The Chronicle

Our Stars of the Week this week are:

Crackley pupils arrived at school on Monday 6 November to be greeted by a terrible sight.  Outlined on the floor was the shape of a body, scattered around were chocolate wrappers, there were strange and mysterious footprints and everywhere there was crime scene tape….. what was going on?   It didn’t take long for the children to work out - Crackley Hall was holding a spectacular Science day.

Organised by Junior 5 teacher, Julia Roberts, the forensic themed event was an opportunity for all the school to get involved with hands-on practical science.  The event was hosted by educational specialists, Mad Science, who already run extra-curricular science sessions at the school, and funded generously by the PTA.

The excited children gathered together in the hall for a whole school workshop where the Mad Science team demonstrated a range of explosive and sensational science experiments using gimmicks such as dry ice and fire.  Just as the workshop was concluding the presentation was rudely interrupted by a mad scientist who ran in and startled the gathered children with an announcement of a heinous crime – someone had dared to steal the Headmaster’s favourite chocolates.

Children returned to their classes tasked with solving the case. There they were visited by white-coated scientists who introduced them to different strands of forensic science, they looked at fingerprinting and forensic dentistry, explored the characteristics and properties of different materials and conducted an experiment where they extracted the DNA of a kiwi fruit.

Using the skills they had been taught the children gathered and analysed evidence from the crime scene and finally deduced that the chocolate criminal was none other than one of the Mad Science Team themselves.  With the culprit apprehended and dispatched, Headmaster, Mr Duigan was able to breathe a sigh of relief, content in the knowledge that none of the children had been involved in the crime.

Julia Roberts, commented "The whole day was thoroughly enjoyed by staff and children alike and provided a great hands on opportunity to see what science is all about. The explosive workshop and the ‘whodunit’ mystery brought the practical applications of science alive.  It was a fabulous day that supported the school’s science learning objectives in a fully participative and visual way.”

On Friday 3 November our formidable U11 boys’ rugby team headed off to Bedford Athletic RFC to compete in the ISA U11 National Rugby Tournament.  Competing against schools from all over the country and playing to new RFU guidance where the focus is on participation and equal play opportunities, the 12 teams taking part took to the field with enthusiasm and excellent spirit.

The first round matches were played in four pools and the Crackley boys took on Copthill, Finborough and Quinton House.  Good team play led to a series of enjoyable games on what was a beautiful, sunny day for rugby.   With pool games lasting only 12 minutes the boys had to be quick off the mark.

The team started well with a decisive 15-0 win against Copthill, however in their second match, despite some productive rugby, the boys failed to get a try and went down 10-0 to the eventual tournament winners Finborough.  The team refocused and played very well to win the final pool game against Quinton House 30-0.

The second round saw the teams playing against the similarly ranked squads from the other pools. This time Crackley was pitted against Rushmoor and won convincingly 20-0.  Their second match, however, proved to be a bruising final against a strong Littlegarth side that finished with a score line of 10-5.

Assistant Head Co-Curricular, James Ferris, commented, “The boys played superbly all day and were unlucky to come second best to a very physical Littlegarth side in the final. With more practise of re-aligning in attack, I am sure the boys will be more successful as the season continues.”

All the Crackley boys played outstandingly from the first to the last game but man of the match was awarded to Jamie Phillips for his dynamic running and turnovers.

As part of anti-bullying week, Mr Cottrill would like all the children and staff to wear odd socks next Wednesday. This is to help celebrate the national theme, which this year is 'All Different, All Equal'.

During the week, children will be having lessons exploring the theme of anti-bullying and will be learning strategies on how to deal with situations where they don’t feel safe.

We will be having a special anti-bullying assembly to celebrate our differences. 'Odd Socks Day' is designed to be fun! It’s an opportunity for children to express themselves and appreciate individuality and uniqueness!  

Our best wishes go out to all of the J6 pupils who have taken or are about to take school entrance examinations. We know that your teachers have prepared you well and that each of you has also worked really hard in preparation. Remember to stay calm and focused and trust in what you have learnt. All of you are in our prayers; and although you might worry, remember to take strength from the Lord.

The Princethorpe College Entrance Examination is this weekend, so we are pleased to announce that next week marks the arrival of the J6 post examination activities, a series of events that are richly deserved. So if you are in J6, do make sure you're up-to-date with everything that's planned. Parents of J6, please refer to your email, which lists any equipment needed.

Mars - 263 points

Jupiter- 262 points

Venus- 242 points

Saturn- 239 points

Wednesday 22 November - 7.00pm-8.00pm 

In a fortnight's time our Nursery and Reception staff are holding an Open Evening. 

Visitors will receive a presentation from Rob Duigan (Headmaster) and Susan Glen-Roots (Assistant Head - Early Years) and have the opportunity to meet and greet staff and explore the classrooms and Nursery space.

Everyone is welcome - please do spread the word.

Anyone who can't attend the Open Evening but would like to look around the school, should call our Admissions Secretary, Mrs Angela Barnard on 01926 514444 and come on a day to suit, we welcome visitors on most days.

For more information visit www.crackleyhall.co.uk.

Wednesday 22 November - 7.00pm-8.00pm 

In a fortnight's time our Nursery and Reception staff are holding an Open Evening. 

Visitors will receive a presentation from Rob Duigan (Headmaster) and Susan Glen-Roots (Assistant Head - Early Years) and have the opportunity to meet and greet staff and explore the classrooms and Nursery space.

Everyone is welcome - please do spread the word.

Anyone who can't attend the Open Evening but would like to look around the school, should call our Admissions Secretary, Mrs Angela Barnard on 01926 514444 and come on a day to suit, we welcome visitors on most days.

For more information visit www.crackleyhall.co.uk.

Please make time on the afternoons of Monday 27 November to Friday 1 December to browse and buy from the many hundreds of children's books that will be on sale at the Scholastic Book Fair. Don't worry if you can’t make it in person and your child is in Junior 2 - 6, as discounted gift vouchers will subsequently be available for all children to use. Please look out for posters around school and listen out for more information next week. Don’t forget that every book you buy can help us to earn free books and resources for our school.