This week has been a vibrant celebration of talent, learning, and community spirit across our school.
Our pupils have begun participating in the UK Bebras Challenge, in association with Raspberry Pi and the University of Oxford. This problem-solving competition features tasks designed to enable pupils with strengths in Maths and Computing to showcase their potential.
On Monday, we welcomed prospective pupils for the 11+ and 13+ Pre-Test Assessment and Interview Day, a key step in shaping our future cohorts. I am proud of the warm welcome extended by Cranmore pupils, which was reflected in the positive feedback from our visitors. Throughout the week, we also saw pupils both current and external demonstrate their talents in Art, Drama, Music, and Sport Scholarship assessments.
On Wednesday, our Senior Assembly set a thoughtful tone before pupils engaged in workshops on healthy masculinity, led by Voicebox. Staff benefited from a Voicebox presentation during our INSET training in September, which was widely regarded as informative and positive. I trust that parents who joined Monday evening’s webinar found it equally valuable. By taking this coordinated approach engaging staff, pupils, and parents we aim to foster meaningful conversations and promote a positive understanding of masculinity throughout our school community.
I was delighted to hear that boys and girls from across the Trust took part in the Surrey Schools Ski Championships at Aldershot on Sunday well done to all involved! Equally satisfying was the performance of the Effingham Sixth Form rugby team against Thomas’s College at Chiswick RFC. A number of our Year 11 pupils joined Year 12 boys, braving icy winds, and played an instrumental role in securing the victory.
Healthy Masculinity Talks
On Wednesday, all Senior pupils took part in a Healthy Masculinity workshop delivered by Voicebox. The session aimed to deepen students’ understanding of gender and masculinity, challenge misogynistic attitudes and behaviours, and address common gender stereotypes. Through thought-provoking scenarios, pupils were encouraged to consider how they could work together to redefine masculinity in a positive and healthy way.
Parents were invited to an evening session, and staff engaged in similar training during INSET at the start of term. By raising awareness among pupils, parents, and staff, we are committed to fostering a united approach to breaking harmful cycles that associate masculinity with aggression, silence, or emotional suppression.
Bebras Challenge
We are excited to announce our school's annual participation in the Bebras Challenge, which is open to all pupils from Years 4 to 11. The Bebras Challenge 2025 is an engaging international competition that introduces pupils to computational thinking through thought-provoking puzzles and a problem-solving set of challenges. Organised by the Raspberry Pi Foundation in the UK and in partnership with the University of Oxford, this challenge offers young people an excellent opportunity to explore the world of computing in an accessible and inspiring way.
Mr Afana, Head of ICT
Volcanoes in Year 8
During the Autumn half-term, students in 8TP and 8CT were challenged to create a 3D cross-section model of a volcano for Geography. Year 8 rose to the occasion, submitting over 40 impressive volcano models. These creations varied in size, style, and materials two were even made from cake!
The students demonstrated outstanding knowledge and creativity throughout. Special recognition goes to Max H, Black M, Logan P, and Sol S from 8TP, along with Charlie D, Henry H, Anthony N, and Sebastian W from 8CT, who all earned distinctions for their exceptionally detailed and imaginative designs.
Mr Quar
Woking Music Festival Winners!
Huge congratulations to the members of Senior Chamber Choir, who won the U17 School Choirs class at the Woking Music Festival last Tuesday. The annual competitive festival is a celebration of the musical and literary vitality of Woking and the surrounding area.
They were awarded a Commended grade, which is described as 'a convincing performance, technically and artistically, with increasing stylistic and communication skills'.
In winning their class they were awarded the Page Challenge Cup. Bravo!
Mr Harris, Director of Music
Sports News
This week marked a milestone for Effingham Sixth Form as they played their first-ever rugby fixture, becoming the fifth competitive sport represented this term across more than a dozen matches. The combined U16/U17 team faced a strong Thomas’s College side and what a game it was! From the opening whistle, Effingham delivered outstanding phases of play and scored several brilliant tries. Their dominance was clear in the final score: Effingham Sixth Form 47 – 15 Thomas’s College. A fantastic achievement for the squad and a proud moment for the Sixth Form.
Meanwhile, across the Senior School, fixtures continued to highlight the depth of talent and commitment from all pupils, even as the weather turned colder. There were plenty of tries and moments of brilliance throughout the week. Special congratulations go to our U12 A and B rugby teams, who have impressively maintained their unbeaten runs a true testament to their hard work and consistency.
Mouthguards
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Mr Hodgson, Director of Sport
On Sunday 16th November, three girls from Manor House and twenty-six boys from Cranmore competed in the Surrey Schools Ski Championships at Aldershot. Pupils from Years 1 to 11 took part.
Luke L, Charlie H, Otis P, and Harry L finished second in the Junior competition, with Aidan H, Sam S,
Monday 17th November, the boys enjoyed some freestyle skiing at Sandown, combining jumps with
Nyan P,
A Message from our Chaplaincy Team
This Week
A reading from the Gospel of Luke
At that time: Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.’
Reflection
There are many names and titles given to Jesus: Son of David, Son of Man, Bread of Life. This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. Jesus is King of Kings, yet His kingdom is not of this world, and He is unlike any other king. Christ comes to bring salvation. He seeks out those on the margins, restores the lost, and renews all things.
This week, we are invited to see things differently to climb whatever tree we must climb to gain a clearer view of Christ.
Prayer
Through Christ, we become children of God; in Him, we glimpse what we shall be when we come to the Father.
With confidence we pray: – Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Guide leaders and governments: give them wisdom and integrity. – Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. You are the Lord and source of our freedom: bring those in captivity of mind or body to the freedom of the children of God. – Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Amen
"Sanctify yourself and you will sanctify society." ~ St Francis of Assisi
Soup Soup of the day
Soup of the day Soup of the day
Main Beef Massman Curry Hunters Chicken
Vegetarian Creamy Quorn and Vegetable Panang Curry
Sides Garlic Naan Bread
Steamed Rice
Green Beans
Additional Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Dessert Shortbread Finger
Texan Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Herby New Potatoes
Broccoli
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Cherry and Coconut
Sponge with Custard
Roast Gammon with Stuffing & Gravy
Neeps & Tatties Soup served with freshly made bread
Highland Beef Stew with Puff
Pastry Tops
Soup of the day
Freshly Battered Fish or Jumbo Fish
Finger with Ketchup and Tartare Sauce
Autumn Vegetable Bake with a Cheddar and Herb Crumb
