Trips and educational visits

It is at this time of year that a series of exciting requests come through to my desktop, seeking permission to take our pupils on a variety of inspiring and enjoyable educational trips over the coming academic year.

These excursions range from our usual residentials, designed to encourage personal growth, risk-taking and teamwork, to a local exploration where pupils delve into the fascinating hidden history of Knutsford or Chester; planned visits to significant places such as Quarry Bank Mill, where students can learn about our local industrial heritage, and even a David Hockney exhibition that showcases contemporary art. Trips such as these will, in the coming weeks, whisk some pupils away to the bustling streets of the Big Apple, and some to the big pond on the other side of the Estate.

Our considerations are around timing, risk mangement and pupil well-being, and cost, of course, with a cap now placed at £120 per year (excluding residentials), whilst ensuring the pupils have the most engaging opportunities to develop local, regional and even international experience and curriculum enhancement.

We hope that ParentPay is proving a suitable means of paying for such trips and giving permission. It certainly assist with the considerable workload requrieed to organise, manage and carry out these varied events.

Such adventures await!

Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award

A majority of our Year 10 and Year 11 pupils will be enjoying an exciting early autumn excursion across the picturesque Cheshire countryside this weekend, all in pursuit of their Duke of Edinburgh Award, which is expertly run by Excel Outdoors, a reputable and specialist provider for DofE activities. This initiative has been brilliantly organised by the dedicated efforts of Mrs. Lowe and Mrs. Harford.

This weekend marks the crucial Expedition element of their training—where pupils must meticulously plan, train for, and successfully complete an unaccompanied, self-reliant expedition with a clearly defined aim. Participants are required to complete three further integral and substantial commitments in order to achieve the Bronze Award - Volunteering, Skills, and Physical.

After enduring a rather soggy practice expedition during the weekend of our Open Day, we are pleased to note that the weather appears a little more promising for them in the days ahead.

New York

We continue Mr. Wilson’s “Grand Tour across America in the Name of Science” with an exhilarating five days in New York City, providing both pupils and staff an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most vibrant and bustling urban environments, renowned for its iconic skyline, incredibly diverse culture, and rich historical significance, with some science-related opportunities cleverly woven into a week otherwise filled with fun and excitement*.

Throughout our adventure, we will be visiting a selection of world-famous landmarks, including the majestic Statue of Liberty, the poignant World Trade Centre site, the electrifying atmosphere of Times Square, and the tranquil beauty of Central Park.

Anticipation is building for another adventure, and I can’t wait!

* It’s important to note, that apparently science is not only informative, but it can also be quite fun and exciting. (I have to say that - I’m now going to be spending five days and two long flights in the company of three enthusiastic and fantastic science teachers - Mr. Wilson, Mrs. Lowe, and Mrs. Nutley - who will undoubtedly find a way to make me pay for my earlier scientific flippancy.)

Friday Biscuits

For some of our younger pupils, it is an adventure simply to visit the rooms of Belmont Hall and in particular the sometimes-daunting Head’s Study (daunting for me as well!)

But not our fabulous Year 4 class who joined me for Friday biscuits and juice earlier this afternoon. 

In return for an elderflower cordial and a shortbread, the pupils began their interrogation with a series of probing and emotionally-intelligent questions about life as a headteacher; to which I offered some vague, bumbling, and considerably less intelligent answers, and Year 4 eventually left, muttering about inadequacies amongst the school leadership, but with pockets full of biscuits.

I hope they return soon.  I can’t find my secret chocolate stash…or my integrity.

Cransley Foundation Fireworks

As Autumn slowly creeps forward, it will not be long until our ever popular Fireworks Night.  Please see the dedicated webpage below, and book quickly through Parentpay.  All 450 tickets were sold last year, with some left disappointed.

Have a fabulous warm weekend.

Richard Pollock

Headteacher