Christmas Carol
Form 5 have been exploring the presentation of Christmas in the novel, and have learned that at the start of the 19th century Christmas was hardly celebrated; business would not even close on Christmas day! The Victorians changed the way we celebrate Christmas and some people believe this is due to Queen Victoria’s German husband Prince Albert. In 1848 a drawing was published of the Royal family decorating a Christmas tree and soon after every home in Britain had a tree of their own. Other important Christmas traditions, such as Christmas cards and crackers, were invented during the Victorian era and many thank Charles Dickens for making this new, festive Christmas more popular. Last week, as a special festive treat, Form 5 were lucky enough to see a 5th edition of A Christmas Carol which was published in 1844. Joseph Scott brought in this text for Form 5 because they are currently studying it. He spoke to the other students about the hand painted illustrations in the book, the beautiful embossing on the front page and also how the previous owner, who bought the novel in 1942, paid £2. 5s which would have been a whole week’s wages! Form 5, and the English Department, feel incredibly lucky to have been given the opportunity to see such a rare and precious book and would like to thank Mr. Scott for lending it to us for a day.
Quiz win for Cundall Scientists
4 intrepid scientists traveled to Moorlands Prep School in Leeds to take part in the ‘Quiz Club’ regional heat specialising in Science. The competition was incredibly tense with Cundall taking an early lead but being chased fiercely by the other teams. The lead changed hands a few times but going into the last round, we held on. Points were tallied after each question and the contest went down to the wire with our team only securing victory on the penultimate question. A really nerve wracking finish for all but our team triumphed magnificently. Well done to Fergus, Stuart, Hattie and Alex. Now we look forward to the next round of the competition.
Happy Birthday Pre-Prep
Pupils, past and present from Cundall Manor School’s Pre-Prep gathered to celebrate a milestone in the school’s history. On Tuesday 6thDecember 2016, the North Yorkshire School celebrated 20 years of the Pre-Prep department with a party for the current pupils. Guest included Chair of Governors, Sir Thomas Ingilby, Joint Head, Amanda Kirby, Head of Pre-Prep, Kathryn Creed and pupils who previously attended the Pre-Prep school. Originally known as The Orchard, the Pre-Prep of Cundall Manor School was opened in 1996 with only a handful of pupils in each year. Now, twenty years later, over 80 pupils attend Pre-Prep at the leading North Yorkshire independent school. Amanda Kirby, Joint Head, said: “Today marks a very special milestone in the Pre-Prep’s history. We have such a special and unique environment that our pupils enjoy. It has been fun to look back on our journey and it has been a pleasure to see so many people come through the department who continue to develop, grow into successful young adults in Upper School and beyond.” Pupils celebrated with a party, cake, games and even saw a special work of art unveiled to celebrate the occasion. The specially commissioned artwork from local artist, Daniel Watson, was delivered to the Pre-Prep house captains. Ex-Pre-Prep pupils reminisced about their time in the department and enjoyed telling younger pupils about their experience of Pre-Prep and some even took time to find their names on the House Captain Board.
Rainforest Café
Earlier this term, pupils from Form 3 hosted a Café with an ethical and healthy twist. The Café was raising money for the Rainforest Foundation UK who help preserve the rainforest. The children in Form 3 had been learning about the Rainforest and all the wildlife who call the ecosystem home. The school’s Rainforest café is part of an annual attempt to support the foundation in their goal to help indigenous peoples and forest communities around the world gain the land and resource rights they deserve, and in the process reduce deforestation activities such as illegal logging and palm oil production. Pupils from Form 3 held a breakfast for parents, grandparents and friends and which include a wide selection of waffles, fruit, ethically sourced teas and coffees amongst other things. Proceeds from the sale are going straight to the foundation. Form 3 teacher, Dan Woods, said: “This is a day that the Form 3 children always look forward to.” “It was a fantastic morning and we raised over £250 to help support a great cause.” To find out more about the Rainforest Foundation, visit www.rainforestfoundationuk.org
Life on the Stage
It has been an amazing past few weeks on stage for Cundall Manor School pupils as they performed a series of wonderful shows at the Galtres Centre, Easingwold. A huge well done to all our pupils, staff and parents who helped bring this together.