Cranbourne School

On Wednesday 3 December, our first Winter Showcase took place, where we were wowed by the phenomenal performances from our students. Year 9 Drama delivered some fantastic deadpan sketches, Year 9 Dance raised the energy with 'Rocking Robin' and we were impressed by the bravery of several first-time performers. Enjoy some clips of the evening!

Last night (10 December), we celebrated an evening of excellence at our Autumn Rewards' Evening. It was a fantastic opportunity to welcome parents to our school and reflect on the achievements and success of the Cranbourne Community. Cranbourne Vocal Band opened the evening with an fantastic performance of 'When You Believe' and Year 9 student Lily F wowed us with their original composition 'Toy Soldier'. The prestigious Headteachers Award was won by Year 7 student Leala P for making such an excellent start to school this year and really embracing what it means to be a Cranbourne student. We are so proud of our wonderful students who work hard in all that they do and hope they continue to strive towards excellence in everything.

We're once again encouraging students to take part in our school-wide social action project to support The Camrose Centre for Homeless and Vulnerably Housed People. We're asking for donations such as toiletries, non-perishable food, warm clothing and other practical essentials. Please bring any donations into school by Wednesday 17 December, ready to take to the Camrose on Thursday 18 December.

Last week, as part of our Wessex Wonder Woman initiative, we welcomed Katie from AWE and Cathy from Grandir UK to Cranbourne. Our Year 9 girls learned more about AWE's mission and how they protect the UK through nuclear science and technology, whilst Cathy offered them an insight into the world of early years, sharing stories about working with children in their nurseries. These sessions are an excellent opportunity for our students to learn more about different industries and gain insight into possible future career pathways. A big thank you to both Katie and Cathy for giving up their time to speak with our students. We're looking forward to welcoming our next guest speaker in the new year!

Don't forget it's Monitor Day this Friday! Students will be off timetable and only required to attend their appointment. There's still time to book your 10-minute slot if you have not yet done so – please click on the 'Parents' Evening' icon on Edulink.

We have some lost property items from this half term that remain unclaimed. If any of these items belong to your child, please ask them to visit Reception before the end of term. Items will be donated to our second-hand uniform shop or to charity if not collected.

We're getting into the festive spirit on Tuesday 16 December, with our wonderful Canteen team serving Christmas Lunch. Students have the choice between turkey, gammon and butternut squash alongside all the usual trimmings and dessert. Tickets cost £2.60 and must be purchased from the Canteen in advance.

Have you got a drawer overflowing with old cables for appliances you've not owned for years? Or maybe you've recently upgraded to a newer device and no longer need your old charger? As part of our ongoing endeavours to improve sustainability at Cranbourne, we are pleased to now be able to recycle old cables. Metals like copper are commonly used inside cables and wires and end up in landfill. It uses a lot of energy to extract them from the earth's crust and has a huge impact on the environment. By bringing them into school, we can ensure they are sustainably disposed of and any money raised from the sale of the copper will be reinvested back into our Green Cranbourne initiative. Cables can be dropped off at Reception.

Deadlines to apply for colleges and sixth forms are fast approaching! Year 11 students will now have their mock exam results and can use these for their applications. Queen Mary's College, Basingstoke and Peter Symonds College, Adult & Higher Education close this week - don't leave it too late. For help with applications, please see Miss Day or Mrs Pope.

Tickets to Year 11 Leavers Prom 2026 are available now! Purchase via ParentPay. Full information can be found on the Edulink noticeboard.

Our Year 9 Sports Leaders have been delivering 'Energise me' sessions to Year 1 students at Chalk Ridge. The infants are so immersed in all the activities and our leaders are doing a fantastic job at encouraging them to get involved! We're very proud of how incredibly our leaders are representing the Cranbourne Community and the confidence they are showing. They will continue to deliver sessions until the end of term.

We have a vacancy available to become a Parent Governor at Cranbourne. Parent Governors are valued members of the team and play a vital role in bridging the gap between school, our parents and the local community. If you are interested in joining the Cranbourne Governing Body, more information can be found on the Edulink noticeboard. Applications must be completed and submitted by 3pm on Friday 19 December.

It's time to dust off your flapper dress and roll those lucky dice – Guys and Dolls Jr tickets are now officially on sale! We've got an incredible double cast who are working hard to perfect their lines and give you an spectacular performance. Book your tickets now at www.ticketsource.co.uk/cranbourne-school

We know this time of year can be difficult for many families, so our Cranbourne Food Pantry will remain open to parents and carers in our Cranbourne Community over the Christmas holidays. Our doors will be open on Tuesday 23 and 30 December between 10.15am and 11am to collect food items and toiletries.

Applications for Queen Mary's College, Basingstoke close on Sunday 7 December - Year 11, don't miss the deadline! Information on how to apply below