12 JANUARY 2026 8 JANUARY 2024 3 JULY 2023 Message from the Head of Prep
Examinations are well underway for some of our Senior pupils, and I would like to thank everyone for being mindful of this and for using the alternative routes around the Sports Hall. The GCSE mock examinations will continue into next week. Our newly appointed Lower Prep School Council representatives will be meeting shortly, and I look forward to hearing their ideas. Lunch suggestions are frequently raised in these meetings, and our catering team works hard to accommodate the pupils’ requests. This week, our chefs were undeterred by the bleak weather and created a wonderful indoor beach–themed menu. Pupils enjoyed an array of exciting lunch options, including a selection of cupcakes and a watermelon carved into the shape of a hungry shark. In the classroom, our Literacy Leaders have been supporting younger pupils with their reading, while our Science Stars were delighted to receive their badges in assembly. Year 2 pupils have also been enthusiastic about their new Science topic: Plants. Congratulations to all who participated in this year’s Bebras Challenge. Each pupil completed a series of interactive tasks designed to develop logical thinking and age-appropriate problem-solving skills, providing an excellent introduction to computational thinking.
Mr Heaver
Year 2 News The Year 2 pupils have started their new Science topic on Plants. We went on a nature walk around the school and drew diagrams of some of the different types of plants we were able to identify. They also enjoyed reading with their Senior ‘reading buddies’ this week. Mrs Green
Year 3 News Year 6 Literacy Leaders visited Year 3 this morning to read together. Year 3 really enjoyed sharing their books and discussing the stories with them. Mrs Norris
Year 1 News This week, Year 1 have been exploring the story Handa’s Surprise. Working in pairs, the children sequenced the events of the story before independently retelling it in their own words, thoughtfully selecting adjectives to describe each piece of fruit. Mrs Leclezio and I were delighted with the children’s growing independence and the impressive quality of their writing. Their enthusiasm and effort were evident throughout. Mrs Parker
Reception News This week in PSHE, we listened to the story The Tortoise and the Hare. We discussed the moral of the story and reflected on how admirable it was that the tortoise never gave up. The children then shared examples of things they initially found challenging but, with practice and patience, learned to achieve. Reception offered so many thoughtful ideas, including learning to read and write, riding a bike, and getting dressed and undressed independently. Well done, Reception — we are so proud of your perseverance and progress! Mrs Prothero
Bebras Challenge 2025 This year, 379 of our Upper Prep and Senior pupils took part in the Bebras Challenge 2025. The Bebras Challenge is an international computational thinking competition designed to inspire pupils of all ages to engage with problem solving and logical thinking. Participants tackled short, engaging puzzles that test their ability to think logically, recognise patterns, and break problems down — key skills at the heart of Computer Science. This makes Bebras an excellent way to build confidence and curiosity in computing. The challenge runs annually and is taken by millions of pupils worldwide, including thousands across the UK. Overall, 50 pupils achieved Gold, placing them in the top 10% nationally. Our pupils will now move on to the next stage: the Raspberry Pi Foundation Coding Challenge, which will take place between 2nd and 31st March 2026. Congratulations to everyone involved!
Mr Afana
Indoor Beach Day Lunch Harrisons outdid themselves on Tuesday with a stunning feast that delighted both the eyes and the taste buds. Their creative “Indoor Beach Day” theme brought a splash of sunshine and lifted spirits on a dreary January day. A huge thank you to them for their endless imagination and dedication to making these themed days so special!
Sports News It was fantastic to enjoy a full and varied programme of fixtures in the first complete week of the Spring term. Matches were played across multiple sports and involved pupils from the U8s through to the U15s, giving many teams the opportunity to put their training into practice. The busy schedule created a real sense of energy and enthusiasm around the school, with pupils demonstrating commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship as they represented their teams with pride. Easter Sports Camp
Lions Sports Academy are hosting an Easter Camp at Cranmore, 30th March - 2nd April. Please see flyer and booking link below. Cranmore parents can get a 15% discount using the code: Cranmore15 https://lionssports.academy/bookingpage/School-Camp/Cranmore-School Mouthguards Home Fit Cranmore Mouthguard - please use this link to order Cranmore’s bespoke mouth guard (discount code cranmore10 to receive 10% off). Professional Fit Mouthguard (at local dentists) - Topguards. To book: https://form.jotform.com/241132543497355 For more information: enquiries@topguards.co.uk
Mr Hodgson, Director of Sport
A Message from our Chaplaincy Team
This Week A reading from the Gospel of Matthew Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptised, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Reflection The story of Jesus reminds us that each of us has a divine vocation—a calling. At Jesus’ baptism, we see the Trinity present: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. His baptism also reminds us that we are beloved by God and bear the image of the Trinity within us. This year, let us seek to work and move in harmony with God’s Spirit. Prayer Eternal Father, who at the baptism of Jesus revealed Him to be Your Son, anointing Him with the Holy Spirit: grant that we may be faithful to our call as Children of God, listening to you, guided by Your Spirit, to fulfil our unique and definite purpose. Amen.
Notices
Notices
Menu
Week 3
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
Mild Beef Chilli Con Carne served in a taco & dips
Chicken Katsu Curry
Locally Sourced Oven Baked Pork Sausages with Onion Gravy
Piri Piri Turkey with Pitta Bread, Baby Gem and Homemade Sauces
Freshly Battered Fish, or Fish Finger with Ketchup and Tartare Sauce
Vegetarian
Mixed Bean & Quorn Chilli
Sticky Sweet Chilli Cauliflower Wings
Vegan Sausages with Onion Gravy
Cheesy Vegetable Enchilada
Macaroni Cheese with a Crispy Onion Topping
Sides
Spicy Basmati Rice Steamed Sweetcorn
Steamed Rice Asian Vegetables
Mashed Potatoes Panache of Mixed Vegetables
Potato Wedges Macho Peas Rainbow Slaw
Skinny Chips Garden Peas
Additional
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans Freshly Baked Bread Salad bar
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce Freshly Baked Bread Salad bar
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans Freshly Baked Bread Salad bar
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce Freshly Baked Bread Salad bar
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce or Jacket Potato & Baked Beans Freshly Baked Bread Salad bar
Dessert
Rice Pudding with a Selection of Toppings and Sauces
Pineapple Upside-down Cake
Apple Filo Pie with Custard
Chocolate Brownie
Fresh Fruit Friday
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher