Pupils volunteer to help local causes

Pupils from Upper School have been recognised for the role they play in supporting a wide range of charities and voluntary organisations. The youngsters have been working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award and providing a helping hand to local organisations by volunteering. The Year 10 and 11 pupils received a Thank You from The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award team in recognition of the hours worked across a variety of sectors. Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator and Director of Outdoor Activities at the school, Stuart Jackson, said: “We are very proud of our Duke of Edinburgh pupils who worked tirelessly supporting a variety of good causes through the year.” Adding: “We appreciate the fantastic work these charities and organisations do for our local area and we are proud to work alongside them to provide some amazing opportunities for our pupils via the Duke of Edinburgh Award.” Pupils volunteered to help support their local Oxfam charity shop, provide valuable support for their local sports teams and even assisted with rangers on the North York Moors National Park. Mary-Jane Alexander is the Youth Engagement Officer at the National Park. She said: “Volunteering is of great benefit to young people. Volunteering with the National Park helps to support young people’s health and wellbeing while developing skills and positive attitudes towards the natural world. Young people can gain The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award volunteering or skill section of their award by attending Young Rangers. Young people develop aspirations for outdoor environmental employment through volunteering with the opportunity to apply for an apprenticeship with the park.” Business Manager at Cundall Manor School, Paul Swalwell, added: “We are delighted to help support local organisations and charities. Volunteering is an incredibly rewarding and memorable way for our pupils to give back to their community and the Duke of Edinburgh Award allows for a structured programme that helps develop our pupils and positively impacts on the local area.” Well done to all involved.

End of Term treat whips up excitement

A surprise visit whipped up excitement in pupils and staff at the End of term. Music was echoing around the school on Friday (10 July) as we welcomed a very special guest. Excited pupils and staff thoroughly enjoyed the Ice Cream Van that Mrs Kirby arranged to say well done and thank you to all our staff and pupils for their hard work and commitment in these testing times.

Exam Success Shines a Light on Talented Pupils

At the start of half term, Miss Vile was pleased to be able to inform eager students of their LAMDA Examination Results. The exams were taken back in March but due to the current circumstances, publishing the results was delayed. Ably taught by Mrs Anderson & Mrs Spence, 19 students, from Form 1 through to Eldmire, have been working for up to a year to prepare for their exam. All students passed their exam, with many students obtaining a distinction. Although the LAMDA office will not be sending out the certificates until later in the summer, the students should still be celebrating their achievements!  Once the paperwork is finally sent out Miss Vile will be looking forward to seeing the photos of the students with their certificates. The future of LAMDA lessons at Cundall definitely looks bright, so much so that the students are already working hard, via Remote lessons, for their next exam! A huge well done to: Mary A, Evie P, Freddie G, Ram P, James C, Gus F, Annabel M, Mia J, Andrew S, Ruby L-B, Daniel T, Ciara O’S, Georgia F, Scarlett F, Kaitlin K, Poppy M, Will B, Milly B, & Harry W.

Run for Dan

Thank you to everyone who participated in Saturday’s #RunForDan We have some lovely photos and we know that hundreds of people put on their running shoes and played their part to raise money for York’s incredible Magnolia Centre. The Magnolia Centre cares for so many people diagnosed with cancer, and were a fantastic support for Dan during his illness. We know these are strange and difficult times for everyone but if you do feel able, please consider donating a few pounds as your “entry fee” to support such an amazing cause. Dan’s justgiving page is here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/magnolia-york The York Press previewed the story on Saturday. Follow the link to read the story on their website: https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/18387817.400-people-take-part-virtual-5k-run-memory-dan-woods/

Children’s Mental Health Week

Pupils from across school have been encouraged to get active in order to improve their mental health this Children’s Mental Health Week. Last week, pupils were encouraged to ‘dance it off’ as part of a nationwide initiative to raise awareness surrounding mental health in young people. The weeks’ worth of activities was organised by the schools dedicated Wellbeing Support Teacher and Counsellor, Diane Riddell. Amongst the events, pupils had the opportunity to dance during their break and reflect through a series of mindfulness sessions. Mrs Riddell said: “The purpose of the sessions was to encourage pupils to access the mental benefits of being physically active. Dance is a fun way to lift your mood and improve your self-esteem.” The school’s Wellbeing Support Teacher and Counsellor led fun dances including routines from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air with pupils from across the school joining in. Mindfulness sessions were well attended across the school week. Mrs Riddell highlighted the power of mindfulness for children. Some of the benefits include: lowering anxiety and stress, increasing positive mood, encourage better decision making and improving social skills and communication. To find out more about Children’s Mental Health Week, please visit the https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/

Sophia is a Cut Above

A Cundall Manor School pupil is proving that she is a cut above in her goal to make a difference this winter. Sophia, aged 11, has donated her hair to a charity that supports young cancer patients. Sophia recently had her hair cut after growing it for 4 years, following deciding to help support children who are undergoing cancer treatment. Having cut her blonde locks by 36cm, Sophia is looking at doing it all again for the Little Princess Trust. Dad, Steve, said: “Sophia was thrilled that her hair was finally long enough and was very proud to be able to donate it to such a worthwhile cause.” Deputy Head at Cundall Manor School, Stuart Bayne, recently awarded Sophia the coveted ‘Making a Difference’ award after learning of her work for the charity. He said: “We are very proud of Sophia. She is such a kind and caring young girl and the fact that she is starting again goes to shows her desire to help.” He adds: “The Making a Difference award is a wonderful way to celebrate Sophia’s work and I was delighted to present her with her badge that she can wear with pride.” The Little Princess Trust provide free real hair wigs to children and young people with hair loss, and help fund vital research into childhood cancers. To find out more about the amazing work the charity does, please visit https://www.littleprincesses.org.uk/ .

Race for Life ’20

The annual Race for Life proved another wonderfully whacky affair. We had some amazing outfits and with each step, our pupils contributed to a fantastic charity very close to our hearts. Thank you to everyone who came to support our runners, walkers, and unicorn riders, your support really makes a difference. https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/cundall-manor-1  

Open Morning // Sat 8 Feb

Want to know more about what Cundall Manor School is all about? Visit our Lent Term Open Morning on Saturday 8th February from 10 am to get the full Cundall experience. On the day you will receive a tour from one of our pupils, meet teachers and parents, experience some of the exceptional teaching and support and take in the unique rural setting. Did you know? Cundall Manor School is for Boys and Girls aged 2 to 16 years. We offer extraordinary pastoral care; with an emphasis on learning through experience where children are happy, enjoy their schooling and grow in confidence and ability. We were recently shortlisted for a national Independent Schools Association Award for Extra-Curricular Activity. We can offer weekly and flexi boarding from 7 to 16 years There are generous sibling discounts – 5% second child, 20% third child, 35% subsequent children. Armed Forces benefit also available. We have outstanding GCSE results with great added value Excellent pupil destinations to leading public schools, sixth forms and universities. We are currently over-subscribed in several year groups for September ’20 starts and have limited places available in other year groups. Pre-registration recommended via our online page: https://www.cundallmanorschool.com/request-a-prospectus/ Call 01423 360 200 or email admissions@cundallmanor.org.uk

Minnie gets the call for England U16

A teenage hockey player has recently received the call-up to represent her country at U16 level. 14-year-old Minnie, received the call following an impressive series of performances through the England Hockey Player Pathway System. Minnie, who previously played for Thirsk Ladies, now represents Investec National League North Division 1 side Ben Rhydding Hockey Club, has secured a place in the U16 Girls England National Age Group squad. Assistant Head at Cundall Manor School, Louise Bessey, said: “I am so pleased that all Minnie‘s hard work and dedication has finally been rewarded with an England place.” Adding: “She thoroughly deserves this success and I am excited to see what the future holds for her on the hockey pitch.” Minnie, who was part of the ISA National Championship winning team, is currently the school’s U15 Hockey captain. She will also represent her school in the U16 North of England finals later this month. As part of the programme, Minnie will attend a number of training camps including international matches throughout the 2019/20 season having previously impressed as part of the Pennine Pumas squad at England Hockey’s Futures Cup in August this year. To find out more about the opportunities available to play hockey in your area, please visit the England Hockey website at: http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/  

Florrie Making a Difference this Christmas

We think Florrie is really going to be ‘Making a Difference’ this Christmas and her generous and selfless act has resulted in her being awarded the prized badge. Florrie told Mr Bayne that she is going to be asking people to give her Christmas presents as normal but wants them to label them boy or girl so that she can take them (unopened) to be given to other boys and girls who are not as fortunate as she is. A fantastic example to us all. Well done Florrie.