GCSE Results
We are delighted to report on a hugely successful GCSE results day today. The Library has been a hive of activity and celebration this morning as our Thornton pupils came in to collect their results and share their news with family and teachers. 100% of our Thornton pupils have achieved at least 5 GCSEs at the all important A*-C level. No less than 80% of their grades are B and above, and a staggering 53% off all grades are either A or A* This is a phenomenal performance and reflects the calibre and hard work of our pupils, as well as the wonderful teaching that goes on at Cundall. All our Thornton pupils are now perfectly primed to take up their places at their chosen sixth form destinations, secure in the knowledge that they have a very solid foundation for their A level studies. We pass on special congratulations to two pupils in particular who are celebrating a clean sweep of As and A*s today: Charlotte Saxby achieved a total of 8 A*s and 3 As whilst classmate Ross Sullivan is celebrating no less than 11 A*s and 2 As. Ross’s celebrations were further heightened by learning that he is one of three pupils of the school to achieve a rare and highly coveted A* with Distinction in his favourite subject of Further Maths.
Silver D of E
Last week saw a select group of Thornton students complete their silver D of E expedition. Typically, as soon as our keen cyclists mounted their bikes, the rain and cold returned to North Yorkshire but in true Cundall style they did not let this deter them. On Tuesday afternoon they victoriously cycled in to school after their three day expedition, and after several memorable moments: Charlotte had a ‘little tumble’ but still managed to keep a smile firmly fixed to her face, they rescued a fellow cyclist who got in to some difficulty, and their bike maintenance knowledge came in handy as they successfully managed to fix broken brakes. Well done Thornton, you did us proud!
Leckby’s Wilderness trip
Leckby had their first taste of what is involved in the expedition section of the Duke of Edinburgh award. On Monday morning they all arrived with their very heavy, and in some cases large, rucksacks filled to the brim with everything they would need for their three day expedition. It was certainly an eventful trip; we had birthday celebrations on the first night, marshmallow competitions, lots of games of rounders and Callum still had time to rescue a sheep! Well done Leckby!
Form 6’s Ben Nevis Trip
After successfully completing the Yorkshire three peaks, Form 6 travelled to Glencoe, Scotland for the next action packed outdoor adventure. After a long journey the pupils and staff arrived to breathtaking scenery and a warm welcome from the hosts at the Glencoe Outdoor Centre. The pupils were briefed on the first evening about what challenges were ahead of them and it was clear that the pupils were to be tested physically, mentally and collectively as a group. The year was divided into two groups, with one group tackling ‘the Ben’ whilst the other group took part in either canyoning, canoeing or Topper sailing and then swapping activities the following day. All the pupils must be commended on their resilience, endeavour and their ability to encourage one another during all activities and to successfully climb the highest mountain in Great Britain.
Form 6 surf day
Form 6 had a fabulous time in perfect conditions, learning to surf at Scarborough’s Caton Bay, as the pictures attest:
Karate Grading
Saturday 27thJune was grading day for the members of the Karate Club, when Sensei Court 7thDan watched the children go through their syllabuses. The grading was a success with William Blythman and Patrick Cunningham achieving Orange belt, and the following achieving Yellow belt: Annabel Hartley, Sophie Pointon, Daniel Cunningham, Joseph Scott, Isaac Zoing and Theo Veakins. All children achieved a 1stclass pass. Sensei Court told Mr McCarty that the children were sharp and focused and were a credit to the club and the school.
Music and Drama Evening
The Drama Club gave a performance of “Garlic And Lavender” for the first part of the Summer Concert. The play retells the story of one Count Drackenburg (not difficult to guess who this character is based on!), played by Archie Powell, who attempts to claim two victims from Harrogate, Anna Edwards and Daisy Hynd. He is helped by his grotesque servant Murk, played by Zoe Austin. Much suspense and excitement unfolds as there is an attempt to ‘a-thwart’ the Count by the Professor of Vampires Dr Lutz, played by Douglas Wadsworth. Tilly Ruddy, Sophie Pointon and Charlotte Banks made up the local community who ‘gloomed and doomed’ in the inn about strange goings-on up at Castle Drackenburg. Our hero, Roger, gallantly played by Hollie Potter, bounced onto the stage to save everyone at the last minute, The audience was scared on many occasions, particularly when Zoe Austin’s French Ghost ‘glided’ onto the stage to inflict terror. It was a very enjoyable start to the evening with some excellent performances.
Languages Day
What a lovely day we had for Languages Day. The sun shone and the pupils looked lovely as they munched on paté, olives, baguette, cheeses from four different countries and various types of brioche. Everybody had made a huge effort and particular congratulations should go to Ethan Watkins, Florry Wharton, Taebyn McIntosh, Isobel Saxby, Katie Wilkinson and Henry Scagell for their super costumes. See Mme Hunzinger before the end of term to collect a little prize!
Form 5 Spanish Trip
Monday 22nd June saw 23 excited Form 5 pupils jet off to Murcia for a week of Spanish immersion at the Arbolar Centre. After arriving they were introduced to the monitores and shown their dorms before quickly heading to the beach for a game of volleyball – in Spanish! After supper there was a game of Bingo and then it was time for bed. Tuesday morning the sun was shining and the pupils enjoyed their first Spanish lesson, learning how to cook gazpacho and tortilla. They then got to taste their culinary delights for supper in the evening. The afternoon was spent sailing, kayaking and windsurfing on the beautiful Mar Menor. The pupils were up early on Wednesday ready for a trip to the local mercadillo. After learning all the important vocabulary and phrases in the morning, including asking for the correct size, the price and even how to barter for a better deal, they headed for the market. The children showed off their Spanish skills and treated themselves to churros y chocolate! The afternoon was spent playing a round robin of different beach sports with the Spanish children from the centre – a fantastic opportunity to make friends, speak Spanish and show off Cundall’s rugby prowess. On Thursday Form 5 enjoyed a fabulous day out at the port town of Cartagena. After being taught about directions, places in town and how to ask questions, the children were set a quiz to find out more about the historic town. They then headed to the Roman Theatre – a real treat, especially for our Latin students. The guide really took the pupils back in time and told them all about how the theatre was built and the spectacles that were staged there. In the afternoon there was some free time to use their Spanish skills to buy souvenirs and ice creams. The last night was a karaoke competition where everyone present was extremely impressed with the offerings of our Cundall children. The evening was topped off with a rather impromptu foam crossbow shoot out! Form 5 would like to thank all the staff who accompanied the trip and commented on the superb behaviour of all the children. A fabulous time was had by all.
A Flying Visit to Dishforth Airfield
Reception had a lovely trip to Dishforth Airfield on Monday. The children had lots and lots of fun looking at a helicopter and meeting real life soldiers! They made themselves camouflaged with cam cream, felt how heavy the guns were and even tried some ration packs – yummy! The fire engine also turned up and the children got to have a look around that and some children even tried to spray Mrs Living! Huge thanks to Cordelia Adamthwaite-Cook’s daddy and his team for organising such a fun afternoon for everyone – the children all loved it!