I was delighted to welcome pupils, parents and staff back to Cranmore following the half term break, as we embark on what is traditionally an exciting and action-packed second half of the Autumn Term. During the break, two highly successful international trips took place, reflecting the exceptional commitment, engagement and focus of our pupils in broadening their understanding of their GCSE subjects.
Our historians travelled to Munich to deepen their knowledge of Germany in the inter-war period and to experience life in this vibrant European city. The itinerary included visits to the Dachau Concentration Camp, the Nuremberg Documentation Centre and the Rally Grounds serious and thought-provoking experiences that brought history to life. The group also enjoyed the BMW Museum and the Nuremberg FC stadium, which hosted fixtures during the 2006 World Cup. Meanwhile, our computer scientists visited San Francisco. Their busy schedule provided opportunities to explore emerging technologies, with visits to the Computer History Museum, Googleplex, Apple Park, Intel Museum and iconic San Francisco landmarks such as Alcatraz and Union Square.
Congratulations to all pupils who participated in these trips; they were exemplary ambassadors for Cranmore and a credit to their families.
Looking ahead, we wish the very best of luck to our Henkes Shield teams competing against Rokeby on Saturday in the 40th edition of this prestigious event. We anticipate another competitive encounter as our boys strive to retain the trophy for another year.
Finally, I look forward to welcoming you to our annual fireworks display this weekend. Organised and delivered by the CPA, this event provides a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and enjoy what is always a spectacular occasion.
Mr Everitt
Years 10 and 11 Trip to Munich
To start off the trip on Friday morning, we were up bright and early and in good spirits when we got to the airport. The flight went without delays and in the blink of an eye we had arrived in Munich. After a 45-minute bus ride to the accommodation we checked into our rooms and set off to the town. As we approached a set of Greek -inspired buildings, we were met by our tour guide in front of one of the buildings. The tour of the city was educational with a particular focus on Nazi Germany, therefore proving to be incredibly engaging. After a couple of hours of walking around the city, we returned to the hostel, ate dinner and went to sleep.
It’s Saturday, possibly the longest, most tightly packed day of the trip, beginning with a visit of Dachau Concentration Camp. Everyone was energetic and ready for the long day ahead and after a quick meal in the hotel cafeteria, we boarded the coach. The general opinion on the camp was that it was quite touching and emotional; not to the point that any tears were drawn but, it created the solemn, dark atmosphere that going to the camp would bring and anticipate. We met our guide who took us around the camp. We learned about the extremely harsh standard of sleeping quarters, people’s diets, the early wake up calls and the general ill treatment. This camp was different, it was not an extermination camp but it was a ‘re-education’ camp for ‘false’ or ‘corrupt’ politicians at that time. The politicians and people who had rebelled against the government were starved to death and put to intense labour.
Later, after a substantial lunch, we drove to the BMW museum. The museum had everything: many cars, motorcycles and any form of BMW automobile ever designed. There were also many demonstrations of the history of BMW showing timelines and the company’s development to the present day. Shortly afterwards, we walked to the Olympic Park. During our visit we saw the Biathlon event going on. This was a skiing-on-skatestype race which we all took time to watch as a group. We proceeded to walk up a steep hill which sat at around 550 meters altitude. This hill gave us a wonderful view of all of Munich. After this, we went into the city to watch the Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund match before walking to the accommodation in thecool evening air. We arrived at the hotel, all exhausted. Some were so full from lunch that we skipped on dinner and went to sleep before lights out.
We had arguably our earliest start of the trip on Sunday, ready for an exciting day ahead in the city of Nuremburg. After a prompt breakfast at our accommodation, we took the tram to the train station where we boarded our train. The journey was both entertaining and scenic and after two short hours we arrived in the city. Our first stop was the Nazi Documentation Centre and Rally Grounds. Once at the museum, we had the opportunity to explore in groups for around an hour and a half. The exhibition gave an insight into Nuremburg’s history during World War Two and its role in the Nazi campaign.
Years 10 and 11 Trip to Munich
In the afternoon we had the opportunity to watch FC Nuremberg play a league match at their50,000capacity stadium, one of the venues for the 2006 World Cup. After securing tickets, we headed to our seats and the game was shortly underway. None of us was surprised to find the German ultras bouncing from the off. Nuremberg struck first and held the lead up to the 86th minute when Holstein Kiel equalised, resulting in an entertaining 1-1 draw. We headed back towards the station for our return journey and arrived back at the accommodation at around 9pm. We had our dinner at the hostel and headed up to bed after a brilliant yet tiring day.
Unfortunately, Monday was our fourth and final day in Germany. The morning started with a slightly more relaxed breakfast before we began to pack our bags. Having taken the tram into the citycentre, we once again split into groups and explored a designated area of the city. Many of us took the opportunity to grab a bite to eat or buy some clothes from the countless shops in the area. At 12, we re-grouped at the New City Hall on Marienplatz and watched the glockenspiel show that took place above the square. It was then time to collect our bags from the accommodation and take a bus to the Allianz Arena.
When we arrived, we headed towards the museum as we still had time ahead of our tour. It displayed the club's recent trophies and even had a small 1v1 football pitch inside. After agreeing on teams, many of us took part in a highly competitive 3-a-side tournament. Next, we headed into the club store where we spent the remainder of our time before the tour. We went to the other side of the stadium to meet our guide, and our first stop was unsurprisingly the inside of the stadium itself. The guide explained how the stadium was run and listed some fun facts about the history of the stadium. For example, the stadium was originally built for TSV 1860 Munich as well as Bayern. Our tour then led us to the dugouts, locker room and conference room which was highly absorbing.
As the time of our return flight was coming ever closer, it was now time to take one final bus to the airport. Once we were there, we checked in and had dinner before our flight. The plane took off at 8pm and we arrived back at Heathrow at 10pm UK time after a pleasant flight. All in all, the day was an excellent end to a thoroughly enjoyable trip.
Written by Sean O’L and Miles K, Year 10
Years 10 and 11 Trip to Munich
Computer Science Trip to San Francisco and Silicon Valley
An unforgettable educational adventure took place over half term as twenty highly motivated pupils from Years 9 and 10 completed a six-day computing and technology trip to San Francisco and Silicon Valley.
The trip focused on exploring the heart of the tech world. Their adventures included tours of the HP Garage the birthplace of computer CPU technology the Googleplex in Mountain View, and the Apple Park Visitor Centre in Cupertino, providing insight into the corporate environments that drive global technology. The group also visited Stanford University, learning about its history with an emphasis on the Computer Science and Engineering departments. They spent significant time at the Computer History Museum, tracing the evolution of computing, and engaged in interactive design challenges at The Tech Interactive in San Jose. In San Francisco, the Exploratorium, located on Pier 15, offered a hands-on experience of experimentation, while a visit to the prestigious California Academy of Sciences allowed students to connect with the academic roots of the tech boom.
In addition to tech-related activities, the group enjoyed San Francisco's vibrant culture, visiting iconic landmarks like the sea lions at Pier 39. They savoured memorable meals at lively spots such as the Hard Rock Café and had leisure time for shopping in the famous Union Square district, making their trip a well-rounded experience blending technology and culture.
Mr Afana
Computer Science Trip to San Francisco and Silicon Valley
Computer Science Trip to San Francisco and Silicon Valley
The new half term sees the start of rehearsals for this year’s senior production of Little Shop of Horrors. The first three weeks of rehearsals can be seen below.
Cast members are able to view the schedule on the VLE as well as on the Drama noticeboard. It is vital that all cast members know when they are needed and arrange for collection as required.
Cast members are reminded to bring a snack to keep them going.
Mr Penfold
It has been a fantastic return to school sport, with pupils enthusiastically engaging in their chosen activities, whether that’s the core sports of rugby and football, rowing, or multi-sports.
Wednesday afternoon saw an impressive turnout, with seven U13 teams proudly representing Cranmore in fixtures. While the U13A team narrowly missed out on the Surrey Cup Semi-Final, they remain focused and excited for the upcoming National IAPS tournament next week.
Meanwhile, the U16 rugby team delivered a standout performance against St James School. In a tightly contested match, Cranmore held a 19–12 lead before pulling away in the second half to secure a commanding 40–12 victory.
Best of luck to the pupils representing Cranmore in the Henkes Shield this Saturday. The Henkes Shield is an annual football competition between Cranmore and Rokeby schools, featuring teams from age groups U9 to U13. Established in 1983, this year marks the 40th edition of the event, with two years having been cancelled due to poor weather and the Covid pandemic. Cranmore has claimed victory 21 times, while Rokeby has won the Shield on 18 occasions.
Mouthguards
Home Fit Cranmore Mouthguard - please use this link to order Cranmore’s bespoke mouth guard (discount
A Message from our Chaplaincy Team
This Week
A reading from St Paul’s Letter to the Romans
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Reflection
On 1st November, the Church celebrated All Saints’ Day and this was followed by All Souls’ Day on 2nd November. These are two major feasts of the church and they invite us to be inspired by the saints and all those who have gone before us leading good and holy lives. In looking at the saints, we too should be inspired by their example. They remind us of who we are called to be. They show us the beauty of goodness, the beauty of God.
Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for the example of the saints. I desire to join in their company, worshipping you forever in Heaven.
Please help me follow their footsteps, and in yours.
Please help me to conform myself to Your image, seeking Your will in all things, as the saints did.
Amen
“God
speaks to us through His saints.” Antonio Bacci
Week 2 Monday
Soup
Main Smokey Chorizo Macaroni
Cheese with Crispy Onions
Vegetarian
Traditional Baked Macaroni
Braised Beef Cottage Pie with Cheddar Mash
Cheese Mushroom Stroganoff
Roast Chicken with Yorkshire
Pudding, with Stuffing & Gravy
Autumn
Vegetable Filo
Parcels with a Grainy Cous Cous
Locally Sourced Pork Sausages with Onion Gravy
Sides
Additional
Steamed New Potatoes Broccoli Steamed Rice Green Beans
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Thyme Roasted Potatoes
Roasted Root Vegetables
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Vegan Sausages with Onion Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Panache of Mixed
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Freshly
Battered Fish or Fish Cake with Ketchup and Tartare Sauce
Cheese and Vegetable Empanadas
Skinny Fries
Garden Peas
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Dessert
Peach Crumble and Custard
Chocolate Brownie
Victoria Sponge Cake
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
