4-5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14-15 16-17 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25 26-27 28-29 30-31 32-33 34-35 36-37 38-39 40-41 42-43 44-45 46-47 48-49 50-51 52-53 54-55 56-57 58-59 60

The Croft Magazine 2023

The Croft Magazine 2023

Front cover: Year 6 Young Explorers 2023 Above: The early years of Croft Young Explorers with Mrs Diana Jaggard The Croft Magazine 2023 Ceramic mosaic tree celebrating the 90th Anniversary of The Croft Preparatory School

1 Queen Elizabeth II 1926 - 2022 Portrait made available to mark the occasion of the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II. (Photo credit: PRESS ASSOCIATION/ Danny Lawson) King Charles III and Queen Camilla Portrait made available in advance of the Coronation of Their Majesties on Saturday 6 May 2023. (Photo credit: Chris Jackson) Contents 2 - 3 Prize Day 2023 4 - 7 Year 6 Leavers Staff Leavers 8 - 15 Creative Arts Music . Drama . Art Class 1DB Leaf Bowls 16 - 18 Early Years Little Crofters & Reception Classes 19 Forest School Activities 20 - 29 Physical Education Pre-Prep Sports Day Prep Sports Day Games Reports 30 - 31 Pre-Prep Years 1 & 2 Classes 32 - 39 Humanities Faculty Geography . Geology History . RE 40 - 41 Prep Years 3 & 4 Classes 42 - 45 Languages Faculty English . French 46 - 47 Sam Thornton Day 48 Prep Year 5 Forms 49 - 53 STEM Science . Technology Engineering . Maths 54 90 Years growing & developing Mr Cook reflects... This school year has been one of celebration, in more ways than one! 2023 marks the 90th Anniversary of The Croft, from its origins in the centre of Stratford with 4 girls walking through the doors as our very first pupils – we have moved on a bit since then! We have had former pupils return to talk about their memories and what they have gone on to achieve in their lives. They all spoke with fondness of their time here and the inspiration it has given them to pursue their careers in the present day. Looking through this magazine I wonder what each of the children will go on to become, what inspiration they will take and how their pathway will be shaped in the future. What I do know is that they have been well prepared for whatever they encounter. I cannot think of a better way to reflect on our growth and development than having the school inspected by ISI earlier in the year. To be graded with ‘Excellent’ in both pupils’ development and pupils’ academic and other achievements is further validation of the educational experiences our pupils receive. The report acknowledged our pupils in glowing terms using the following phrases: • Pupils demonstrate outstanding attitudes to learning; they are willing to engage and want to work hard. • Pupils are very competent communicators; they are active listeners and articulate speakers. • Pupils have excellent collaborative skills and show willingness to take initiative when given the opportunity. • Pupils have high levels of knowledge and skills across all areas of learning. • Pupils demonstrate high levels of resilience and willingness to learn from their mistakes. • Pupils have strong moral values and awareness of right and wrong. • Pupils show excellent social skills which enable the achievement of common goals. • Pupils are quietly self-confident and are strongly aware of their own self-worth. Such comments are high praise and I am sure you will see these reflected throughout this magazine. We are immensely proud of all of our pupils and what they achieve on a daily basis. I hope you enjoy looking through this magazine seeing the vibrancy and diversity of opportunity our pupils experience. Kind regards Marcus Cook

2 3 Core Values Award Winners Class 1B • Aarya Roy Class 1DB • Darcey Brash Class 1L • Arabella Boler Class 2B • Theodore Ikin Class 2C • Layla Bagwell Class 2T • Safia Al-Ramadani Class 3B • Saskia Atkins Class 3D • Charlotte Girling Class 3S • Matthew Clamp-Martinez Class 4Ha • Florence Rawstorne Class 4HL • Isla Hosannah Class 4PM • Amay Bhat Form 5BD • Archie Dewhirst Form 5H • Jessica Martin Form 5L • Matilda Pitcher Form 6Bu • Billy Faizey Form 6C • Thomas Turney Form 6M • Kitty Sutherland Pinches Geography Cup • George Cooper History Cup • Harry Hall ICT Cup • Lucy Wood Fradgley Latin Prize • Blake Pennington Sam Thornton Geology Prize • Freddie Heath The Massey Musical Endeavour Award • Lily Prust Freeman Cup • Emme Hegarty Mrs Phillips’s Cup • Tom Clifton Cawthorn Choral Cup • Piers Clifton Religious Education Prize • Jimmy Broadhurst The Noble Prize for Consistent Work in Year 6 • Izzy Clack The David Male Cup for Endeavour in Year 6 • Freddie Spicer The Tinkmaple Award • Ned Caven Persevera Cup • Harry Gill Tyler Relationship Award • Imogen Dadd Spink Cup for Most Improved Year 6 Girl • Emmie Hoy Webb Cup for Most Improved Year 6 Boy • Harry Spurling Dulce et Forte Shield - School Community Award • Jack Wish The EileenWhitmore Cup for Courtesy&Thoughtfulness •OpheliaCorbin Personal Achievement Trophy • Harry Coulson The Croft Cup • Eleanor Holloway Year 6 Subject Awards Creative Writing Cup • Charlotte Almond The Lorna Wolfe English Cup • Lucia Ogilvie-Putt Reading Cup • Emme Hegarty Short Cup for Endeavour in English • Gabriella Graff The KeeganAward for Most Improved Mathematician • Harry Gill Mathematics Cup • Isla Shipley Year 6 Mathematics Prize • Archie Eaton The Beswick Science Picture • Jess Brann Rea-Dickins Cup for Creative Learning •MariaVeronese Zarczynska The Goldby Art Cup • Helena Bennett Brooker Art Prize • Ophelia Corbin Craft Picture • Calan Fortune Hopkins Design Technology Award • Winston Kelsey Holden Drama Prize • Lila Dixon Le trophée • Isla Shipley French Conversation Award • Joshua Elliott All Round Games Cup - Boys • Harry Coulson All Round Games Cup - Girls • Ella-Mae Woods Short Cup for Best Team Player - Boys • Arthur Bull Best Team Player - Girls • Helena Bennett Most Progress in Sport - Boys • James Mooney Most Progress in Sport - Girls • Gabriella Graff Croft Scholar Awards Alice Badger Helena Bennett Izzy Clack Piers Clifton George Cooper Ophelia Corbin Harry Coulson Lila Dixon Archie Eaton Harry Hall Hugo Hall Emme Hegarty Eleanor Holloway Layla Keeling Lucia Ogilvie-Putt Lily Prust Isla Shipley Freddie Spicer Henry Thomas William Thomas Lucy Wood Ella-Mae Woods Prize Day 2023 far left: a Prize Day at The Croft in Old Town, Stratford upon Avon left: Mrs Lyndall Thornton; Mr and Mrs Caven, Vote of Thanks Speakers; Mr Marcus Cook, Headmaster; Mr Stephen Hughes, Prize Day Guest Speaker, and Mrs Hughes; Mrs Vanessa Aris MBE, Chairman of Croft Governing Committee, and Year 6 Prize Winners.

4 5 Lila D My favourite subject is Drama. I enjoyed performing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’. My favourite trip was our Year 5 Trip to Hock Cliff. I’ll always remember the teachers and my friends. Joshua E My most memorable lesson was a PSHE lesson. I enjoyed performing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’. My favourite trip was the PGL Trip. Billy F My favourite subject is Games. My most memorable lessons were Games lessons. I enjoyed performing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’. My favourite trip was the Ski Trip, which I shall always remember. Harry H My favourite subject is Games, especially Rugby. I really enjoyed performing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ because it was so professional. My favourite trips were PGL and Hock Cliff. Hugo H My favourite subject is Computing. My most memorable lesson was a PSHE lesson – it was memorable for the wrong reasons. I enjoyed performing in the Year 6 Show. My favourite trip was the PGL Trip - I shall always remember it. Freddie H My favourite subject is Art. My most memorable lessons were Year 6 DT lessons. I enjoyed performing in our Year 4 Assembly. My favourite trip was the Year 5 Hock Cliff Trip. Emmie H My favourite subject is Art. My most memorable lessons were Drama. I enjoyed performing in the Year 6 Summer Show. My favourite trip by far was the PGL Trip – it was the highlight of my year! I’ll always remember the teachers, my friends, the shows and the trips. Winston K My favourite subject is Art. My most memorable lessons were Games lessons. I enjoyed performing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’. My favourite trip was the PGL Trip. I’ll always remember my friends. Isla S My favourite subject is Music because I play piano, and I love singing – I’ve just always loved Music. My most memorable lesson was a spelling lesson when I was the teacher – I was very strict. I enjoyed performing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ – I was a great wardrobe. My favourite trips were the PGL and French Trips – they were so fun. I’ll always remember the fun lessons and my door count, it was fun and therapeutic. Freddie S My favourite subject is Maths… or Games. My favourite trip was the French Trip. I’ll always remember the Bloxham Rugby Tournament and the French Trip. Jasmine T My favourite subject is Art. My most memorable lessons were Geology. I enjoyed performing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’. My favourite trip was the French Trip. I’ll always remember Mr Burrows. Alice B My favourite subjects is Games. I enjoyed performing in the Year 6 Summer Show, ‘Beauty and the Beast’. My favourite trip was the PGL Trip, but I also enjoyed the French Trip. I’ll always remember the disco at PGL. Coco B My favourite subjects were Art and Games & PE. My most memorable lesson was a PSHE lesson. I enjoyed performing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ as the Duster. My favourite trip was the PGL Trip. Ned C My favourite subject is Games, because I love sport. I enjoyed performing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ because I like acting. My favourite trip was the Ski Trip as everyone was so happy and relaxed. Izzy C My favourite subject is Games because I enjoy sports. I enjoyed performing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’. My favourite trip was the Ski Trip. Piers C My favourite subject is Art. My most memorable lessons were Games. I enjoyed performing in the Leavers’ Assembly and ‘Beauty and the Beast’. My favourite trip was the PGL Trip. I’ll always remember my friends. Imogen D My favourite subject is Games. I enjoyed performing in the Year 6 Summer Show, ‘Beauty and The Beast’. My favourite trip was the PGL Trip. I’ll always remember the Giant Swing on the PGL Trip. Leavers Form 6Bu Form 6Bu with Mr Burrows Leavers Form 6C Archie E My favourite subject is Football in Games, especially playing fixtures. My most memorable lesson was making clay animals in Art. I really enjoyed performing in the Year 6 Show ‘Beauty and the Beast’. I shall always remember going on the Ski Trip - it was my favourite trip. Harry G My favourite subject is Art because I enjoy drawing. I really enjoyed performing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’... plates can talk more than you think! Going on the PGL Trip was the best. Gabriella G My favourite subject is Games because I enjoy doing sport. My most memorable lesson was when we drew caricatures in Art. I really enjoyed performing in the Summer Show, and also the Summer Concert because I performed a range of different things. My favourite trip was PGL because I did everything even though I was scared, and it was all so fun. I shall always remember IAPS because we won the Regionals and then we went to the Nationals and we rated top 8 in the country. Layla K My favourite subject is Sport. My most memorable lesson was Hockey on the grass when I got covered in mud. I really enjoyed performing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’. My favourite trip was the PGL Trip. I shall always remember the Mothers’ and Daughters’ Rounders match. Lucia O-P I enjoy every subject, I couldn’t possibly choose one or two. My most memorable lesson was Maths with Mr Mills in Year 4, on a Friday, the first time we went to the Forest, - it was so fun, everybody loved it. I really enjoyed performing in the Summer Show ‘Beauty and the Beast’ because we all came together as a Year group to perform amazingly well. My favourite trips were PGL, because everyone was supportive of each other and it really made us use our Core Values, and the Ski Trip, because everyone learnt more about themselves, other people and skiing. I shall always remember when I found out my sister was joining The Croft. Lily P My favourite subject and most memorable lessons were Music. I really enjoyed performing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’. My favourite trips were Cadbury’s World, PGL, the Ski Trip, and the French Trip apart from the last night. I shall always remember my friends and teachers. Oliver S My favourite subject is Games, because I like football and cricket. My most memorable lessons were Art. I really enjoyed performing in the Summer Concert 2022. My favourite trip was the French Trip. I shall always remember not losing in the Sprints on Sports Day. Henry T My favourite subject is Games. My most memorable lesson was drawing characters in Art. I really enjoyed performing in the Easter Concert. My favourite trip was the PGL Trip. I shall always remember Football House matches - we were unbeaten William Thomas My favourite subject is Drama. I really enjoyed performing in the Leavers’ Play. My favourite trip was Hock Cliff. Thomas Turney My favourite subject is Rugby with Mr Ferris, and playing fixtures. I also love Maths. My most memorable lessons were Rugby and Football House matches. I really enjoyed performing in the Year 6 Show ‘Beauty and the Beast’. My favourite trips were the Ski and PGL Trips. I shall always remember the Ski Trip and being made Rugby Captain. Ella-Mae Woods My favourite subjects are Netball and Rounders; I like to be active and I love sport. My most memorable lesson was the caricatures in Art, because we had fun drawing whatever came to mind. I really enjoyed performing in our Year 6 play ‘Beauty and the Beast’ as we all came together as a year group to perform. My favourite trip was PGL as we got to do activities every single day. I shall always remember IAPS Regionals and Nationals as we were placed eighth in the country. Charlotte A My favourite subjects are Music, Art and Drama. My most memorable lesson was Art because of the play and costumes. I really enjoyed performing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’, because I got to be the main character. My favourite trip was PGL, because of the song, and Hock Cliff for the fossils. I shall always remember my friends and teachers and how kind they have been. Jess B My favourite subjects are Science, Maths, Drama, Art, Music, English, PSHE, French, History, Geography, RE, DT, Latin, Geology, and Friday Clubs. My most memorable lesson was going to the forest in Maths with Mr Mills and Mrs Mills. I really enjoyed performing in everything, including ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and the Summer Concert. My favourite tris were the French Trip, PGL, the Ski Trip, Hock Cliff, and every trip. I shall always remember being with my friends, and just the special little moments together. Jimmy B My favourite subjects are Games, Science and Drama. My most memorable lesson was in art, drawing character choros. I really enjoyed performing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’. My favourite trip was the PGL Trip. I shall always remember the Croft Castle. Arthur B My favourite subject is Games because I like sport. My favourite trip was PGL. I shall always remember falling spectacularly (stacking it) in the High Jump. Harry C My favourite subjects are Cricket, in Games, and Art because I love the type of stuff we do, such as sketching angles. My most memorable lesson was Art when we were doing character choros. I really enjoyed performing in the school play ‘Beauty and the Beast’ because I loved my part. My favourite trip was the Ski Trip because we flew to the resort and I love flying. I shall always remember the Ski Trip because I loved the room I was in and I love skiing. Form 6C with Mrs Clark-Hammond

6 7 Leavers - Staff Mr Tom Hudson-Law Mr Hudson-Law has been a conscientious and valued member of the teaching staff since joining The Croft in September 2017, starting as supply and swiftly taking on a Pre-Prep teaching post (later moving up the school into Year 4). He then went on to take over as Head of Geography and Geology with great success. He is hugely popular with the children, most evident in the playground with his entourage of excitable pupils shouting ‘Hodgey’ and ‘Hoodge’ after him! The relationships he has made with the children and their families are testament to his kind, gentle and warm nature. The staff will miss his infectious sense of humour and his ability to stay calm in a storm. Although his new venture will be a loss to The Croft community, he will leave with him the legacy of a Geology Award to recognise children who go above and beyond with their curiosity and dedication to the subject. He leaves the school at the end of the Summer Term, to take on a new opportunity as Assistant Head of Learning Development at Bilton Grange, a position he will no doubt flourish in. From all of the children and staff at the Croft, we wish him all the best for his new adventure. Mrs Nicki Badger Mrs Nicki Badger has been a member of staff for the past 20 years having started as a Reception teacher in September 2002. Over this time, she has taught across all age ranges, including in the role as Head of Pre-Prep, before moving in recent years to Year 3. She has been a hugely valued colleague and her warmth and excellent teaching knowledge and skills have been a trademark of her time at The Croft. She is looking forward to spending time with her granddaughter and taking on new adventures in the future. Mme Geraldine Saint-Laurent Madame Saint Laurent joined The Croft in September 2004 and has led the French department with aplomb since that day. She has a passion for her native tongue which has inspired many children over the years to delve further into learning languages. She has led countless Year 6 residential trips to France, all with their own unique stories to recount and memories to share; from incidents with elderly french drivers to turbulent ferry crossings, Madame has seen it all! She is the envy of many colleagues with her chic appearance and her amazing collection of shoes! Mrs Jo Perks Mrs Perks leaves The Croft after almost 8 years dedicated service in almost every part of the school - from the Kitchen and Dining Room to the playgrounds and Wraparound Care. We wish her every happiness for the future. Helena Bennett My favourite subject is Art. My most memorable lesson was making smoothies in DT, in Year 3, it was so fun. I really enjoyed performing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ as it was amazing to act in. My favourite trip was the PGL Trip. I shall always remember the teachers for their kindness. Ethan B My favourite subjects are Games, PE and History. My most memorable lesson was Maths, because Mr Mills is funny. I really enjoyed performing in the Summer Concert as I like Music and playing the drums. My favourite trip was the Ski Trip because it’s my favourite sport. I shall always remember the PGL Trip because I like adventure. Tom C My favourite subject is Music because I enjoy learning about lots of different instruments. My most memorable lesson was Art - I really liked making the clay animals. I really enjoyed performing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ as I enjoyed being a villager. My favourite trip was PGL because I really enjoyed all the activities every day. I shall always remember the French Trip because I enjoyed going somewhere in France every day. George C My favourite subject is PE because you get to do fun things like gymnastics routines. My most memorable lesson was doing the handspring in PE for the first time because it took years of practise. I really enjoyed performing in the Year 6 Show which was ‘Beauty and the Beast’. My favourite trip was the Ski Trip because I had never been skiing before - it was so fun. I shall always remember playing in the castle for the first time. Ophelia C My favourite subject is Art because I like being creative, and I love Games because it’s fun being part of a team. My most memorable lesson was Art because we got to design our own costume, and make props for the Year 6 play. I really enjoyed performing in the Year 6 Play. My favourite trip was PGL because we got to try new things and test our fears. I shall always remember the Croft Castle and all the friends I made. Calan F My favourite subjects are Art, Drama and Games; I enjoy Art, and I love acting and playing sport. My most memorable lesson was PSHE and Maths because they made me laugh. I really enjoyed performing in the Year 6 Play and saying my lines. My favourite trip was PGL because I faced real challenges and I shall always remember the day I joined the school and made new friends. Emme H My favourite subjects are PE, Art, History and Maths because I have so many good memories of these lessons and they are all fun. My most memorable lesson was PE because I learnt how to do my first handspring, and I love doing athletics. I really enjoyed performing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ because the rehearsals were great and I got over my fear of performing. My favourite trip was PGL since the food was amazing and I had such a great time. I shall always remember having free time at the castle. And getting up early so that I wasn’t late. Eleanor H My favourite subject is Games because I love being part of a team. I also like art, especially making the clay animals. My most memorable lesson was Art, because we made our costumes for the Year 6 play. I really enjoyed performing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’, it was really fun. My favourite trips were the PGL and French Trips, and Cadbury’s World. I shall always remember the Croft Castle and all the teachers. Ben McL My favourite subjects are Drama and Art. My most memorable lesson was Science because of Ethan. I really enjoyed performing in the Year 6 Play, because I was a tea cup. My favourite trips were PGL and Cadbury’s World. I shall always remember making friends. James M My favourite subject is History because I love learning about ancient artefacts. My most memorable lesson was when Mr Mills said you can go to the forest if you get the answer to the square root of -1 and Hugo said, I know, it’s ‘i’. My favourite trip was PGL - it was fun. I shall always remember meeting Blake, Tom and Ethan. Blake P My favourite subject is History because of my thirst for knowledge of time before us, other cultures and beliefs. My most memorable lesson was Maths when Mr Mills told the class we could go to the forest if we figured out the square root of -1 and Hugo knew it! I really enjoyed performing in the Year 1 Nativity, when I was the main character. My favourite trip was the Ski Trip because I made new friends and memories. I shall always remember my friend group – James, Ethan, Freddie and Tom. Harry S My favourite subject is History – I enjoy learning things about the past. The Year 6 play ‘Beauty and the Beast’ was my favourite. I was Stage Crew, it was a cool job. My favourite trip was Hock Cliff in Year 5 because we managed to find remains of ancient animals. Leavers Form 6M Kitty S My favourite subjects are Games, Drama and Art, because I love working with everyone and in all of these, teamwork is key. My most memorable lesson was PE when I first landed a front handspring. I really enjoyed performing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ because it was fun putting on a production with the whole of Year 6. My favourite trip was PGL because the group activities were fun, especially the Big Swing Maria V Z My favourite subjects are Art, Latin, Games and Drama. My most memorable lessons were Games. I really enjoyed performing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and working together with everyone. My favourite trip was PGL, enjoying the fun with my friends. I shall always remember the hike at PGL, where we all had a great laugh falling in the mud. Imogen W My favourite subjects are Games, Drama, Art and PE, because most of it we work together and have to help each other. My most memorable lesson was PE, because I was the first to land a front handspring. I really enjoyed performing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’. My favourite trip was PGL – because it was my first overnight trip with the Year, and experiencing all the activities. I shall always remember the Year 6 play ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Jack W My favourite subject is Games because it is so active and fun; I particularly love Cricket. My most memorable lesson was my first Games lesson when I was introduced to the holy game of Cricket. I really enjoyed performing in ‘The Grumpy Sheep’ because I had fun scowling and singing as I was the grumpy sheep! My favourite trips were PGL and the French Trips. I shall always remember the day I brought my tractor into school. Lucy W My favourite subject is Drama, because you can show your emotions and use your imagination. My most memorable lesson was my first ever PE lesson because for many years I haven’t been able to do sport. I really enjoyed performing in our Year 6 Show because it was a great team effort and we all tried our best. My favourite trip was PGL because it really pushed you to your limits and all the activities were really fun. I shall always remember the Year 6 Show and PGL because they were great experiences. Form 6M with Miss Maclean and Mrs Lawrence

8 9 Creative Arts Drama, Music and Art at The Croft in ‘the old days’! Tea &Music Afternoons andAssembly Performers The informal setting of Mundell Court Music Performance Space has seen the introduction of regular half termly informal Tea & Music Recitals. Pupils have presented wonderful performances from complete beginners to Grade 6 pieces. These recitals have proved so popular we have created Piano and String, Wind, Voice and Brass afternoons and a ‘Junior Special’ for our younger pupils to have their own platforms. Monday mornings have seen a varied programme of our older pupils performing live in assemblies for the whole school and giving some wonderful performances; congratulations to all of our solo performers this year. Summer Concert ‘90th Birthday of The Croft’ The Summer Concert had a special focus this year in celebration of the 90th birthday of The Croft. The programme was themed around The Croft, beginning with a 1930’s curriculum glance and including sections and items inspired by just some of the things that make life here so special including; model railways, wide open spaces, forts, the learning of Latin and French, the beautiful clock tower, a love of jazz and the importance and resonance of poetry. The evening opened with Mrs Lyndall Thornton reading an apt poem about The Croft written by a pupil many years ago. There were beautiful performances from our Ensembles, solo poetry readings with music, staff tributes, energetic renditions of ‘Everybody Wants to be a Cat’ and ‘In the Mood’ from Clock Tower Jazz, a stunning tenor sax solo from Mr Richard Wimpenny, introductions from our LAMDA pupils, a Gamelan andGlockenspiel Ensemble fromForm6C, a fanfare from the Brass Ensemble, polished precision from the Senior Choir in Cesar Frank’s ‘Panis Angelicus’ and real energy from the Junior Choir and Orchestra for ‘Do you Hear the People Sing’ and ‘Summer Nights’. The programme concluded with a French café scene from Form 6BU, comic poetry and a performance of the massed joint choirs of ‘A Million Dreams’. Pre-Prep Fairy Tale Concert As a new performance platform, Pre-Prep retold the musical version of well-known fairy tales; each tale brought to life by songs and movement. We were encouraged to take care when crossing the bridge and ‘beware of the troll’ by Reception children. Year 1 pupils invited us to taste their porridge, which was ‘just right’, and the children in Year 2 warned us not to engage in conversation with suspicious-looking wolves in the forest! Creative Arts Faculty 2022/23 Mrs Barrett The CreativeArts staff create dynamic, inspirational opportunities to enrich the children at The Croft. In Drama lessons, we are very lucky to have a professional performance space available for exclusive use. All lessons in Key Stage 2 take place in our Theatre space where children are able to rehearse in the auditorium and perform on stage. Children, of all ages, are eager to work creatively together and share imaginative ideas in Drama lessons and there is an abundance of practical work being created in lessons. Music is taught in the generous, light surroundings of the Mundell Court Performance space and the Orchestra, Choirs, Jazz Band and Ensembles have rehearsed throughout the year filling the space with music. Music Review Mrs Collet-Wilby Harvest Service The Mundell Ensemble, Senior Choir, Pre-Prep and the whole school joined together in performances to celebrate the Harvest Festival, this year. The Mundell Ensemble performed the lively ‘Who Put the Colours in the Rainbow?’ and the Senior Choir gave a lovely performance of John Rutter’s classic Harvest anthem ‘For the Beauty of the Earth’. Christmas Service and Christmas at The Croft The Orchestra, Ensembles and whole school performed together to open the festive season with Christmas at The Croft. To conclude the Michaelmas Term, the Christmas Service was celebrated in the Theatre in a ‘Coming of the Light’ advent service beginning with a performance in darkness with tea lights of the ancient introit ‘O come, o come Emmanuel. The service included traditional congregational carols, select instrumental ensembles and a joyful conclusion of a new setting of ‘I saw three ships come sailing in’ to traditional folk tunes premiered with energy and fire by the Junior, Senior and Staff Parent Choirs together with the professional instrumental ensemble of our visiting music staff. Easter Service The Senior Choir and Junior Choir, Mundell Ensembles, soloists and the whole school joined together to celebrate the Easter Service. The Senior Choir gave a lovely performance of a new setting of the traditional medieval Easter carol with drum ‘Now the Green Blade Rises’. CBSO Trip In February, Year 5 visited the Birmingham Symphony Hall and enjoyed a compendium of music themed around ‘This World.’ The Birmingham Symphony Orchestra took us on a musical journey. We travelled through the Amazon rainforest; we heard a contemporary dawn chorus; we were transported to a cafe in South America (accompanied by the dynamic theme tune from Avengers Endgame) and completed our journey with Brahms First Symphony, complete with alpine horn. It was a good experience for our students to hear how powerful an orchestra can sound when playing live.

10 11 Christmas Plays In December 2022, we shared our Pre-Prep Christmas Performances with you. The children performed to a very highstandard and delivered their lines confidently and clearly. We were very proud of the way they conducted themselves as an ensemble and hope you enjoyed watching their positive, assured performances. Year 2 also visited the residents of Alveston Leys Care Home to sing Christmas Carols together and to share some numbers from their Christmas play. LAMDA This year, pupils from Years 3-6 have enjoyed developing their skills in LAMDA lessons, run by Mrs Judi Walton. This is the first year that students have been entered for LAMDA exams and we wish our performers the best of luck. It was a valuable experience for them to share their work with parents in advance of the exams in our LAMDA Showcase. It is interesting to appreciate the style of text chosen by each individual performer and to hear them communicate emotion on stage. Arts Award Showcase This year we launched Arts Award Explore with Year 4, and continued with the success of Arts Award Discover with Year 3; every single pupil achieved their Arts Award Certificate. We invited Hannah Young from the RSC Education Department, and IbraheemToure and LucyWray, members of the RSC Ensemble to bring Shakespeare’s words to life for our young people. Every child in Year 3 was treated to a workshop based around A Midsummer Night’s Dream in which they played with lines of text, created their own version of wellknown characters, experimented with iambic pentameter and explored key themes within the play. What type of character is Puck? How can we most effectively deliver Puck’s lines? How can we recreate the Fairy Kingdom on stage? Why is Egeus so angry with his daughter, Hermia? They were able to explore big themes in the safety of a familiar space with actors and practitioners from the RSC Ensemble. These professionals shared their own ideas about the characters; questions that had arisen when performing the role themselves and collectively, we delivered snippets of the text using imaginative vocal and physical skills. Meanwhile, our Year 4 pupils explored the themes and characters in Romeo and Juliet with the RSC. They were fascinated by the idea of an ‘ancient grudge’ and performed a slow-motion version of the quarrel on the streets of Verona involving a great deal of thumb-biting and verbal attack. It is refreshing to play around with Shakespeare’s words, bringing new meaning to traditional thoughts. In the safety of our performance space, pupils were able to experiment with the delivery of lines, using Shakespeare’s words as the springboard to innovative ideas. Creative Arts Day Creative Arts Day was a real treat. We invited practitioners from a range of art forms into school to work with pupils from Reception to Year 6. The children moved round in Year Groups to experience a carousel of imaginative activities. In the Prep Library was Ian Craigan (right) - a Storyteller who brought traditional tales from around the world alive through his comedic, polished performances. InMundell Court Performance Space, Dominic Ellis-Peckham, an operatic conductor, left us spell-bound by his ability to engage children in communal sound-making. In the Theatre were Ally Craigan and Mike Genders playing traditional folk instruments; in the afternoon they were joined by Ian Craigan to form our first ever Croft School Ceilidh in which staff and children danced in pairs and groups across Year groups with complete merriment. Members of our Mundell Ensemble joined them to play for the first few songs, keeping rhythm and providing the inspiration for the dance. The Theatre was alive with excitement; it was an incredibly joyful event to be part of.

12 13 Beauty and the Beast We recently transformed our Theatre into the Beast’s Palace within a charming French Village. The Castle was filled with Enchanted Objects: talking clocks, magical mirrors, nervous tables, friendly teacups and an entire dinner setting consisting of a knife, fork, spoon, plate and napkin. In the nearby Village, we saw Belle, her eccentric father, Maurice and the very self-obsessed Gaston alongside an array of cheerful Villagers. Year 6 brought the stage alive with positive energy bringing the story of the Prince who fails to understand that beauty is found beyond physical appearance. Fortunately, Belle allows him to appreciate beauty both inside and out and they break the Enchantresses’ spell, bringing their castle back to life, turning objects back to humans. Alongside Mrs Barrett, Director, Mrs Collet-Wilby, Musical Director, Mr Genders, Set Design and Props, Mrs ClarkHammond, Choreography, and Mrs Crowley, Sound and Lighting, we were joined by our own singing teacher, Miss Wilson, who delivered a vocal masterclass to the entire cast. The production was a real team effort, and the cast and crew worked together very harmoniously. Here are some thoughts from our performers: I enjoyed the singing and the drama aspect and making weapons and costumes. I’ve learnt that nothing comes easy. The first week was difficult as everyone was flying solo but in the second week, everyone bonded together. I thought that the project helped everyone become better friends. Josh E I liked learning the stuff in the lighting room and was happy watching the actors. I’m good with technology. It’s really, really cool. Harry S I enjoyed making the costumes and the singing. My hair is horrid slicked-back. I am good at projecting my voice. I loved it all but the best bit was performing to the school. Calan F I enjoyed performing the most and being off timetable. I have learnt that I quite like acting. It’s fun because everyone is always positive. It is a really fun project but you still have to concentrate and work hard. Freddie S I enjoyed the story-line. I have learnt that my voice is really loud. It was fun being in a musical. I think that it is a really good show. Oliver S I enjoyed learning the songs. I learnt that I don’t have to be scared. I felt being part of a creative ensemble was amazing. My thoughts are that it was the best time I’ve ever had. Lily P I’ve enjoyed the singing. I liked being part of this and it is a great show. Will T Creating Leaf Bowls Class 1DB The children in Class 1DB have been out and about in the inspiring school grounds for our artwork this term. We collected leaves from Forest School and used them as templates to make our fantastic clay bowls. Then we worked as a team to write instructions explaining what we did. Why don’t you have a go?

14 15 Art Review 2022/23 Mr Genders As previously mentioned, this year has seen a huge amount going on in the Creative Arts Faculty; Fine Art was no exception. With new events happening, in part to mark 90 years of The Croft, and also to demonstrate our ambition to grow and extend what we do. Over 30 children submitted work to the Schools’ Royal Academy of Art (RA) Summer Show. Unfortunately we didn’t have any successful applications this year, but I wanted to mention it because the standard of work and creativity was truly excellent and all the children who submitted a piece should be very proud of themselves. It is a great opportunity but very hard to get in; take it from someone who knows, as I also didn’t make the cut in the grown-up version, this year, so we go again next year! The annual Malvern St James Art Exhibition was a great success and The Croft were represented in every Year group, winning several Highly Commended Awards. Again, congratulations to all who had their work chosen for MSJ and thank you to everyone who made the trip over to see their piece in situ. Our own Summer Art Exhibition in the Library went down very well; it was lovely for a wider selection of parents and children to see what the Prep children make in their Art lessons and clubs. The Year 6 fruit paintings were a huge hit, as were their ceramics, and I saw several children fully engaged in a little hunt to find various quirky monster creations made by Year 5 children. The exhibition also included several pieces by former Croft pupils, the high standard of which was a great inspiration to our current cohort. The fruits of over 12 months planning and labour came together in the form of the ceramic mosaic tree on the wall of Pre-Prep; it celebrates 90 years of The Croft and every leaf was made by a different child or member of staff last summer. They are all initialled so if you made one, then hopefully you will be able to find it. The trunk and branches were made by my Friday Art Club, and the glazing done by a mixture of children in lessons and clubs. This artwork was a huge undertaking, hence the slow turnaround, but you can’t rush great art! It has been much admired and should last until well past the 100 year anniversary. I’m told the little ones have enjoyed finding the ladybirds hiding in the leaves and branches of the tree. Finally, ArtBase continues to be hugely popular on Mondays after school, and I have run Art clubs in lunchtimes which have been very well attended by enthusiastic children who have come back to finish off curriculum work or start their own projects, and they always berate me if I am ever out on a fixture or not able to run it for any reason. Year 6 have done themselves proud this year, with some exceptionally good art work produced; I wish them all the best in their creative futures. Year 5 Creative Day at Bloxham School In January, we were warmly invited into Bloxham School to visit their Creative Art Faculty. Year 5 children were lucky enough to participate in Music and Drama activities led by members of the department and a collection of more senior students (some ex-Crofties). Some of our children were engaged in printmaking, ceramics and photography; others even formed their own band. It was a wonderful experience for us to sample life in a local secondary school environment. Here are some thoughts from our Year 5 pupils: ‘On the 20th January, we went to Bloxham School and it was amazing. We did Arts and Craft, Music and Drama. We also played games throughout the day.’ ‘Best secondary school ever. The Music and Drama were great. They even get the best-soup-ever award!’ ‘All the teachers were nice and stretched us.’ ‘It was fun, especially the Drama.’ ‘I love Bloxham because the people were nice and polite.’ ‘I really liked the printing at Bloxham.’ ‘I enjoyed looking round Bloxham.’ ‘I loved Bloxham because we did Art , sculpting wires into people, animals, planes and other things.’ ‘Bloxham was very fun.’ ‘I liked crafting sculpture from wire; it was very clever and I enjoyed doing painting after lunch.’ ‘It was a joy to be there and the staff were kind and caring.’ ‘It was amazing. We used ink for our work and got to do collages.’ ‘I did etching and it was very fun. We made a collage from the etching. The teachers were especially nice and kind.’ ‘In Music I played my flute. In Drama, we acted out the Three Little Pigs. I loved the whole day.’ ‘I learnt about the first type of pictures which included chemicals and flashes of light.’ ‘I loved the singing and the drama. I loved all of the songs that we sang and the Music teacher was funny.’ ‘We sang Hold Back the River and Fix You and I loved them both.’ ‘I enjoyed the printing press.’ ‘I enjoyed the photography.’ ‘It opened my mind to artistic people.’ ‘I was doing photos, it was cool watching pictures appear just with chemicals based on light and shadows.’ ‘I enjoyed the Drama.’ ‘I really enjoyed making sculptures. Bloxham was very big and very well decorated.’ ‘I thought Bloxham was amazing. The teachers were kind and it felt very free and they thought of everything to make it an amazing space for everyone.’ ‘I really liked the Drama. I really liked the activity where you got to choose if you wanted to do a straw house or rock or wood.’ ‘At Bloxham, the Music and Drama were really fun. The teachers are so nice. Bloxham is definitely a thumbs up from me!’ ‘At Bloxham, I enjoyed playing the oboe and I enjoyed the singing and the Drama as well.’ ‘When we went to Bloxham, it was really fun. It was really satisfying spreading ink on our palates in Art.’ ‘It was amazing.’

16 17 Little Crofters Little Crofters Butterflies with Mrs Kerby, Mrs Allen and Mrs Smith Little Crofters Pre-school Frogs with Mrs Davies, Mr Harrison and Miss Harrold Little Crofters Pre-school Rabbits with Mrs Davies and Miss Beale Little Crofters Pre-school Ducks with Mrs Davies, Mrs Stirling and Miss Harrold

18 19 Reception Classes Class RG with Mrs Garne, Miss Hopkins and Mrs Connell Class RT with Mrs Connell, Miss Thompson and Miss Clark Class RWA with Mrs Webber, Mrs Austin, Miss Lake and Mrs Connell Forest Activities

20 21 Class RG Winners Girls’ 40m Sprint Liberty H Boys’ 40m Sprint Digby H Mixed Traffic Light Run Axel L Mixed Traffic Light Run Digby H Class RT Winners Girls’ 40m Sprint Ameya B Boys’ 40m Sprint Joey B Mixed Traffic Light Run Sienna B Mixed Traffic Light Run Joey B Class RWA Winners Girls’ 40m Sprint Sienna W Boys’ 40m Sprint Ralphie B Mixed Traffic Light Run Nathan L Mixed Traffic Light Run Ralphie B Class 1B Winners Girls’ 50m Sprint Grace R-H Boys’ 50m Sprint Eesar B Mixed Skipping Race Rose S Mixed Skipping Race Dexter S Mixed Wimbledon Race Rose S Mixed Wimbledon Race Dexter S Class 1DB Winners Girls’ 50m Sprint Amelia S Boys’ 50m Sprint Joshua G Mixed Skipping Race Hermione H Mixed Skipping Race Arthur E Mixed Wimbledon Race Matilda L-L Mixed Wimbledon Race Arthur E Class 1L Winners Girls’ 50m Sprint Imogen G Boys’ 50m Sprint Hugo H Mixed Skipping Race Noah B Mixed Skipping Race Arabella B Mixed Wimbledon Race Ann C Mixed Wimbledon Race Imogen G Year 1 Sprint Final Winners Girls’ 50m Sprint Amelia S Boys’ 50m Sprint Hugo H Class 2B Winners Girls’ 60m Sprint Darcie H Boys’ 60m Sprint Gregory B Girls’ 200m Sprint Darcie H Boys’ 200m Sprint Theodore I Mixed Skipping Race Anya L Mixed Skipping Race Darcie H Mixed Skipping Race Georgina dos S Mixed Wimbledon Race Anya L Mixed Wimbledon Race Darcie H Class 2C Winners Girls’ 60m Sprint Georgina H Boys’ 60m Sprint Arlo B Girls’ 200m Sprint Georgina H Boys’ 200m Sprint Arlo B Mixed Skipping Race Georgina H Mixed Skipping Race Thea I Aaliyah El M Mixed Wimbledon Race Beatrice E-B Mixed Wimbledon Race Georgina H Class 2T Winners Girls’ 60m Sprint Alice C Boys’ 60m Sprint Deseree F Girls’ 200m Sprint Alice C Boys’ 200m Sprint Freddie M Mixed Skipping Race Alice C Mixed Skipping Race Thomas R Mixed Wimbledon Race Ralph D Mixed Wimbledon Race Alice C Year 2 Sprint Final Winners Girls’ 60m Sprint Georgina H Boys’ 60m Sprint Deseree F Pre-Prep SportsDay

22 23 Prep Sports Day Year 3 Winners Long Jump Mimi D Leo K High Jump Charlotte G Alfred E Standing Long Jump Nova S William P Quoit Throw Charlotte M Spencer K Vortex Throw Daisy S Walter S (NR) 50m Marley G & Nova S MatthewC-M& Leo K 70m Mimi D William S 200m Marley G William S 400m Saskia A Alfred E Most Points Trophies Mimi D Alfred E Year 4 Winners Long Jump Maisie C Charlie S High Jump Bella C Arthur F Standing Long Jump Henry M-M Quoit Throw Louisa T Reuben W Vortex Throw Imogen B Charlie S 50m Amelia S James S 70m Matilda H Finley M 200m Maisie C Finley M 400m Maisie C Arthur F Most Points Trophies Maisie C Arthur F Year 5 Winners Long Jump Florence T Archie D High Jump Pippa B Finnbar B Javelin Oliver W Quoit Throw Izzy W Gabriel K-H Vortex Throw Tallulah-BelleMcD Finnbar B (NR) 60m Ellie R & Flo T Archie S (NR) 80m Evangeline H Archie D 200m Pippa B Finnbar B 800m Pippa B Finnbar B Most Points Trophies Pippa B Finnbar B Year 6 Winners Reed Cup - Long Jump Kitty S Tagliaferri Cup - Long Jump Harry C High Jump Cups Layla K Harry H Indoor Javelin Jasmine T Angus Day Cup - Indoor Javelin Oliver S Quoit Throw Cups Lucia O-P Ethan B West Cup - Vortex Throw Ella-Mae W Throwing Plate - Vortex Throw Thomas T 60m Imogen W Calan F Sprint Cups - 80m Ophelia C Harry H 200m Cups Ophelia C Harry C 800m Cups Lucia O-P Harry C Victrix LudorumCup - Most Points Lucia O-P Victor LudorumCup - Most Points Harry C House Competition Winners House Relay Cup St David’s House Sports Day Cup St David’s

24 25 Netball Report 2022/2023 by Ella-Mae W and Izzy C What an incredible year it’s been in Netball across all age groups,with some great successes throughout the year. Year 3 have shown great resilience across the netball court, encouraging each other to try their very best. When playing their first match against Bablake they put their skills into play and each one of them had a smile on their face while playing. Year 4 have had some fantastic wins and have worked on their centre passes and bringing the ball down the court. Many of them have attended Netball Club at lunchtime so they can practise shooting and more advanced match play. This year, Year 5 have had a great year improving their different skills in match play also preparing for IAPS Netball Tournament next year. Winning their final tournament this year at Warwick Prep, the girls worked incredibly hard as a team coming away as tournament winners with huge smiles on the faces. All of the girls in Year 5 have been improving their positional play on court and have developed many new skills as they finish Year 5. As the season has come to an end, Year 6 have many fond memories to look back on our Croft Netball experience. One of the A team’s strongest memories, is attending IAPS Regionals. After playing many tough matches and dancing to the Macarena before playing in the semi-finals, we came home as proud tournament winners, which meant that we went on to IAPS Nationals. When arriving at nationals, the teams emotions were mixed with nerves and excitement. After the group matches, we got put into the highest division and unfortunately got knocked out to the overall winners. We came home disappointed but proud of our achievements, placing top 8 in the country. In our Games lessons, we have been helping each other improve as a year group and have worked extremely hard on our circle rotations which we then put into our game play with other skills. We would like to say a big thank you to all of the Games Department for helping us become better and stronger netball players and for organising all of our matches. We have also enjoyed being Netball Captain and Vice Captain this year and watching all girls improve their skills and game play. U11 IAPS Regional Netball Champions 2022-23 Games Reports Hockey Report 2022/2023 by Eleanor H and Layla K We have all enjoyed Hockey this year. All of us have loved playing lots of fixtures for The Croft. We have all improved on dribbling, passing, controlling and shooting. Whether we win or lose we always find a way to improve our skills. Thank you to Mrs Brennan and Mrs Cook for helping us to be the best that we can be and helping us to play all the positions. We will all take all your tips with us for the future. Having Hockey Club in the morning has also really helped with our play and skills. Although some people find Hockey harder than others, they always try their best at it and enjoy it. Year 6 will really miss playing for The Croft and all the fixtures but wish the other Years the best of luck for the future. Eleanor and Layla have really enjoyed being Captain and Vice-Captain for the Hockey Team. U11A Hockey Team U11B Hockey Team above and left: Years 5 & 6 House Netball Matches Athletics and Cross Country by Kitty S and Lucia O-P Cross-Country Years 1 to 6 all had an amazing experience doing Cross-Country this year. It challenged everyone to be their best and push their abilities to the maximum. Years 5 and 6 both competed in the Cross-Country competition. Well done to everybody who took part and a special mention to anybody who represented Warwickshire in the Cross-Country competition. Indoor Athletics This year in February, Year 6 competed in an Indoor Athletics competition. We practised every Friday as a Friday club that Mrs Brennan ran. We came second in the competition and The Croft was very pleased. Sports Days Pre-Prep This year Pre-Prep had a wonderful Sports Day. Year 6s helped at Sports Day this year and the support was amazing. All the children were so determined, and they all tried their best. Prep Prep had a wonderful Sports Day. We had thrilling sprints and long, hard running races. It was a fun day, and everyone worked super hard so they could score points for their House, but this year St David’s took the glory. All the relays were incredible with amazing baton changes, and it was all down to Mr Harper and all the team. So, we all give a massive thanks to all the teachers and parents who supported us and got us through Sports Day! House Cross Country Results Year 3 1st Noah W Saskia A & Mimi D 2nd Alfred E 3rd Henry W Millie S 4th Freddie A Nova S 5th Jacob T Indigo O-P Year 4 1st Arthur F Maisie C 2nd George B Matilda H 3rd Henry McC Robyn B 4th Reuben W Imogen B 5th Charlie S Eleanor F Year 5 1st Finnbar B Pippa B 2nd Ted S Imogen D 3rd Finlay B Evie D 4th Xavier S Flo T 5th Lucas D Izzy W Year 6 1st Harry C Lucia O-P 2nd Arthur B Ophelia C 3rd Billy F Imogen W 4th Jimmy B Izzy C 5th William T Helena B House Competition 1st St David’s House 2nd St Patrick’s House 3rd St George’s House 4th St Andrew’s House The Butler Cup for Endeavour in Cross Country Piers C, Year 6 Rounders & Cricket by Emme H and Helena B This year everyone has really enjoyed playing Rounders. They have improved so much since last year with their fielding being more accurate and their hits getting much stronger. Even though we haven’t played many fixtures, we’ve all enjoyed the few that we have played and have had so much fun in our Games lessons. This term the girls have tried out something new - Cricket! It has been different and difficult learning a new sport such as Cricket, but it’s also been very exciting and interesting and although we haven’t fully grasped the concept of all the rules, we are still learning and improving every day. Rounders and Cricket Club at lunchtime have been very enjoyable helping us improve in areas that we didn’t know needed improving. Year 3 This Year has done so much work with their sports, they improve more and more with each of the lessons. This is because we have great teachers to teach each sport, especially Rounders and Cricket. After they finish their lessons they are so happy. The best thing that is great for each Year is that they all get to play matches against other schools. Year 4 This Year is always so happy to do these sports as they improve so much. When they find out that they’re doing Cricket or Rounders they cheer as they love each and every sport. Some of them don’t like sport but they love to do Games as they want to improve. Even if they don’t want to do sport, the teachers make it so fun for everyone. Year 5 This Year 5 love competition. If they are playing Rounders or Cricket with Year 6, they would always say Year 5 versus Year 6! This Year gets taught a lot by the Year 6s as they help if they get something wrong or don’t know how to play, but the reason why they can sometimes beat Year 6 is because of the teachers teaching them. Year 6 This Year always tries their best - even if they lose in matches they keep going. They also set a great example to every Year which really helps the other Years to improve. Everyone is fair and normally when they play against each other they are competitive yet happy. We are very lucky to have great teachers and great facilities. Year 6 will always miss playing Rounders and Cricket at The Croft. Thank you to all the teachers who taught us how to play, we’ve all had so much fun.

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODA2Njk=