic and Paralympic athletes in training. Meanwhile, Pre-Prep pupils engaged in experiments and constructed marble runs. Tuesday took a biological turn with a hands-on heart dissection led by Mrs. Fletcher and Miss Riesen. Wednesday saw a nostalgic journey through time with a model railway set up on school grounds, offering rides and discussions with model steam train driver Chris Harrison. Thursday involved making hourglass sand timers and exploring accuracy and calibration, while Friday delved into the future with Mr Thyne leading a discussion on the Theory of Relativity and time travel possibilities. Overall, it was a fantastic week of learning and exploration for all.
ISA NATIONAL HOCKEY FINALS
In January the U11 boys finished second in the country for the ISA national finals at the Lee Valley stadium in London. The boys delivered commendable performances, securing victories in 3 matches and drawing 1 during the morning session, thus advancing from the group stages to the main knockout competition. Despite their continued excellent performance in the afternoon, they narrowly missed the championship, finishing as runners-up with a 1-0 defeat in the final. The U11s also came 2nd in the North Yorkshire In2Hockey Tournament and qualified for the Yorkshire and North East In2Hockey Finals.
MUSICAL SHOWCASES
Pupils in Year 1 - Thornton (Year 11) had the opportunity to showcase their musical talents with more informal concerts held in the school library this term for those pupils learning an instrument. It was a great chance for them to experience the excitement of performing in front of an audience while learning to manage any pre-performance nerves in a relaxed setting.
Parents were treated to a variety of performances, including guitar, trumpet, piano, vocals, violin, cello and drums. The concert was a wonderful celebration of the pupils' hard work.
CHOCOLATE CAKE RACE
The whole school took part in the annual inter-house running competition at the end of the Lent Term. Grace ran very well for the Pre-Prep years and a special mention to our Vale Runners Avril & Iestyn (Junior) and Imogen & Alistair (Senior) who ran just under 5k with outstanding winning performances. The race finished with a huge slice of chocolate cake for the winning house.
ENGLISH SPEAKING BOARD SUCCESS
Our Year 6 pupils received fantastic results for their English Speaking Board exams. Each pupil was assessed by an external evaluator, and all received top grades in the top three out of six categories: Merit, Merit Plus, or Distinction.
The English Speaking Board qualification consists of four assessment sections:
• A Talk: Structuring and presenting a talk on a chosen subject (4 minutes)
• Speaking by Heart: Introducing and performing a piece of poetry or drama from memory (2 minutes)
• Reading to Listeners: Introducing and delivering an extract from a book (2 minutes)
• Open Exchange of Ideas: Participating in a group discussion, answering questions about their own work, and joining in with comments and ideas about others’ work
The primary aim of the ESB is to promote clear, effective, and confident oral communication, which is crucial for developing essential life skills. It was wonderful to see and hear so many presentations on various subjects that our children are passionate about.
BRITISH IMMERSION PROGRAM
Six pupils from various schools in Shanghai spent two weeks at Cundall as part of a UK boarding school immersion experience. Many of these students will later attend full boarding schools in the UK, so this visit offered them a preview of what to expect.
During their time at Cundall, they not only experienced our English academic curriculum but also enjoyed a range of activities, including trips to bowling, trampolining, and the theatre. They participated in craft activities such as making papier-mâché rabbit heads, Cundall keyrings, and scones. They also had the chance to meet the school’s various pets, compete in sports against other schools, and take part in pool and table tennis tournaments in the boarding house.
Our pupils gave them a warm welcome and enjoyed learning about the Chinese language and culture. Special thanks go to our pupil "buddies," who took excellent care of the visitors throughout their stay.
THEATRE TRIP
HOPI DOLLS
Year 3 pupils created beautiful Native American Hopi doll sculptures, also known as Kachina dolls, while learning about their rich symbolism and cultural significance. Traditionally carved from cottonwood root, these small decorative figures hold deep spiritual meaning, serving as symbolic messengers between humans and the spirit world.
Swale (Year8) and a selection of GCSE pupils visited Leeds Playhouse to see a production of 'Oliver!' The excited pupils and teachers were treated to an amazing evening of colour, music, dance and special effects as they watched the story of the little orphan Oliver Twist unfold before their eyes. They were also given the experience of watching the performance 'in the round'.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD
This year has been very successful for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Cundall. The year began with Thornton completing their qualifying expedition in the North York Moors; all teams had a productive weekend and enjoyed good weather over the three days. They started their expedition just below Captain Cook’s Monument and finished, on day three, at the top of Boltby Bank.
Six Silver Group pupils had the opportunity to head out in early April to the Pennines with Mr Jackson and Mr Swanell for some navigation practice. This weekend, the first of its kind, was a great success. The weather was very cold and even snowy at times, making navigation challenging, but this experience has set them up well for their practice and qualifying expeditions later in the year.
The summer term and May brought Leckby out for their qualifying expedition, where they were blessed with sunshine and warm weather. All groups had a fantastic time in Wensleydale and completed the expedition section of their Bronze DofE. Two weeks later, the Silver participants embarked on their practice expedition in the North York Moors, facing less favourable weather. After a strong start on day one, the rain set in, and by day three, the groups were soaked through after two days of continuous rain. Despite this, they finished in high spirits, thanks in part to their cheerful singing as they walked, demonstrating once again the resilience of Cundall pupils.
Well done to all the groups this year for your dedication to the training and volunteering contributions in the community that have supported your DofE awards.
SENIOR SCHOOL MUSICAL: ANNIE
At the beginning of the term, our Senior School actors brought the musical “Annie” to life with a captivating performance. This show was the culmination of months of dedication and hard work. Since September, the cast has collaborated for two hours each Thursday evening, in addition to sacrificing some of their holiday and break times to perfect their lines, acting, singing and choreography.
A special mention goes to our Head Girl, Georgia, who played Miss Hannigan. This was Georgia’s final musical theatre production at Cundall. She has significantly contributed to our school shows over the years. Throughout the process, it was heartening to witness the teamwork between our seasoned actors and the new recruits from Aram (Year 7), whom we hope to see in many future productions.
Congratulations to the entire cast for delivering a truly outstanding performance! Many thanks to the staff in the Productions Team who made it all possible.
COWES
Leckby (Year 9) had a fabulous residential week in Cowes on the Isle of Wight this term, taking part in many different water sports introduced by UKSA. They learned the ropes of dinghy sailing and keelboating, built rafts, windsurfed, and kayaked, as well as enjoying various team-building games.
In typical Cundall spirit, the pupils embraced all the activities and, as a result, were awarded certificates recognising their sailing skills. Thank you to UKSA—see you next year!
VALENCIA
Our pupils in Eldmire (Year 10) thoroughly enjoyed their time in Valencia at the beginning of the term, reconnecting with their pen pals from Edelweiss School.
On the first day, they headed to the beach with their Spanish friends and embarked on a guided tour of the city, delving into Valencia’s rich history and vibrant culture. The next day, they visited the Albufera nature reserve, took an exhilarating bike tour, and enjoyed a scenic boat trip. In the afternoon, they explored La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, spending time in the science museum and watching a short film on space in Spanish at the IMAX cinema.
The pupils spent a final morning at Edelweiss School, attending History and Physics lessons before saying goodbye to their pen pals. They were then treated to ‘churros con chocolate’ and some shopping time in the city centre. On Thursday, it was sadly time to come home, but we look forward to welcoming students from Edelweiss School in June.
These visits abroad offer many educational benefits, allowing students to immerse themselves in a different culture, enhance their language skills, and develop a global perspective. Well done, Eldmire, on your fantastic efforts to speak Spanish!
YORKSHIRE WILDLIFE PARK
Year 1 and Year 3 enjoyed an exciting trip to Yorkshire Wildlife Park, where they explored different animal regions and observed wildlife up close. Year 1 loved the Wallaby Walkabout and were amazed by the lions, giraffes, and meerkats. Year 3 deepened
their understanding of animal feeding habits through a workshop, complementing their studies. The trip fostered curiosity, empathy, and a sense of responsibility toward wildlife conservation.
MOBILE ZOO VISIT
Reception, Form 1 and 2 enjoyed a visit from Joe’s Exotic Mobile Zoo. The children had the opportunity to be up close and personal with a variety of animals. They were introduced to a corn snake, royal python, bearded dragon lizard, banded skink lizard, leopard gecko, a large tortoise and a tenrec. They learnt some interesting facts about the animals and got the opportunity to stroke their various textures.
SCHOLARS' ART WORKSHOP
Cundall Art scholars were immersed in a captivating landscape workshop led by the talented artist Robin Grover Jacques. Robin shared his insights into his artistic journey and what drives his creativity. He demonstrated experimental painting techniques to the pupilslooking at mark-making and painting. The pupils then created a piece of work inspired by the moody vastness of the sea whilst listening to trance music in the background. The workshop culminated in a wonderful display of artwork.
EXPLORING FAITH
Aram (Year 7) Religious Studies pupils visited Bradford to explore a mosque, a Hindu mandir, and a Sikh gurdwara, reinforcing their classroom studies on Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism. The trip emphasised the importance of understanding diverse beliefs in fostering tolerance and mutual respect. At the mosque, they observed Wudu and learnt about the Prayer Hall's features. In the mandir, they explored Hindu beliefs and witnessed the ‘Aarti’ ceremony. At the gurdwara, they learnt about Sikh practices and experienced a reflective moment during a chant from the ‘Guru Granth Sahib’. The trip encouraged thoughtful questions and deepened their understanding of different faiths.
THORNTON VS TEACHERS HOCKEY MATCH
In a thrilling showdown, Thornton (Year 11) pupils took on the staff in an exciting hockey match, amidst cheers from parents and fellow pupils on the sidelines.
The match began with Thornton securing an early lead in the first half, thanks to a goal by Hugo. However, after a strategic halftime pep talk, the staff rallied back, leveling the score with a triumphant goal by Mr. Denmark and swiftly seizing the lead with a goal by Mr. Couttie. The Staff’s lead was short-lived as Thornton showcased exceptional teamwork and attacking prowess, ultimately clinching victory with a final score of 3:2. Goals from Ed and George sealed the deal, highlighting impressive skills from both sides.
Until next year, congratulations to all involved for an exhilarating match and a memorable event of sportsmanship and camaraderie!
LOW MILL, ASKRIGG YEARS
3 & 4
Years 3 and 4 each enjoyed separate residential trips to Low Mill Outdoor Centre, Askrigg, where they experienced adventure and personal growth. Year 3 tackled challenges including canoeing, caving, archery, and rock climbing, building confidence and embracing new experiences, especially for those away from home for the first time. Year 4 participated in activities including paddle boarding, caving, abseiling, rock climbing, and archery, along with a nature walk and campfire. Both groups developed resilience, teamwork, and independence, preparing them for future adventures and longer over night residential stays in the future.
BEWERLEY PARK
YEARS 5 & 6
Groups were divided into two, with one group learning canoeing skills on a lake at Glasshouses while the other group participated in high ropes activities. Later, both groups took turns gorge-walking in Blayshaw Gill. Those exploring the Gill navigated slippery steps, negotiated deep pools, and even experienced a backward drop into the water. Along the way, they were shown closed-off cave entrances and fossils in the rock. The day culminated in a thrilling slide down a rock-carved slide into the water, followed by a daring high jump into a deep pool, which every Cundall pupil bravely attempted. A fantastic experience of overcoming challenges!
RESIDENTIALS' WEEK
OGWEN COTTAGE, WALES - ARAM
Our Year 7 (Aram) groups conquered the summits of Y Garn, Moel Sia Bod, and Tryfan Mountains in Wales. They carried all their belongings and established base camps halfway down, treating themselves to breathtaking mountainous views. They also engaged in adventurous activities such as abseiling, rock climbing, gorge walking, and a 24-hour wilderness expedition. Wrapping up their week, they participated in an orienteering race before bidding farewell to the exceptional staff at Ogwen Cottage. What an extraordinary and memorable week it has been!
CLIMBING BEN NEVIS - SWALE
What an amazing achievement for the Swale groups (Year 8) who conquered the impressive summit of Ben Nevis - the tallest mountain in the British Isles. Congratulations to everyone who completed the challenging 11+ mile hike to the top and back again! An experience that will create lasting memories. In addition to their ascent of Ben Nevis, they spent the other half of their residential trip engaging in cycling, sailing, and paddle boarding amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands in Glencoe. It was an action-packed itinerary that was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
CUNDALL SUMMER FAIR
The Friends of Cundall committee coordinated a wonderful Summer Fair. Pupil-led stalls provided our budding entrepreneurs the chance to raise money for their chosen charities. Running their stalls gave the pupils valuable hands-on experience in creating and selling items, as well as managing money and interacting with customers. The event also featured a lively musical showcase, impressive dog agility demonstrations, and a fantastic BBQ from Thomas Franks.
CHARITY WALK
Nursery to Eldmire (Year 10) pupils ventured beyond the school grounds into the stunning surrounding countryside for a sponsored walk. While the younger nursery pupils completed a shorter route, the majority impressively walked up to 6km, all to raise funds for the school’s chosen charities, Heriot Hospice and Thirsk Community Works. Everyone loved walking and talking with their friends, teachers, parents and canine companions for a good cause.
ANNUAL GO KART RACE
17 competitors fearlessly hurtled themselves down the Cundall bank, igniting the spirit of competition in front of an enthusiastic crowd of pupils, teachers and parents! It was wonderful to witness everyone relishing the exhilarating character-building experience and supporting one another to make it safely over the finishing line. Congratulations to this years winners:
1st Place: Andrew S
2nd Place: Harry T
3rd Place /Creative Kart: Caleb J and the Bathtub team.
Bravest Driver: Charles P
PRE-PREP SPORTS DAY
Our Pre-Prep pupils enthusiastically participated in a variety of events during their Sports Day. From sprints and the classic egg-and-spoon race to the obstacle course, house relay, and a long-distance run around the entire track, they covered an impressive distance, all with enthusiasm in front of a supportive crowd.
SPORTS DAY
Our Main School Sports Day was a spectacular showcase of grit and determination. Records were broken, and the weather was on our side too. Huge congratulations to everyone who participated and gave their best in every event. It was an exceptional day! The U11 Stuarts Girls broke the original 1.10s record for the 4x100m Relay with a time of 1.08s. The Upper School Saxon Girls (Leckby and Eldmire) broke the record for the 4x100m Relay with 1.01.40s. Max from Year 6 broke the previous 50.09s record for the 300m with 49.20 seconds.
Congratulations to Imogen (Saxons) who broke the 800m 2.50s record with 2.44s. The day also featured fiercely contested mums’ and dads’ races, which added plenty of fun and laughter.
A huge well done to Stuarts, the winning house this year.
TEEPEE CAMP OUTS
In June, pupils across all year groupsspent a night camping in the school teepees. These overnight stays on the school grounds provided a fun and familiar environment, helping to prepare them for more adventurous residential trips the following year. The children enjoyed evening games, roasted marshmallows over the campfire, and created lasting memories with their classmates in this unique and exciting experience.
TEDDY BEARS PICNIC
Pre-Prep pupils enjoyed a memorable teddy bear-themed day. The children painted bears, constructed dens in the Wild Acre Wood for their bears, and baked biscuits for their afternoon tea before going on a bear hunt around the school grounds. The day concluded with a fun-filled picnic and games. It was an imaginative day of role-play to inspire creativity and communication.
THORNTON LEAVERS DINNER
To mark the end of their Cundall journey, our Thornton Leavers, joined by parents and teachers, enjoyed a memorable and elegant evening at The Angel Inn in Topcliffe. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on their time at Cundall, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company before their GCSE exams came to a close.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND AFTERNOON TEA WITH PRE-PREP
Throughout the end of the Summer Term, pupils in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 invited their parents to a continental breakfast, a three course lunch and afternoon tea. Year 2 prepared the impressive three-course meal in the Pavilion. These events were a heartfelt way to show gratitude to our parents while also helping the children develop important skills such as communication and responsibility. It was a wonderful opportunity for the pupils to gain confidence and learn the value of service in a fun and engaging manner.
“CUNDALLROCKS” CONCERT
At the beginning of term, the Gym came alive one evening with the sound of rock. The crowd was soon clapping and singing along to the three bands, “Bangers & Thrash”, “The Band with No Name” and “Little Pops”, led by vocalists Amos, Georgia & Millie. The three choirs were in fine voice and full of energetic dance moves, and Henry gave a fantastic performance as a jazz trumpeter.
EDELWEISS SCHOOL EXCHANGE
In June, we had the pleasure of welcoming back our Spanish exchange pupils from Edelweiss School in Valencia, following our successful visit to their school in April. They visited the school for a week, during which they soaked up the culture in York and Leeds and fully immersed themselves in Cundall school life. This exchange was a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to strengthen their friendships and enhance their Spanish-speaking skills.
BRONZE GLOBAL SCHOOL AWARD
The Modern Foreign Language department have worked hard this year to increase the amount of international work they do including hosting Chinese immersion programmes and setting up French partner schools for all classes from Year 4 upwards from all over the francophone world. We are delighted Cundall has recently received a Bronze Award from the Global School Alliance in recognition of our global efforts.
ANCIENT GREEK DAY
David Ellwood from Durham University visited Year 4 pupils for an immersive day about Ancient Greece, to supplement their learning in Topic. He brought with him artefacts which were over 2000 years old as well as replicas of Corinthian helmets and weapons. The pupils learnt about the 3 different styles of Greek pillars, Doric, Ionic and Corinthian and discovered facts about the Olympic sports and techniques deployed in events such as weights used in the long jump to propel athletes forward. They ended their day with a wonderful Greek theatre mask workshop, performing the tragedy ‘Medea’. Pupils were taught about Greek theatrical conventions and the children were cast as either characters from the play or as the chorus.
FOUNTAINS ABBEY
Years 2 and 3 enjoyed a delightful morning at Fountains Abbey. They took a stroll around the entire circumference of the Abbey before having a picnic in the beautiful grounds. Each Year 2 child was paired with a “Buddy” from Year 3 to support their transition to Main School in September, providing extra support and confidence. There will be more transition opportunities throughout the term to prepare for the new academic year. The morning concluded with a fun play session on the playground before returning to school for afternoon lessons.
WHITBY
Year 2 had an unforgettable day out in Whitby. Despite the rain, their spirits remained high as they explored the Abbey ruins, discovered pirate graves and identified various seaside features, discussing whether they were physical or human. The pupils skillfully fended off seagulls while enjoying delicious fish and chips, followed by beach play, sea paddling and indulging in enormous ice-creams. The adventure concluded with an open-top bus ride and a scenic walk around the Abbey.
CELEBRATING CUNDALL
Our new mural, painted in acrylics and displayed in the School Office was beautifully painted by our talented Art Scholars and Leckby Art pupils, with some assistance from our Art teachers. This collaborative masterpiece beautifully captures cherished memories that reflect the unique spirit of Cundall. Can you spot the hidden mouse?
PLAY IN A WEEK
Form 6’s performance of "Wonderland the Musical" was brilliant! The pupils worked incredibly hard to create an ambitious hour-long show filled with songs, solos and acting. The week was spent working through all the songs, staging both acts and running through the performance to make corrections and ensure everyone knew their cues. The final days focused on polishing the performance, with a dress rehearsal culminating in a fantastic show. Special thanks to Miss Anderson for her exceptional production and direction and to Mr Vale for creating wonderful backdrops with the pupils.
CONQUERING THE YORKSHIRE THREE PEAKS
What an achievement to summit the Yorkshire Three Peaks in a day! Swale (Year 8) pupils set off from Cundall at 5am and began the gruelling challenge at 7am. They completed Whernside (736m) in impressive time, and after a well-earned rest and snacks, were ready to tackle the second peak, Ingleborough (723m) — the longest and most demanding leg, with a steep ascent followed by a gradual descent.
Pupils encouraged each other throughout the day and celebrated a sense of accomplishment upon reaching each summit, finishing with the final climb up Pen-y-Ghent (694m). The experience strengthened teamwork, resilience and a powerful sense of community, all while testing their physical endurance.
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SURFS UP FOR SWALE
Swale (Year 8) headed to the coast for their end-of-term treat - a surfing workshop with Saltburn Surf School. They had a fantastic day mastering the art of getting to their feet and catching the waves.
WATER SPORTS DAY
Aram (Year 7) had a fantastic end-of-term trip to North Yorkshire Water Park to enjoy water sports such as the Aqua Park, Paddle Boarding and Raft Building. They then returned to school to enjoy their BBQ and campfire at their annual Teepee campout in the school grounds.
SUMMER BALL
The Blue Sapphire Anniversary Summer Ball, hosted by the Friends of Cundall Ball Committee, marked 65 years of Cundall with a magnificent event. Guests enjoyed a stunning marquee on the lawn, a three-course meal, a live band, and an auction that raised an impressive £15,000 from donated prizes. Thank you to everyone who attended and generously supported the event.
PHYSICS OLYMPIAD
Annie, Darcy, Norine and Lilly from Swale, represented Cundall at the Physics Olympiad hosted at St Peter’s, York. It was a fun day, featuring five lab challenges, a Fermi Quiz and the competition for the Grand Cup. The girls came first in the Fermi Quiz out of 28 North Yorkshire Schools.
A fantastic achievement and a day to remember.
VIKING DAY
Year 3 had a fantastic day in York, learning all about the Vikings. They took part in workshops on Viking Life and battle tactics, as well as enjoying a visit to the Jorvik Viking Centre.
THORNTON END OF YEAR TRIP
Thornton pupils had a fantastic end-of-year trip to Sicily, Italy filled with educational and memorable experiences. They visited the stunning Alcantara Gorge, exploring its ancient lava flows and enjoying the breathtaking views. At the bustling resort of Giardini Naxos, they swam in the Mediterranean.
The adventure continued with a visit to Mount Etna, where they explored a significant crater and witnessed the rapid growth of its summit, including a newly formed cone.
They then took an overnight ferry to Naples, where they entertained fellow passengers with lively disco dancing. After a relaxing day at a water park, they arrived on the Amalfi Coast, enjoying stunning views from their hotel bungalows. Despite stormy weather, they climbed Vesuvius, explored the crater, and toured the ancient streets of Pompeii, which left a profound impression on our pupils.
ART, DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY AND TEXTILES EXHIBITION
The GCSE exhibition in the library featured a diverse array of artwork across various mediums. Two pieces, 'Gender Apron' and 'Consumerist Splurge', were awarded 1st and 2nd prize at the National ISA Awards later in the year. With over 1,700 entries submitted nationwide, this recognition is a fantastic achievement for our students and a reflection of their creativity and dedication.
In addition, the department was shortlisted for Excellence in Fine Arts and Design, further showcasing the high standards of work and talent within our community.
We are extremely proud of our students' success.
AN APPLE A DAY
Inspired by Claes Oldenburg, renowned for his oversized sculptures of everyday objects, Year 5 pupils created apple cores for the sculpture garden. They built these sculptures by layering papier-mâché over foam tubes, then reinforced them with mod roc and sealed them with yacht varnish to ensure they were waterproof.
BEADNELL SANDS
For our annual beach outing, the entire school journeyed to Beadnell Sands in Northumberland for a day of fun in the sun, where our older pupils enjoyed paddle boarding and cliff jumping. The day concluded with fish and chips in Seahouses. These whole-school outings are integral to fostering a family atmosphere and enhancing our pupils' sense of being part of and contributing to the entire Cundall community.
SPEECH DAY
On the last day of term, another remarkable year at Cundall was celebrated at Speech Day. Held in a marquee on the lawn, the event was attended by proud parents who enjoyed impressive pupil performances, poems, and sketches before the prizes were awarded. Pupils received recognition for achievements in academia, art, drama, music, and sport.
Special thanks go to sculptor Caroline Stanley for her beautifully crafted and generously donated art trophies. Head Boy Daniel and Head Girl Georgia shared warm and humorous memories of their time at Cundall, and Chair of Governors Mrs Rachel Powell praised parents, pupils, and staff for making the school such a special place.
MICHAELMAS PRIZEGIVING
LENT PRIZEGIVING
SPEECH DAY ACADEMIC PRIZES
SPEECH DAY TROPHY WINNERS
Senior Rugby Trophy Harry Todd
The Kirk Bowl Rex Briggs
Dutton Junior Rugby Trophy Max Gibson
Reeve Soccer Trophy Hugo Schofield
Couttie Hockey Cup Stanley Clark
Harlow Hockey Cup Niall Elliott
Kirby Senior Hockey Cup Tilly Matten
Prep School Girls Hockey Cup Liza Potter
U11 Girls Hockey Cup Avril Wiseman
The Willis Cup Amelia Moon
The Amy Williams Cup Amiya Cartman
U11 Girls Netball Cup Martha Porter
Wick Wicket Cup Jack Potter
Bedford Trophy Harry Sillars
Ellerbeck Junior Cricket Trophy Henry Tyler
Woods Senior Cricket Cup Lexi Bamforth
Woods Junior Cricket Cup Layla Fairfield
Upper School Victor Ludorum Joshua Reece
Upper School Victrix Ludorum Imogen Scott
Hyde Hockey Cup Joshua Rock
Bessey Cricket Trophy Mary Abbey
Victrix Ludorum Florrie Cowton Junior Victor Ludorum Rupert Owens
Junior Victrix Ludorum Esme Rogerson
Girls' All-rounder Sports Cup Maddie Hart
Botham Cup Joseph Horn
The Beilby Cup Sandy King
Outdoor Pursuits Award
Sam Pearson
Caroline Stanley Senior Art Prize
Maisy McClive
Caroline Stanley Prep School Art Prize
Alfie Booker
The Music Trophy Henry Porter
The Drama Trophy Georgia Foster
Chorister Cup
Emilia Sample
Hookway Achievement Cup Grace Goodall
Kayll Endevour Cup
Lucy Burden
Sowerby Effort Cup
Maisy McClive
The Barwick-Ward Try Cup Freddie Rumsey
Cundall Manor School Chair of Governors’ Award Henry Porter
Caroline Stanley Most Improved Artist Rebecca Hymas
Excellent Design Technology Skills
Joseph Horn
Creativity in Design Technology Alfie Couttie
GCSE RESULTS 2024
Cundall Manor School celebrated an impressive set of GCSE results from its first cohort of 39 pupils to sit exams that returned to pre-pandemic benchmarks. There were plenty of smiles as pupils surpassed expectations, with many achieving top grades, including 8s and 9s across 10 GCSEs, including further maths.
An impressive 87% of all GCSEs were awarded at grade 4 and above, significantly surpassing the national average of 67.4%. 85% of pupils achieved 5 or more GCSEs at grades 9–4. 30% of all GCSEs at Cundall Manor were graded 7 or above (the equivalent of A*–A grades) compared to the national average of 21.7%. The school is particularly proud of a remarkable 50% increase in grade 9s this year, with many notable performances by pupils achieving 8s and 9s in over half of their papers. Pupils achieved a Value Added score of 0.94. In context this means they achieved, on average, nearly a whole grade higher than predicted.
Beyond the results, many pupils have secured places at some of the country’s leading sixth-form providers, such as St Peter’s and Ripon Grammar, as well as notable scholarships to Rugby School and Ampleforth. Others are pursuing their passions at specialist drama and agricultural colleges. The Head Boy has taken up a place at Pearson College in Vancouver, part of the highly selective United World Colleges network, which focuses on academic excellence and making a positive impact on the world.
We are thrilled with everyone’s achievements and congratulate each pupil for their hard work and dedication. We wish them every success in their sixthform studies and future endeavours and look forward to welcoming them back as our Cundall Alumni.
