Boarders' Bulletin April / May 2025

Welcome to the April / May Edition of the Boarders' Bulletin.

As we approach the end of another busy half term, there is much to celebrate within our boarding community. It has been particularly encouraging to see our exam-year boarders fully engaged in their studies, making the most of the revision opportunities available. Their dedication and focus are truly commendable. With the half term break fast approaching, we encourage all students to strike a healthy balance between study and rest, ensuring they return refreshed and ready for the final stretch.

Of course, boarding life isn’t all about exams! Our boarders have thoroughly enjoyed a range of weekend activities, with the Nerf War and Water Fight proving to be standout favourites. We've also had a number of memorable events, including tutor trips, leavers' dinners, house dinners, and several BBQs - made all the more enjoyable by the fantastic weather.

Looking ahead, next half term promises even more excitement. Highlights include our first visit to the Aqua Chimp Water Park, a trip to Battlezone for laser tag, cinema outings, a fishing trip, and the ever-popular Thorpe Park adventure. We’ll also be celebrating the end of the year with a special event, alongside our traditional Sports Day and Swimming Gala.

New House Captains are currently being selected and will be announced shortly. We look forward to introducing them in the next issue. In the meantime, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our current House Captains: Cr Alexi Haslett, Rm Freddie Parker, Cs Julian Kearon, Sc Nyama Swaray, Bl Onajite Omoru and our Senior 4 representatives: Lennon Grant and Moduro Adeoye. Their leadership, commitment, and enthusiasm have been invaluable. They have provided and contributed to improving all aspects of boarding life. We wish you well in your next adventures and please don't be strangers.

On behalf of the entire Boarding Team, we wish you a restful and enjoyable half term break.

NOTICES

Half Term station bus: A station coach has been arranged for 1pm on Saturday 24th May (after Speech Day) and 8.10pm on Sunday 1st June, this is strictly for those who have already signed up for this service. Please refer to the Parent Mail sent 10th December for more information regarding charges and the process.

Early Return: Early return house is Cornwallis on Sunday 1st June and must be booked in advance. Please email CarneyD@cranbrook.kent.sch.uk if this service is required. The early house facility incurs a charge of £10 per hour which will be placed on your son/daughter's bill.

Week B return: Please may you remind your child we return to school after the break on a Week B schedule.

THE HOUSES

Scott

Scott Ball was a huge success! It's always impressive when events come together smoothly, especially with the level of effort and detail that goes into planning them. Nyama’s meticulous planning and Francesca’s work on the leavers video made a big difference in making the evening memorable.

The park run is becoming a regular Saturday morning event, such a great way to build camaraderie and keep everyone active - thanks to Mr. Crews for taking them.

It is always challenging to say goodbye to the Year 13s, but I’m glad we managed to have one last tutor trip together before study leave hit. The leavers BBQ was our last whole house event, sadly the weather causing a shift in plans, meaning we moved inside but it was a great way to thank Year 13 for all their efforts.

The Year 10s are joining Blubery for a Wicked theatre trip early next half term, a great way to bring the girls houses together. More events are planned to keep everyone engaged and to build memories before the end of the summer term, as the Year 12s take on leading the house.

Kirstie Burnett, Head of House

Rammell

It’s been a lively (albeit short) term in Rammell as exam season rolls on. Our Year 11 and Year 13 boys have properly knuckled down and shown a brilliant attitude so far - long may it continue! Best of luck to them all for the exams still to come.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Rammell without a few adventures along the way. Year 11 headed off for their final tutor trip as a year group to a trampoline park - a chance to bounce away some exam stress. Meanwhile, Year 13 took to the go-kart track for their last ever tutor trip. Rumour has it Mr Crews is no longer the quickest driver in the house… though he’s yet to confirm or deny, in fact he went very quiet on the way home!

We’ve also enjoyed some classic Rammell traditions. Year 11 were treated to a burger night send-off, while Year 13 tucked into the much-anticipated annual steak night. And this year saw a first for Rammell, with our house dinner held off-site. The boys scrubbed up well and it was a fantastic evening - a huge thank you to Ms Flinn for masterminding it all.

Elsewhere, we’ve kept ourselves busy with BBQs, garden games, and more house snacks than we probably ought to admit to. There’s been a brilliant Rammell turnout at recent Parkruns too, including Bedgebury’s 400th event where we helped them smash their attendance record. Special mention also to our very own George Beauchamp and Mr Crews for completing an epic 57km charity walk - we’re still not sure whose feet hurt more.

Finally, this week the Rammell staff have been deliberating over the leadership potential of our very impressive year 12s. Some tough decisions to be made, but it is safe to say Rammell is in safe hands for next year.

Plenty more still to come in the final term of the year!

Josh Houston, Deputy Head of House

Blubery

As we approach the end of another busy half-term, there’s plenty to celebrate from life in Blubery House.

A true highlight was our annual Blubery Dinner, held once again at the beautiful High Rocks in Tunbridge Wells. This year, we made the most of the stunning natural backdrop and took our house photos among the rocks - thank you to Emilie for capturing such wonderful shots of the evening. The dinner was a memorable occasion, filled with laughter, reflections, and heartfelt speeches.

Our Year 13s also enjoyed a special send-off with a final meal at The Great House, which was a lovely evening and a fitting way to mark their time in Blubery. It’s always emotional saying goodbye, but we’re incredibly proud of everything they’ve achieved.

This term, we’ve been making the most of our brand new BBQ, with a trial run over Eurovision weekend - a fun and relaxed event that has us all looking forward to our Leavers’ BBQ this Friday. Fingers crossed the sun keeps shining!

Both Year 11 and Year 13 have been focused and hardworking, dedicating themselves to revision and exams. We’re so impressed by their commitment and wish them every success.

We also say a fond farewell to our brilliant House Captain, Onnie, who has led with such spirit and grace this year. A huge thank you for everything she’s done. She’s been wonderfully supported by her deputies, Tilly and Cassia, and all three gave beautiful and touching speeches at the House Dinner that truly reflected the heart of Blubery.

We’ll be announcing our new House Captain and senior team during the BBQ on Friday, and we’re excited to see the next chapter unfold for the House.

Here’s to a strong finish to the half term and a deserved summer break is just around the corner but there is plenty more to pack into the next half-term!

Claire Pack, Head of House

Crowden

Summer Term in Full Swing at Crowden!

As we approach the final stretch of term, Crowden is alive with energy and purpose. With exams in full flow, the house has taken on the hum of a focused, academic hive - punctuated by well-earned moments of relaxation and camaraderie. It’s been heartening to see the boys balancing their revision with time outdoors: enjoying football and cricket on the pitches, cooling off in the heated outdoor pool, and gathering around the fire pit under the gazebo in the back garden - now a much-loved feature of house life.

Speech Day is just around the corner, offering a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our students - both those who shine in the spotlight and those whose quiet determination deserves equal recognition. We’re also looking ahead with excitement: we’ve recently welcomed some of our incoming Year 9s for September, and the announcement of our new Senior House Leaders marks the beginning of the next chapter. For those awaiting results or preparing to move on to new adventures, we wish them every success. The final weeks promise sunshine, continued hard work, and the kind of shared experiences that make Crowden not just a house - but a home.

Nick Watts, Housemaster

Cornwallis

As we approach the end of this half term, we’re thrilled to celebrate the fantastic start our Year 11 and Year 13 students have made to their GCSEs and A Levels. The dedication, focus, and sheer effort shown by our exam cohorts have been nothing short of inspiring. Your hard work is setting the tone for success - keep it up! A huge thank you also goes to the rest of the Cornwallis boys for your continued support during this intense exam season. Your encouragement and camaraderie make a real difference.

This half term has been packed with memorable moments and community spirit: House Dinner at Dale Hill Golf Course – A classy evening of great food, laughter, and reflection. Nerf & Water Balloon Fight – A chaotic, fun-filled afternoon that brought out everyone’s inner child. House BBQs – Multiple sizzling evenings of good food and even better company.

We’re incredibly proud of Caleb, who has been named Most Valuable Player of the season for the Crusader Basketball Club U-14 team. His talent and dedication have also earned him a place in the Basketball England Aspire Programme for the U-15s. A huge congratulations, Caleb - your Cornwallis family is cheering you on!

As we prepare to say goodbye to our Year 13 leavers, we want to give special thanks to: Julian, our outstanding House Captain, for his unwavering commitment and leadership throughout the year. Your legacy will live on in Cornwallis. Freddie and Harry: who have been exceptional in their roles as Deputy House Captain and Social Secretary. Thank you for your energy, creativity, and dedication. We wish you all the very best in your next chapters - please don’t be strangers!

Here’s to finishing the term strong and continuing to support one another. Cornwallis is more than just a house - it’s a family.

The Cornwallis Team

From all the Boarding Team, we wish you a restful & enjoyable half term break!