This term has been full of pupil-led initiatives including the School Council, Chaplaincy, Prefect Team, Eco-Council, Buddy System, Library Assistants, and the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Team, each fostering a strong sense of community. Our older pupils have concentrated on their GCSE studies, with Year 11 completing English and Languages mock assessments during the final two weeks of term.
There was a festival-like atmosphere on Saturday morning on the Henderson Fields as a series of competitive matches across multiple year groups took place. The following day, several of our pupils joined a festive service at Ockham Church, showing their support for the local community.
This week’s celebrations centred on our Carol Service truly special occasion to showcase the talents of our pupils, choirs, readers, and orchestra. It remains a highlight of the school calendar and beautifully reflects the message of Christmas. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making it such a memorable event. After a focused return to lessons on Thursday and Friday morning, we embraced the festive spirit by donning Christmas jumpers in support of charity and enjoying a delicious Christmas lunch. Our sincere thanks to the wonderful catering team for their efforts.
Thank you to pupils, staff and parents for all your help and support in making this such a successful term. I would like to wish everyone a peaceful and restful Christmas.
Mr Everitt
Senior Carol Service
On Wednesday, our annual Carol Service took place. It is always a highlight of our school calendar, and this year
Christmas Art Club Event
On Monday afternoon, Art Club members and their parents enjoyed a festive Christmas workshop filled with creativity. Carols and mince pies set the cheerful tone as everyone crafted beautiful decorations and handmade Christmas cards. We were truly impressed by the stunning works of art produced. The event was a wonderful way to kick off a week of Christmas celebrations.
Mrs Sanders
Limegrove Care Home Visit
On the penultimate Friday of term, Miss Evans, seventeen choristers from the Senior Chamber Choir, and I visited Limegrove care home. Our young choristers entertained the residents and staff by singing carols and lively Christmas songs. After their performance, they mingled with the residents and handed out Christmas cards, which had been made and written by Year 7 pupils. This was a wonderful opportunity for these pupils to demonstrate their caring and compassionate side. I was so impressed by the social skills they displayed while chatting with the residents.
Mr Harris, Director of Music
Year 8 Escape Room
In their maths lessons, all our Year 8 pupils had the opportunity to take part in a challenging and exciting escaperoom-style activity, solving clues, deciphering codes, unlocking boxes, and revealing invisible ink messages.
The challenge was based on a fictional story uncovering mysteries from Cranmore’s past. The pupils demonstrated great resilience and excellent teamwork, all while having lots of fun!
Mr Savvides
Maths Club Christmas Activity—Epcot Ball
Our Maths Club embarked on an ambitious Christmas project during this half of the term: producing an ‘Epcot ball’ (or a truncated icosahedron, for those in the know!). The origami project required 270 individually folded pieces, which were slotted together to create a giant bauble-shaped sphere. They should be very proud of their precision and teamwork!
Mr Savvides
Congratulations to the following pupils who took their music exams this term!
Mr Harris, Director of Music
Grade 2
James DT Piano Pass
Tristan G Violin Pass
Jacob S Piano Pass
Jonathan W Piano Merit
Grade 3
Isaac C Piano Pass
Conor F Piano Distinction
Charlie F Guitar Pass
Fraser H Trumpet Merit
Charlie J Piano Pass
Grade 4
Alexander D Piano Merit
Grade 5
Otis W Piano Pass
Grade 6
Artom E Cello Merit
Justin J Piano Merit
Edward W Piano Merit
Morgan D Saxophone Distinction
Year 7 Christmas Card Design Winners
Congratulations to Ben, Jake, Lucas, Seb and Tristan for their wonderful Christmas card designs! After tough competition, we judged these as the winning designs for the Christmas cards issued to the residents of Limegrove care home last week. The cards were printed and duplicated, and then pupils in Year 7 wrote personal messages to the residents to wish them a Merry Christmas.
Mr Savvides
Christmas Jumper Day
On Friday, pupils and staff donned their Christmas jumpers in support of Save the Children and enjoyed a delicious Christmas lunch! It was the perfect ending to an action-packed term.
A SIGNIFICANT RUGBY DAY!
What a fantastic Saturday morning of rugby on the Henderson Fields. Despite the challenging weather, our amazing pitches played host to an incredible 6 rugby matches, with 2 more taking place away. A huge well done to all our teams! Our U12s to U15s played against Dunottar School, and our U16s put on a thrilling display against Worth School. This was the final rugby match for our Year 11s, who have been part of our school community for up to 14 years. The camaraderie and attitude shown by this squad over the years has been incredible. What a fitting way to bow out - with a performance of the season! We are very proud of all our players, teachers, coaches, and families who made the day so special. Memories made and many more to come!
Marcus Watson (Olympian) –
Scholarship & Performance Presentation
On Tuesday, our Scholarship & Performance group had the privilege of hearing from our very own Olympian, Marcus Watson.
Mr Watson generously shared his inspiring journey from his early school days through to representing Great Britain on the world stage at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Throughout his presentation, he spoke candidly about the highs, the setbacks, and the unwavering commitment required to reach elite-level sport.
He highlighted the core characteristics that shaped his success, including resilience, determination, and discipline, emphasising how each played a vital role in overcoming challenges and staying focused on long-term goals. Pupils were particularly engaged as he recounted pivotal moments in his athletic development, including the sacrifices, training demands, and mindset required to compete internationally. Mr Watson also encouraged students to believe in their own potential, reminding them that excellence is built through consistent effort, strong support networks, and the courage to push beyond comfort zones.
The session concluded with a thoughtful Q&A, during which pupils had the opportunity to seek advice on performance habits, goal-setting, and balancing sport with academics. It was an inspiring and motivating experience for all in attendance. We thank Mr Watson for sharing his story and for continuing to be an outstanding role model for our school community. His message will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on our aspiring scholars and athletes.
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 Book of Isaiah
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Reflection
The Incarnation is the ongoing narrative of a God who actively seeks us out, bringing us into communion and meeting us precisely within our brokenness and pain. God's love, in profound humility, reaches down to mend our wounds and reveal our true calling. The Word taking on flesh transforms all things. As Advent begins, create room for Jesus, whose love alone can fill the void in our hearts.
Prayer
God of hope, be with us as we wait in anticipation of your coming.
God of peace, still our hearts and minds that we may hear your word.
God of joy, Saviour, Son of God, Word made flesh, Emmanuel, God here with us, come among us now and make your home in us. Amen.
"Sanctify yourself and you will sanctify society." St Francis of Assisi
Week 1 Monday
Soup
Main
Vegetarian
Sweet & Sour Chicken Hong Kong Style
Slow Cooked Beef Lasagne
Sides
Sticky Teriyaki Quorn & Aubergine
Roasted Vegetable Lasagne
Garlic Bread
Egg Fried Rice
Broccoli
Additional Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Roquette& Balsamic Tomato Salad
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Roast Pork with Yorkshire Pudding, Apple Sauce & Gravy
Braised Lentil Cottage Pie with a Sweet Potato Top
Thyme Roasted Skin on Potatoes
Sauteed Cabbage
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Loaded Mexican Chicken Nachos with Sour
Cream, Salsa & Cheese
Cajun Aubergine & Bean Taco with Sour
Cream, Salsa & Cheese
Vegetable Rice
Green Beans Carrots
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Freshly Battered Fish, Breaded Fishcake or Fish
Finger with Ketchup and Tartare Sauce
Caramelized Red Onion & Goats Cheese Tart
Skinny Chips
Garden Peas
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce or Jacket
Potato & Baked
Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Apple & Berry
Dessert
Crumble & Custard Chewy Flapjack
Lemon & Poppyseed Drizzle
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
