The Chronicle

Our Stars of the Week this week are:

Picture the scene - it is 1666 and London is a thriving capital city. Narrow streets of closely built timber frame buildings tower over you as you walk within the city's walls. Life after an outbreak of plague is slowly starting to get better. Then, the faint whiff of burning quickly transforms into a raging fireball of thick smoke filled with red-hot sparks. For London is alight! A fire that started on Pudding Lane is on the march, consuming everything in its path.

Thanks to cross curriculum experts History Off the Page, this was the scene that unfolded for our Junior 2 apprentices on Tuesday 21 January. Our children spent the morning on the streets of London, learning trades common to the era such as Scriveners, Apothecaries, Leather Workers, Cordwainers, Pewterers, Perfumers, Tailors and Weavers.  As they worked news arrived that the fire was spreading. With the flames drawing closer, the children acted to stop it, forming fire lines to move buckets of water to the inferno and tearing down local buildings, and that was just before lunch!

Then in the afternoon, the children faced the challenge of excavating what was left of the charred city, helping to start the process of rebuilding by piecing together singed legal documents and returning personal belongings.

It was a truly fascinating day, that gave the children a rich, detailed experience of this period in history. Junior 2 teacher, Ms Holmes, commented, “The children had a lot of fun, History Off the Page are knowledgeable and enthusiastic and their role-playing workshop really engaged the children.”

Many thanks to the parents who dressed up and assisted.

On Thursday 23 January Junior 5 left modern day Britain behind and travelled back in time to the Tudor era. Children, staff and even parents came to school dressed in costume and enjoyed a memorable day exploring life in the 16th century.

They began in the court of King Henry VIII in the year of our Lord 1536. Despite rumours and intrigue surrounding his second wife, Anne Boleyn, the King’s household had plenty of tasks to attend to. Set out in Crackley’s Great Hall were typical Tudor professions and a range of crafts that included: Alchemists, Apothecaries, Barbers, Chandlers, Embroiders, Leatherworkers, Miniature Artists, Scholars (ink making and writing), Scent bag and Soap makers. The children all enjoyed taking part in the traditional Tudor activities, it was fantastic hands-on learning.

In the afternoon the children took on various roles at a mock royal banquet. Some were servants whilst others were entertainers, dancers and even singers. As they worked, more rumours swirled around the ill-fated Anne Boleyn. The background narrative really helped bring the Tudor era alive.

Crackley’s Tudor Day was led by History Off The Page, a company who run historical workshops. Junior 5 teacher Sarah Lammas, commented, “The children were immersed in history and surrounded by authentic replica artefacts. It was a day full of practical learning, storytelling and drama.“ Fellow Junior 5 teacher, Julia Roberts added, “History Off the Page were knowledgeable and enthusiastic. All of the children and adults thoroughly enjoyed the workshop, a huge thanks goes to all of the parents, who joined in the fun, dressed up and so ably assisted us.”

Last week’s Mathlete of the week for Mrs Lammas group is Solon 

Last week's Mathlete of the week for Mrs Robert's group is Jacob 

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Mathlete of the week for J1H is Joseph 

Mathlete of the week for J2H is Ria 

Mathlete of the week for Mrs Lammas group is Thomas

Mathlete of the week for Mrs Roberts group is Scarlett 

Mathlete of the week for J3Z is Mairen 

Well done all!

A DVD of the Young Voices Concert can be purchased via the link below.

Young Voices DVD

Please note that this link will take you directly to the website and DVD's cannot be ordered through school. 

Five times a year Crackley Hall throws its doors wide open to welcome prospective pupils and parents into school. It is their chance to see what is so very special about Crackley Hall and what makes it a place that has been described as the ‘next best place to home’ by its pupils.

The latest Open Day took place this week on Thursday 23 January 2020 and the school was pleased to welcome visitors into school.

Rob Duigan, Headmaster commented, “We were delighted with the level of interest in admission to the school. We know many families who already have children at the school will have recommended it to friends, and we were pleased to be able to show the school at its best."  

Pupils from Junior 6 took the visitors on a tour of the school, confidently answering questions whilst they showcased the school’s fantastic facilities. Staff and pupils in other years continued with their normal lessons but welcomed visitors to their classrooms warmly. Parents were able to talk with staff and children and afterwards meet Mr Duigan.

Parents are reminded that the deadline for applications for admission to Reception in September 2020 is early next month, Monday 3 February. Parents interested in applying for places in other years, current Reception to Junior 6, should contact Jenny Vaughan, Admissions and Marketing Secretary on admissions@crackleyhall.co.uk or 01926 514410 to enquire about availability.

Crackley’s next Open Morning takes place on Saturday 7 March from 10.30am to 12.30pm and will include tours, performances and activities showcasing the school.  

Saturday 28 March 2020 - Arrive from 6.30pm - Walk from 9.00pm

The Foundation's senior school Princethorpe College is delighted to be hosting a major fundraising event for the charity Myton Hospice on Saturday 28 March 2020.

Glow For Myton - Around The World In 5km is a night walk that will wind its way through the beautiful grounds of the College campus, taking in the sights and sounds of some of the world’s best celebrations along the way. Myton Hospice has been running sponsored night walks for a number of years in city centre locations. The events have proved so popular that the charity started looking for a new venue and Princethorpe College was delighted to step in. Ideally situated midway between the charity’s three hospices in Coventry, Warwick and Rugby, Myton Hospice is hoping to attract hundreds of walkers from across Warwickshire for what it is describing as its biggest and best Glow fundraiser ever.

The 5km walk will begin and end in the Orchard where there will be entertainment and food available both before and after the event. The route will take walkers off around the College grounds. There will be plenty of volunteer marshals to cheer all the walkers on and along the way will be exciting zones showcasing festivals and cultural celebrations from around the world including Oktoberfest, Chinese New Year and the Holi Colour Festival. The event isn’t timed, instead it is all about enjoying the experience and the sights and sounds laid on for the event.

Comments Clare Cropp, Myton’s Community and Events Fundraising Manager, “We are hoping to raise £60,000 from this event and are really looking forward to holding it at Princethorpe. The event is already generating a lot of interest and we’re very grateful to the College for so generously supporting us.”

Glow For Myton - Around The World In 5km is open to all, and pupils and parents are encouraged to sign up for the event at the early bird price of £15 for adults and £10 for children on the charity’s website here.  (Children of all ages are welcome but under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.)

The event is sure to be great fun for a good cause so we are hoping lots of families and friends of the Foundation will want to get involved.