12 November 2021

What an incredibly exciting week we have had! Kick-started by our spectacular Wings and Wheels Discovery Day last Saturday, our Junior pupils have embraced a fabulous week enriched with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Our Year 6 pupils have been very busy researching the necessary Mathematical equations required to propel them into space and designing some incredibly ambitious rockets. Year 3 and 4 put their Physics skills to the test, exploring Newton’s Laws of Motion and creating their own rocket launch. Bringing Wings and Wheels to life, all our Juniors were treated to a visit by a RAF pilot, who enraptured his audience telling them all about his job flying helicopters.

Our Junior pupils have also been involved in some extra-curricular trips this week including a Year 5 Trip to the Berkshire Museum of Aviation, while Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 pupils spent an enjoyable and informative few hours at Didcot Railway Centre, where they got to explore steam locomotives, carriages and wagons! Finally, today our Year 6 pupils have been treated to a live zoom chat with the world-famous close formation aerobatic team ‘The Blade’s. The pupils asked some excellent questions and it is safe to say we have inspired a few future pilots!

Also this week, I must confess to a degree of envy as our Year 8 pupils enjoyed a wonderful History trip to Portsmouth, taking a step back in time to explore Tudor History and learning more about the extraordinary story of the Mary Rose. Immersing themselves in interactive displays and replica artefacts, the pupils found out about life on board the Mary Rose and investigated reasons why it sank.

Yesterday, in a very poignant assembly, we united as a whole school around the Willow Tree for Remembrance Day. Marking one hundred and three years since the guns fell silent on the western front in 1918, all pupils and staff gathered to stop, think and take time to remember those who fought, suffered and died. We also thought about Cranford’s first ever pupil, Billy Higgs who was shot down and killed as an 18 year old tail gunner in a Lancaster during the Second World War. Observed by a memorable performance of ‘The Last Post’ by three of our Senior boys, we honoured a minute’s silence. Later in the morning, with the Head of School Team, we visited the grave of Billy Higgs at Moulsford Church, to lay a wreath of poppies. I was incredibly proud of the understanding and respect shown by all our pupils and it was a true honour to be able to gather on such an important day.

Finally, I am pleased to announce that our U11 Y5 and 6 pupils who attended the ISA Hockey Nationals on Thursday, put on an excellent performance and won the Plate! With 28 teams attending, they put their exceptional hockey talents to the test in an impressive display in several rounds of fiercely competitive hockey. They also enjoyed the opportunity to meet Great Britain’s goal keeper, Sabbie Hesh. Well done to all involved!

Have a lovely weekend.

With best wishes

James Raymond

Headmaster