Lent Term 2024

Come and join us...

Sophie F - Return Editor

Hi, I’m Sophie

I decided to join The Buzz because I love writing. One of my favourite parts of The Buzz is interviewing people and finding out more about them. Outside of The Buzz, I love singing, drama and sports, my favourite being hockey and climbing, which I do outside of school. I also have a really cute dog!

The Buzz Team

If you would like to join us or even write an article please ask one of the team or Mrs H-R or Mrs Miles.

With help from special guest editor and mascot, Twiglet.

Max D

Hi I’m Max

I decided to join The Buzz because I wanted to try journalism and find out more about the school. Since I’m new this year, I want to find out more about the people in the school and some of the activities that are going on. In my spare time

I like to play football with the people in my football team and play video games with my friends

My favourite food is fillet steak. I have two dogs; one is a crossbreed between a Norfolk terrier mixed with a Jack Russell, my other dog is a King Charles Cavapoo mixed with a poodle mixed with a chihuahua .

Seb D

Hi I’m Sebastien,

I joined the Buzz because it looked fun and interesting and something different to what I'm used to. In my spare time, I enjoy making things out of other objects and enjoy sports such as rugby, cricket and football. I like doing things that push me out of my comfort zone, for example, canyoning and rafting but also casual things like cooking and crafting. On the other hand I do not like cold weather, tomatoes and getting woken up in the morning.

Freddy N - another returning journalist!

Hi I’m Freddy

This is the second time I’ve participated in The Buzz because I couldn’t not do such an amazing thing again. I look forward to writing articles about the great things taking place around school.

Some of the things I enjoy, other than The Buzz, are football and hockey, playing Dungeons and Dragons and history.

Twiglet - our official mascot!

Just ask Mrs Miles or Mrs H-R

Spotlight on the admirable Admin staff

The Admissions Team by Sophie F

Although you may not be aware, the Admissions team is a crucial part in the running of the school. Without them working hard behind the scenes, there wouldn't even be a school! The Admissions team is in charge of marketing and letting new pupils into the school, so that new pupils can join. They organise events and show off the school in such a great way - CPS is irresistible!

Our team on Reception ensures messages reach pupils or parents, they answer telephone enquiries and help pupils who have forgotten to bring in equipment for the day. I am not sure CPS would even run without their knowledge and input. Mrs Henshall has the busiest job of all trying to keep Mr Brooks organised!

We are all very grateful for all the hard work they put in to make the school a better place that runs smoothly and we thought it would be interesting to find out more about the people who made it happen. Here are some of the fun facts we discovered!

Becci Pavia - Marketing and Events Coordinator

Tell us something we don’t know about you:

I used to scuba dive and have dived at the Barrier Reef in Australia and many dive sites in Egypt including one wreck where the cargo it was carrying was toilets – it was amazing to watch fishes and other sea life that had made the toilets their home!

I have completed the 3 Peaks Challenge – climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours, raising money for charity.

I have walked the last 120Km of the Camino de Santiago pilgrims way. The Camino de Santiago or Way of St. James is the pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain.

Tell us a fact about you when you were younger:

When I was at school I learnt the piano up to grade 5 and the clarinet up to grade 8 and self-taught myself the saxophone when at university. I regret that I haven’t played any music for a very long time.

What is the most enjoyable bit about your job?

Everything! I love my job, there is a lot of variety from managing events such as Open Mornings for prospective families, to updating publications, posting on social media and the website as well as editing the school Yearbook. No day is the same and I am lucky that I get to find out all the exciting and varied things that are going on at CPS and that I get to share them with the school and wider community.

What do you do in your spare time?

I have a 9 year old son and like spending time with him playing games, going walking and doing stuff in our garden, as well as being his ‘taxi service’ to his activities and clubs!

I also like to travel, especially exploring Greece, which is where my husband’s family come from.

Cat Staples - Head of CPS Admissions

Tell us something we don’t know about you:

I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro about 10 years ago and I raised over £10,000 for the MS Trust. It was the hardest mental challenge I think I have ever done, because on the first day you could see the top of the mountain but after a full day of walking over 10 hours it looked as far away to the top as at the beginning. Our guides taught us a local phrase in Swahili which they say when climbing the mountain ‘pole, pole’ which means ‘slowly, slowly’ and it’s a really good lesson to remember that we can make enormous progress but that sometimes we need to take slow steps to get there!

A fact about you when you were younger:

I used to play the tuba (a really big brass instrument) in an army marching band…and yes I have a photo!

What is the most enjoyable bit about your job?

I really enjoy meeting new people especially all the children who are looking forward to coming to Cranleigh for their next school. I love giving tours of the school because I get to go in lots of lessons and see what goes on.

What do you do in your spare time?

I sing in a choir and sometimes I act in plays. I love reading and last year I read 34 books (but I didn’t do any quizzes on AR so I don’t know my word count!). My daughter and I are also really big fans of Grey’s Anatomy and we are up to series 14 now…

Kelly Neaves - Admissions Assistant

Tell us something we don’t know about you:

I am a mum to two girls, Eden and Tilly. They are 6 and 2!

Tell us a fact about you when you were younger:

I used to go to a Drama school when I was younger.

What is the most enjoyable bit about your job?

When we do the Explorer days with the new children! – These are always great fun and a great way to show off our School!

What do you do in your spare time?

Socialising with friends, spending time with my children. I do also enjoy reading the occasional book and watching a good TV series when I have the time!

Reception Team

Sophie Tolley -

PA to the Deputy Heads

Tell us something we don’t know about you:

Mr Tolley (the Prep School IT guru) is my brother.

Tell us a fact about you when you were younger:

I went to Cranleigh Prep School, and Mrs Reed was my Form 2 tutor.

What is the most enjoyable bit about your job?

Problem solving almost every day. A big part of my job involves arranging for teachers to cover lessons when the normal teacher is unwell or at a sports event. It can be simple, but can be a big, ever-changing puzzle.

What do you do in your spare time?

I have a horse, who I have owned for 11 years, and go riding almost every day. If I am not riding, then I am spending time with my dogs or baking.

Josephine Henshall - PA to the Headmaster

Tell us something we don’t know about you:

I went wingwalking on a biplane over the South coast.

Tell us a fact about you when you were younger:

I desu ot kaeps sdrawkcab ot etatirri ym sretsis.

Translation: I used to speak backwards to irriate my sisters.

What is the most enjoyable bit about your job?

Lunch! And being in charge of the Headmaster!

What do you do in your spare time?

Long walks and swimming.

Vicky Varley - School Reception

Tell us something we don’t know about you:

I volunteer for 2 charities - Coeliac UK and Surrey Coalition of Disabled People. My daughter has Coeliac Disease and that is how I became involved in the Coeliac charity, volunteering for the South West Region. I run a family group, run their social media and I am the Group Secretary. My best friend is the CEO of the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People and that is how I started to become involved in that Charity.

Tell us a fact about you when you were younger:

When I was younger I used to live near Bath and we had a cat called Buttons because her eyes were like huge round buttons!

What is the most enjoyable bit about your job?

I enjoy talking to parents, staff, visitors and pupils. I like meeting new people and find it interesting to hear all about their lives. Oh and obviously our lunches at school are amazing with a never ending choice of deliciousness!

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time I love reading, Yoga and walking. I also like going on courses to learn new skills, most recently I took a Calligraphy course and a cookery lesson at Gordon Ramsey’s Academy. I love going out with my friends and family to interesting places, the latest being the Battersea Power Station Lift.

Julie Cooke - School Reception

Tell us something we don’t know about you:

I love live music. In fact, this weekend I am going dancing and will see Martin Kemp, the front man of Spandau Ballet - a very famous band in its time!

Tell us a fact about you when you were younger:

I used to do a lot of competitive sailing. I used to crew for yacht deliveries and even spent 3 months on a yacht in the Caribbean.

What is the most enjoyable bit about your job?

Getting to know all the children in the school.

What do you do in your spare time?

I love to swim, camp, walk and travel. I also love to listen to live music. I am also an avid reader and am in two book clubs!

Cross Country Champions by Seb D

The house cross country was challenging for some, considering that you had to run 1km, 2 km and 3k, depending which form you were in. I think we all found it equally tiring. On the day, everyone lined up in their house, eager to win a point for their house. They all stood there waiting for the loud honk of the horn, and then off they went! At the start, it was hard to see who was in which place, but as the race progressed, the runners spaced out and there were some clear leaders of the pack. After their tireless efforts, every runner was very pleased to be given a lovely sweet treat and a hot chocolate.

The top six runners from each section of the school were selected to run at Eagle House, so on Friday the 26th January Cranleigh Prep school took over 60 children to compete. The competitors had to run tough distances over muddy terrain: 1.8km (U8/9) 2.8km - (U10/11) 3.8km (U12/13). The race includes the famous “killer hill,” however all the children that participated performed extremely well. We’d like to give a special mention to: Marylin (Form 1) and Hattie (Form 5) who won their races, Josh (Form 2) who came 2nd, Augie (Form 1) who came 3rd and Chloe (Form 3) who ran in the year above her age category and still came 2nd! Congratulations to our U11 girls team who came 2nd overall. We are sure that it was an event that they’ll never forget!

IAPS Netball U13 Firsts on their way to the Nationals by Hattie B

On Tuesday 6th of February the 1st netball team went to IAPS netball regionals. They started off strong in the group stages winning 19-0 against Windlesham for their first match. They then went on to win all their next matches in the group stages putting us in the top of our pool. Although, we were tired and a little nervous for the knockout stages, a break for some refuelling of our energy helped us beat Kings Rochester 13-1 in the quarter finals. Our next match was the semi finals against Durlston Prep. To qualify for Nationals we had to win this. Nerves were high but we won 13-1. A quick pep talk from Mrs Broad , Mrs Smith and Charlotte( a Surrey Storm player) gave us all our energy back. Everyone was buzzing waiting for the whistle to blow for the game to start. Eventually we started (even though it felt like an eternity) and we produced a 4-1 lead at half time. We knew we had to keep hold of it! This was it, just one more half of good netball and hard work and we could be the winners! With the help of the supportive parents, coaches , great shooting and brilliant defending we ended up winning 10-1, making us undefeated and winners of Regional IAPS netball! The highlight of the event was definitely meeting Charlotte. She plays for Surrey Storm Netball club and we got to ask her questions about netball. To prepare us for Nationals netball we’ve been training with the Cranleigh Senior School u15s and played against Eagle House, Cheam and even a team all the way from Kenya! The hard work paid off and we were thrilled with the result.

IAPS Hockey U11 Boys - Top 8 in the country! By Freddy N

The IAPS hockey for U11 boys was held in Cheltenham. As a team we stayed the night before in readiness for the challenge ahead. First up was the group stages, having come first in the region we had high hopes for qualification. The first game was tricky and despite some fantastic hockey we did not win. Then followed four more games, all of which were won by the team, resulting in a second place finish in the groups, resulting in cup qualification. After lunch, rest and a bit of encouragement from all the staff and family members that made the long trip with us, we went out fighting for the cup! Sadly our result did not reflect our determination and hard work and this is as far as we went in the competition. Despite our early knockout in the cup stages we are one of the top eight teams in the whole country and so we left Cheltenham feeling proud. Our thanks to Mr Thomas and Mr Weaver and all our family members who took us, cheered for us and made the event so special and enjoyable.

Spotlight on a cool club.... Resin Art Club by Grace and Lulu C

Every Thursday, the Upper School pupils meet in T3 for Resin Art, as a double session club after school which has lasted all term. During this time period, Resin Art club have been focused on creating coasters, bookmarks, keychains and magnets to sell for our Upper School charity, Water Aid.

Resin is made from two different chemicals which react together when combined to create a plastic substance. You are able to add colour, glitter, letters, designs and charms to the resin to make it look beautiful. Members of the club say that it is “ enjoyable, creative and full of excitement!” Although it is fun, we are also proud to be helping our charity too.

Mrs Groocock, who runs the club, buys all of the dyes and resins with her own money and supplies us with charms and glitter, which is very kind of her. When the products were completed, we packaged and labelled it all to sell on the day of the House Music Competition.

The sale will be in aid of WaterAid, the Upper School Charity. Find out more about this fantastic charity here and come and buy one of our amazing creations in support.

Resin Art coaster

Pouring the resin

Putting together different objects

Mixing the resin to create bookmarks

F5 Trip to Winchester Planetarium by Arthur H-R

Form 5 had their first Science trip in many years and went to the Winchester Planetarium. It was ‘out of this world’!

First up we arrived in Winchester after an hour’s travelling and went straight into the Planetarium. The seats were spacious and we were given a fascinating lecture on our Solar System. Did you know that Venus is the only planet that spins clockwise? And that there are 88 constellations?

Next we had the opportunity to have a go at the hands on exhibitions. The topics ranged from sound to contagious diseases and were all interesting and engaging. One Form 5 was able to hit 135dB in the sound chamber! After an hour of this we had lunch and visited the gift shop. (The most important part - only joking!)

After that we went downstairs to experience all the hands on Space activities from posing in a space suit, messing with perspective and handling LEGO with space gloves to show how difficult it is to perform tasks wearing them. My favourite activity was feeling how the weight of a can and how it changes depending on the planet or star you were on.

Our final activity was a rocket workshop. We were challenged to build the most aerodynamic rocket and then this was tested by lighting the fumes of methylated spirit and seeing how far it would go. Once we got to grips with this we had to protect a passenger, ‘Bob’ the astronaut. Sadly he did not make it intact through the launches!

Tired but happy we returned to school. better scientists and with a renewed interest in Space.

Watch our rockets launch. The fuel was methylated spirit vapour, which when ignited created a great amount of propulsion!

Fishbourne Palace Trip F2 by Hugh H-R

Form Two went on a magical trip to Fishbourne Palace.

In only one hour they had arrived at their exciting destination: a huge Roman palace that had been unearthed by Aubrey Barrett…well half of one! First we watched a short video about the palace such as who lived there, what they would do there and what they ate.

Next we went to the museum were we were separated into small groups and then filled in a small booklet on different sections of the museum. If you managed to fill in and get all your answers right on this booklet then you would get two carrots.

After that we went to see the cool mosaics. Again we still had to fill in our booklets. In one mosaic there was a small crow in the corner, some people thought that it was a signature.

Next the Form Two’s went to the Roman workshop and made their own mosaics with bits of tile that had fallen off the real roman mosaics! We also turned bits of wool into thread using a roman technique.

Finally we headed back to Cranleigh.

House music...here we go again. My! My! How can we resist it?

Hearts

Spades

Diamonds

Clubs

We are all excited about House Music Competition. Here are the songs we will sing to get you in the competition spirit!

The unison song is Waterloo - feel free to join in!

Thanks for taking part!

Twiglet is getting in to the Easter spirit by Seb D

So many of you joined in on our cracking egg competition and almost all of you found all 20 eggs, which was perfect and we hope that next time we run an event it is just as exciting and just as many of you join in.

Here is some live feed back from one person who participated, “It was an exhilarating experience and it was great because some eggs were hard and some eggs were easy, which was the perfect mix to make it fun!” ( Orlando H ). Everyone received a little chocolate treat for participating but in the last whole school assembly of the Lent term we put all the names on an online roulette wheel and the first four names that were randomly chosen got a big chocolate egg. Those lucky winners were Freddie, Mila, Sophia and Evie.

Check out the next edition of the Buzz for more fantastic competitions.

Happy Easter to everyone in the CPS community.

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