8 September 2017

It gives me great pleasure to report back to you on our first week back at school.

Having been delighted to see a sea of smiling faces as pupils returned to school on Wednesday morning, my staff and I have continued to be impressed by the positivity and energy towards learning shown by all our boys and girls right across the school.

This enthusiasm was never more in evidence than during yesterday’s Year 7 Induction trip to the Earth Trust at Wittenham Clumps. This action-packed day saw the newest members of our Senior School building dens, learning to light fires with steels and toasting marshmallows, all with great gusto! It was fantastic to see them co-operating brilliantly and already building new friendships.

More adventurous trips took place over the summer thanks to our annual Year 10 World Challenge expedition, this time to Malaysia. Over the fortnight, the girls found themselves caving in Kuala Lumpur, trekking in the Cameron Highlands and building an artificial reef as part of a turtle conservation project. It has been great to hear them speaking with huge excitement about what was clearly a formative experience. In addition, members of our Senior Choir headed off to Germany for a superb week of culture, sightseeing and concerts, which included performing in Cologne Cathedral. I see inspiring, influential opportunities like these as playing a vital part in what Cranford House offers. Do take a look at our latest photo albums for photos from both these trips and the last few days here in school.

Closer to home, I have been delighted to watch the children throw themselves wholeheartedly into the many extra-curricular clubs that are on offer this term. This is something that I firmly believe enriches the education of each and every Cranford House pupil and it is truly heartening to see so many of the children taking up these opportunities. I also enjoyed the perfect end to the week this afternoon reading a story to our new Reception children.

It has been wonderful to welcome many of our parent body to the first few of our Welcome events and Coffee Mornings – I look forward to meeting with more of you over the coming weeks.

With best wishes for a restful weekend

Dr James Raymond