Anti-Bullying Charity Visit

Pupils from a North Yorkshire School today were delivered an important message on the value of respect. Representatives from the charity Bullies Out delivered two workshops to over 80 children on changing attitudes and challenging stereotypes as part of the school’s anti-bullying week. Sarah Taylor from Bullies Out was on hand to explain to pupils from Cundall Manor School the importance of standing up to bullies. She said: “Part of what we do is give all students a good understanding of the effects of bullying on others and the impact it has on their life.” The Bullies Out website has a host of information for parents, schools and pupils as well as information for employers and employees. Sarah talked about the impact stereotyping can have on the individual and added: “The workshop really helped pupils understand the effect of not understanding who people really are and how we behave can reinforce a stereotype.” Pupils were also encouraged to learn more about Bullies Out and become a ‘Young Ambassador.’ Here pupils would learn about and encourage young people to support the campaign through highlighting anti-bullying issues and empower, engage and inspire other young people to build a positive self-image to maintain wellbeing and personal resilience. Sandrine Cooke, PSHEE co-ordinator invited Bullies Out in to speak. She said: “Stereotyping is an issue that impacts many people throughout the country. Having a workshop that changes and challenges people’s attitudes can only help create a more open and accepting society.” To find out more about Bullies Out, visit their website on bulliesout.com

Author inspires pupils

A leading local children’s author visited Cundall Manor School this week to talk about writing and her latest books. Jane Clack, from Thirsk, delivered a series of masterclasses to over 80 pupils from Years 3 – 6 as she discussed how she creates her popular children’s books. Excited children gathered around Mrs Clack as she entertained pupils with stories about where she developed her love of writing and the inspiration behind many of her stories. Mrs Clack said: “I always wanted to be an author. Ever since I was a child I was a bookworm. My grandfather used to tell me stories while I was sat on his knee and my love of story-telling started from then.” She added: “The workshops are a great way to do what I really love; writing and sharing it with children.” Jane Clack, who splits her time between, North Yorkshire, Florida and Europe, told the children about how she was inspired by the story of a solitary Pinta Island Tortoise discovered in the Galapagos. ‘Lonesome Lawrie – Into the Unknown’ is a story about an unusual creature who lives in an equally bizarre land with problem which he needs to resolve as he sets out on dangerous quest. Head of Forms 1-4, Stuart Bayne said: “The children loved hearing about all the characters that make up the wonderful stories Jane tells.” “They had a great day and learned a lot about how to unleash their creative talents. I am sure we will have lots of wonderful stories from our pupils who have been inspired by today’s visit.” Cundall Manor School was recently shortlisted for the Independent Schools Association Award for Innovation and Excellence in Provision across the junior school. To find out more about Cundall Manor School or to book a tour, call 01423 360 200 or emailadmissions@cundallmanor.org.uk

Hockey Team Claim County Shield

Cundall hockey players were celebrating another piece of silverware after claiming the County Championship shield following a tough series of games against teams from York and Harrogate. The u12 team were crowned County champions after beating Minster 6-0 in the opening game, before a tough 0-0 draw with Ashville. An outstanding performance from Ashville’s goalkeeper frustrated the Cundall attacking line before a strong 4-2 win in the final against St Olave’s. The u12 team are continuing to develop into a force to be reckoned with following on the back of an undefeated season last year and a fantastic victory on tour in Loretto. Scotland in the year above. Louise Bessey, Head of Girls Games at Cundall Manor School, said: “The pupils work extremely hard on and off the pitch to continually improve their game. The have become more resilient in the past term and are an extremely difficult side to beat. Well done team.” The school was recently shortlisted for the Independent Schools Association Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sport. The association represents 399 of the best Independent Schools in the country and Cundall was one of only a handful of school to receive more than one nomination. To find out more about Cundall Manor School, visit www.cundallmanorschool.com or call 01423 360 200.

Children in Need

Pupils from Cundall Manor School produced an evening of drama and music with a difference, helping other young people as part of Children in Need. Pupils as young as NINE took to the stage on Wednesday 16 November to perform as part of efforts to raise money for the annual BBC appeal. The evening of entertainment was organised by pupils from the school, with Henry Calvert directing the show which included exerts from ‘Charlie and The Chocolate Factory’ and a short piece from the uplifting play ‘Unicorns and Alleycats.’ Music was performed by pupils with a wide array of instruments and singing taking place. 14-year-old Henry last organised a show for Children in Need two years ago. He said: “I have been raising money for children in need for the past 7 years and each year I have tried to make it bigger and better.” This year Henry and his friends have raised £513.54. “Children in Need is a great cause. We tried the show format two years ago and it went really well. The show was a great success and all the acts performed brilliantly.” He added: “Thank you to everyone who attended and performed.” Outside the show, children from the school came in non-uniform for the day and have so far raised in excess of £300. A huge well done to everyone for supporting a great cause.

Performance delivers powerful message

Over 40 pupils from Year 6 took to the stage to deliver an important anti-bullying message to scores of youngsters as part of a nationwide initiative. Actor, Ben Cain, from the Konflux Theatre in Education Company visited the school to deliver a daylong session on the values of teamwork, understanding others feelings and how best to prevent bullying as part of the weeklong anti-bullying nationwide campaign. Pupils from the school then worked together as actors to create a fun, action-packed 20 minute performance, informing the audience of pupils as much as it entertains, all the while giving youngsters a better understanding of a wide range of topical issues including the use of social media. Ben, who leads a range of theatre in education workshops, said: “The pupils have really got to grips with the issues that affect people in relation to bullying.” “The pupils have really enjoyed the rehearsals and the final performance. The message is really important and it is great to see everyone engaging with the workshop.” Sandrine Cooke, PSHEE co-ordinator at the school, added: “Nationwide campaigns, like anti-bullying week, are a fantastic way to let pupils get a better knowledge of issues that can affect a range of people.” This year’s theme for anti-bullying week as organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance is the ‘Power for Good,’ of which people are encouraged to use positive attributes to prevent and stop any issues relating to bullying. To find out more about anti-bullying week, visit the national campaign website on www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week

All ‘Conkering’ pupils claim top prize.

The annual Cundall Manor School Conker Competition was a sure fire hit earlier this week as over 300 pupils competed for the coveted prize of all conkering at the North Yorkshire school. (Tuesday 15 November) 4 pupils, Alex, Archie, Juliet and Lwle, smashed to victory in their categories following a series of wins. The seasonal competition is a highlight of the year with every pupil receiving 3 conkers and competing across a bright autumn afternoon. Finalists, Alex Chalton, Archie Frank, Archie Powell, Ben Ogden, Oliver Pollock, Joshua Cooke, Juliet Pearson and Lwle Preston-Yates competed in front of a loud and lively crowd as they cheered on their school houses with Tudors coming out on top. PE & Games Teacher, Oliver Couttie, organised the event. He said: “The children were really looking forward to the competition and they had great fun playing in a fair but competitive way.” “Well done to each one of our winners in their categories and a huge thank you to the Eames family for their help in collecting the thousands of conkers needed for the children to have such a fun afternoon.” Pupils battled it out over several stages to reach the final before competing in front of the entire main and upper school. Marketing Manager, Paul Swalwell, said: “It is great that we have such a unique set of traditions which all our pupils look forward to and enjoy. With everything from the annual Go-Kart race in the summer to the chocolate cake run via our Axe-throwing enrichment, we know how unique and innovative our curriculum is and how much our pupils love their time at Cundall.” The school was recently shortlisted for an Independent Schools Association Award in Excellence and Innovation in Provision. To find out more or to arrange a tour, visit the school websitewww.cundallmanorschool.comor call 01423 360 200. To see more of the Cundall Conker Photos, visit the school’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CundallManor

Christmas Fair

Our wonderful Friends of Cundall are hosting their annual Christmas Fair. Come along for an afternoon of food, shopping, games and more.

Armistice Day Service 2016

Pupils, parents, staff and military personnel came together at Cundall Manor School today for a moving service and to remember those who have lost their lives in service of their country. Pupils led the act of remembrance alongside members of the Armed Forces from the nearby 6 Regiment RLC at the North Yorkshire school to mark Armistice Day. John Sample, Joint Head at Cundall Manor School, said: “It has been a long standing tradition within our school that we take a short period of time every year, on Armistice Day, to remember those who have served and those who are serving in our military.” The whole school honoured a two-minute silence at 11am as part of a wider service with readings from the Head Boy of Upper School, Oli Hartmann and the poem ‘In Flanders’ Field’ alongside The Last Post as performed by Head Boy for Main School, Archie Powell. A poignant march past by serving Army personnel from 6 Regiment added to the service. Mr Sample added: “Services like today mark a pivotal part of modern British life, its culture and its heritage. We are deeply thankful to the Army personnel who came to the school to commemorate the service with us.” “We remember and honour all those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom and today allows us to reflect about what it means to serve your country.”

Success at National Schools Show Jumping Championships

Over the last year, the school team has worked hard to realise their ambition of taking part in this National Event.  This goal was achieved and the team of four, including Kate Sanderson, Jemima Tomlinson, Zaila Barker and Venetia Thompson, were on their way to the Championships having successfully qualified to compete in 2 Team Classes. Teams travelled from far and wide to compete in the event, including from Scotland, Devon and even two teams from Ireland.  A truly national event! The first show jumping class at 75cms, took place in the morning and we needed to go clear and be fast in the second section of the course, to be in with a chance of a rosette. It was a technically challenging course and we competed well and were quick, but 1 pole down meant that we were just out of the top 10. The second class, Show Jumping with Style 75 cms was in an indoor Arena, with a Clare Balding-style compere!  It was a much longer course with spooky, difficult fences. A mixture of show jumping and cross country fences tested the rider to change style accordingly. The team went for it in the cross country section, cutting corners and taking some risks… it paid off as we made it into the top 10 and finally came away placed 8th out of over 50 teams. We were thrilled!! A special mention must go to Kate Sanderson who came 4th individually out of over 100 competitors in the last competition of the day, over an 80cms course, going clear and very fast! Well done to the girls!! We had so much fun and the team did fantastically well. We are very proud of you! Training and qualifying competitions will start in the New Year so please do contact sionatomlinson@hotmail.co.uk or  lucy@mortongrangefarm.co.uk if you would like to be involved or if you’d just like to hear more about it.

A performance with a difference

Pupils from Cundall Manor School are attempting to produce an evening of drama and music with a difference, helping other young people as part of Children in Need. Pupils as young as NINE are taking to the stage on Wednesday 16 November to perform as part of efforts to raise money for the annual BBC appeal. The evening of entertainment is being organised by pupils from the school, with Henry Calvert directing the show which will include exerts from ‘Charlie and The Chocolate Factory’ and a short piece from the uplifting play ‘Unicorns and Alleycats.’ Music will be performed by pupils with a wide array of instruments and singing taking place. 14-year-old Henry last organised a show for Children in Need two years ago, raising nearly £1400 for the charity. He said: “I have been raising money for children in need for the past 7 years and each year I have tried to make it bigger and better.” “Children in Need is a great cause. We tried the show format two years ago and it went really well. Hopefully the show will be a great success and we will raise more money than last time.” He added: “Thank you to performers, teachers, and parents for all the hard work getting ready for the show so far.” To find out how to donate or how to buy a ticket, call the school office on 01423 360 200. Tickets cost £5 for adults with entry for children being free. Doors open at 7pm.