Bike challenge complete for Cundall Youngsters
5 Thornton pupils braved the rain as they arrived back at Cundall following the 120km trip A bike-ride across 120km of tough North Yorkshire terrain with everything you need to live for 3 days is no easy challenge but for FIVE Cundall Manor School pupils the challenge was all worthwhile as they successfully wrapped up their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award. The 16 year old pupils from the school, based near Topcliffe in North Yorkshire, conquered the 72 hour expedition after starting in Scarborough and taking on the highs and lows of the North York Moors by bike and all the time being self-sufficient. The pupils had to carry all the materials they needed to survive the 3-day journey with nights camping in Dalby Forest and Helmsley before returning to the school. The FIVE youngsters from year 11 all successfully completed the award which is the highest award possible at the school. The award comes hot on the heels of the school becoming a DofE licensed organisation following a recent visit to Buckingham Palace. Duke of Edinburgh coordinator for Cundall Manor School, Rebecca Jackson, said: “The children were fantastic. They were totally self-sufficient and kept smiling throughout the entire journey.” “The pupils are a real credit to themselves and should be proud of what they have achieved throughout the year.” Students also had to volunteer and develop their skills throughout the year to claim the award. One pupil, Becky, 16, from Northallerton, said: “The expedition was challenging but finishing was a rewarding experience.” Rebecca added: “The achievement of these pupils is made even sweeter as they are the first group to complete their silver award since we became a DofE licensed organisation.” To find out more about the DofE curriculum at Cundall Manor School or to find out how you could benefit from joining one of the north’s leading independent schools, visit www.cundallmanorschool.com or call 01423 360 200.
Performance put to the test
Pupils from Cundall Manor School recently visited the University of Sunderland in order to understand how research and data can help athletes get the edge on their competition. Over 20 pupils visited the university’s Human Performance Lab and performed a series of tests aimed at identifying baseline performance data and how it impacts on performance. Science teacher and cycling fan, Chris Kirby, even volunteered to undergo the strenuous VO2 max test which calculates maximal oxygen consumption, a test that was recently performed by two times Tour de France winner Chris Froome at the GSK Human Performance Lab. The trip was organised by science teacher at Cundall Manor School, Jenny Roberts. Jenny said the purpose of the test was to identify maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and lactate threshold, both key indicators of endurance performance and peak power output. Jenny said: “Chris compares really well but unfortunately all measures are relative to body mass. “Chris Froome has a huge advantage being so much smaller and lighter – body mass makes a huge difference when to have to carry it a long way and move it against gravity up a big mountain!” The tests focussing on aerobic physiology in addition to body composition were carried out by pupils and allowed them to see how scientific research can impact on performance on the field or road. The teenagers from the school really enjoyed the visit and would like to thank the university for their hospitality.
Performance wows audience
Written, performed and directed by Form 6, our annual review proved a great hit and wowed the audience. The 12 and 13 year olds put together the year show to a packed theatre and their punchy delivery and witty sketches really hit the spot. The pupils included parodies of the ITV gameshow ‘Take me out’ and the chat show ‘Room 101.’ Impressions of teachers also proved popular with the pupils, staff and parents. Miss Vile, Head of Drama, coached the pupils throughout the process. She said: “The pupils performed really well. I was very impressed at the diversity of their performance and their sketch writing ability.” One of the actors, Charlie, added: “I’m utterly thrilled to have been part of the review and to have the chance to make my last performance at Cundall a memorable one.” Olivia performed in a range of sketches. She said: “I couldn’t wait to show the parents and visitors what we have been working on for a while.” To find out more about drama at Cundall Manor School, visit www.cundallmanorschool.com or call 01423 360 200
Top dog as pupils enjoy masterclass
Pupils from a North Yorkshire School benefited from a masterclass in dog handling and training before competing for a place in a national final. Youngsters from Cundall Manor School welcomed the Gun Dog Company as part of the Independent Schools Association’s Gundog Challenge with THREE pupils gaining the chance to compete at the ISA Gundog Challenge national final. The lucky pupils, aged between 3 – 12, were shown the basics of training and handling a group of experienced Gundogs, before being allowed to try their arm at handling. John Robertson, owner of The Gundog Company, enjoyed showing the enthusiastic crowd the tricks of the trade. He said: “The purpose of the competition and show is to allow younger children to gain a knowledge of the gun dog and how they work. “By the time I am finished explaining how they work and what they do, the children have a good knowledge and are eager to put it into action with the dogs.” The competition is run in association with the ISA and John has so far visited nearly forty schools up and down the country. The business, based near Leicester, has a busy summer ahead with an appearance at Countryfile live at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire and the Game Fair in Ragley Hall, Warwickshire next month alongside the ISA Gundog Challenge national finals in Middleham, Shropshire on the 17thof September. Three children from Cundall Manor, Austin Simpson-Daniel, Tallulah Lascelles and Hattie Attwood were presented with certificates and will progress to the ISA Gundog Challenge national final at the Midland Game Fair in September.
Cundall Swimmers make a big splash at finals.
A TEAM OF SWIMMERS from Cundall Manor School made a big splash competing at the English Schools National Swimming Finals. The swimmers from the school were one of three teams who qualified to represent the North East region, in the Team Medley competition at the National Finals. Racing last Saturday at Ponds Forge, Sheffield, they lined up against 24 of the best school teams from across England. For three members of the five-strong team, appearing at the English Schools Swimming Association National Team Finals, was the first time that they had competed at such a large arena, with huge cheering crowds. The event opened with the singing of the National Anthem before the Captains of each school team paraded around the Olympic sized pool. There were more than 500 swimmers taking part in the competition. Cundall Manor Swim Captain, Minnie Pollock, 11 said, “being Captain and taking part in the team parade was exciting as there were so many people watching.” With live commentary throughout the races, the Y6 pupil spoke of how inspiring the event was, “it was an amazing experience to take part in a national event, it was such a great atmosphere.” Minnie, who swam the freestyle leg of the mixed team relay, was joined by her Y6 classmates Pippa Bentley, and Izzy Faris-Wilson, and Y5 boys, Otto Cockroft, and Oscar Fenby. Jo Pollock, who coaches the school squad said, “It was a great achievement for Cundall Manor School to be representing the North East of England at the national relay championships. They swam very well, all swimming faster than their qualifying round in March. “They were in a very fast heat and held their own, just being touched out into 7th position and coming 21st overall. We have come home with some incredible, new PB times and a great experience to build on and learn from.”
Cundall Manor vote Remain in EU ballot
The polls have closed and the ballots cast. The Cundall Manor EU Referendum has voted Remain, with 57% of pupils voting to stay in the European Union. The EU Referendum debate may not be over, but pupils from the North Yorkshire school, had the chance to listen to two impassioned speeches from Madame Hunzinger and Mr Vale. Mr Driver hosted the debate. He said: “The quality of the arguments have been excellent. The two speakers really did well to summarize the arguments that have been at the centre of British politics for the past 4 months.” Mr Vale, representing the Leave campaign, gave a rousing speech advocating Britain’s long history of representative democracy, while Madame Hunzinger highlighted the benefits of all things European, in particular the benefits to British culture. Pupils voted convincingly in favour of remain with a full turnout of main and upper schools. Mr Driver concluded: “One of the interesting things to note is that nobody really knows how the country will vote. It is too close to call. I am sure many of our students will be tuning in early tomorrow morning to see how the country have voted and whether our referendum results will match the wider vote.” Results from the national referendum are expected to be called at around 7am tomorrow (Friday 24thJune.)
Epic Charity Trek Supports MRI Appeal
Cundall Manor School staff are going the extra mile in order to raise funds for a local charity. The group of 8 are attempting to walk the FORTY plus miles of the Lyke Wake Walk to help raise funds for a much needed MRI Scanner for the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton. Stuart Bayne, Head of Department for Forms 1-4 at Cundall Manor School, is organising the challenge. He said: “We all value the great work the Friarage Hospital does for local people around North Yorkshire. We were looking for a new challenge and a new way to raise money for such a worthy cause.” Judith Masterman from the MRI scanner appeal office said: “We are very grateful to Stuart and the teachers from Cundall Manor School for supporting the MRI scanner appeal. We wish them all the very best of luck for their challenging walk and hope they enjoy the experience.” Stuart added: “Our staff and community are so generous with their time and their support, we really appreciate all the help they offer in support of our challenge.” The walk starts in the picturesque village of Osmotherly and continues across 40 miles of tough North York Moor terrain via the difficult 1325 feet incline to Blakey Ridge before finishing towards the coast in Ravenscar. “We are looking at a very early start and a full day of walking. We estimate that after SIXTEEN whole hours of walking we should reach the finish line at 9pm.” Supporters looking to donate towards the challenge can either donate in person at the Cundall Manor School office or visit the Justgiving page –https://www.justgiving.com/cundallwalkers
Three peaks conquered by Cundall pupils
Pupils from Form 6 enjoyed the annual 3 peaks challenge An epic 23-mile journey with over a miles worth of climbing was the task recently faced by Cundall Manor School pupils. The 12 and 13 years olds tackled the ambitious three peaks challenge across the Yorkshire dales taking in Ribblehead, before ascending Yorkshire’s highest peak, Whernside, (736m) before tackling Ingleborough (723m). They happily finished with Pen-y-Ghent (694m) after a long day’s walk. The hike covers more than 1,600m of climbing over varied terrain and takes in the impressive the Ribblehead Viaduct, standing a huge 32 metres above the moor. Expedition leader, Chris Kirby, helped guide the intrepid students on their adventure. Chris said: “The three peaks was a tough challenge this year due to the poor weather on the descent of the first peak. However, everyone gritted their teeth and tied up their boots and were determined not to be defeated by the weather. He added: “There were some amazing views and great comradery between all of Form 6.” The intrepid explorers had to rise early and set off from the school at 5am in order to complete the trip. The trip, despite inclement weather, proved hugely popular with the students, as did the next day’s inevitable sleep-in.
Turner Trip for Talented Artists
200 years since Turner’s visit to North Yorkshire, Sarah Pearson, Head of Art at Cundall Manor School, describes how she recently led a trip to Fountains Abbey to follow in the great man’s footsteps. Last week saw a group of budding artists take part in a watercolour workshop “In Turner’s Footsteps” which celebrated the 200-year anniversary of JMW Turner’s visit to the area. The workshop was led by Colonel Stephen Weld who has long been associated with Cundall Manor School and a talented water colourist who exhibits regularly both in the North and in London. The setting for the day was Fountains Abbey and we were blessed with a beautifully sunny day. Pupils spent the morning sketching and working on composition, moving onto watercolour techniques and painting in the afternoon. We loved the experience of painting en plein air and having the opportunity to practise using watercolour. The results of our day’s work will be exhibited shortly in school. Well done to all the pupils who took part and a big thank you to Colonel Weld for an informative and thoroughly enjoyable day. Thanks also to Mr Vale and Ms Poulton for all their help
Big sleep out entertains Form 1
Form 1 pupils enjoyed the annual Camp Out Intrepid Form 1 pupils braved the great outdoors in their annual sleep out. The pupils aged between 7 and 8 years old, enjoyed the annual event which saw nearly 30 children take advantage of the tipis within the grounds of the school. Form 1 teacher Adele Rogerson helped organise the annual sleep out. She said: “The pupils had a great time. It is always a fun event for our youngsters and the fact that they get to experience the great outdoors in a safe and control environment gives them a wonderful advantage.” The form 1 pupils enjoyed a barbeque and games before settling down to sleep in Cundall’s unique tipis. To find out more about the wide range of trips and excursions available to Cundall Manor School pupils, visitwww.cundallmanorschool.com