November 2007

Cranford Community College, High Street, Cranford, Hounslow. TW5 9PD - Tel: 020 8897 2001 - www.cranford.hounslow.sch.uk

THE CRANFORD REVIEW

November 2007

During the late spring a group of Business & Economics students went to China as part of their A level course.

The trip gave them an insight into the developing Chinese economy and how China has become a major force in our world economy. Students had the opportunity to visit a number of different businesses where they were able to observe production methods and put questions to the Managing Directors about their businesses in Beijing and Tianjin.

Students experienced Chinese culture first hand by spending time with a Chinese family. They were also able to gain experience of the education system in China, whilst supporting pupils practising English in the classroom. Additional visits included Beijing and The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. But it was the unforgettable visit to The Great Wall of China which really impressed everyone. They did not realise how tiring the climb to the top would be and found out that it is a myth that the wall or any other man made object can be seen from the moon.

Cranford Community College has scooped three awards in the Good Schools Guide A-Level Awards for teaching excellence. The Good Schools Guide A-Level Awards are now in their third year and recognise excellent teaching in individual subjects.

The school received the top national prize for the best points score from any school in England for the double A-level in Applied IT. Girls at Cranford also won the award for the best points score for their outstanding performance in the Applied Business double A-level, beating all their counterparts in a non-selective state school. Not to be outdone, the boys triumphed in the Applied Information Technology double A-level achieving the best points score for boys in a nonselective state school.

These awards are a reflection of the hard work and dedication of both staff and students and the quality of teaching and learning at Cranford.

T h e S u n h a s g o t i t s h at o n

H i p ,

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Some said that this summer 2007 was a wash out, but not for Cranford Community College. Fortunately the weather was kind on Friday and Saturday 13th & 14th July 2007 and in our usual Cranford optimistic style, we planned a weekend of celebration and a community festival day as we opened our gates to hundreds of visitors.

Friday began as a dull, damp, windy day with grey skies and drizzle. The new wind turbines stood majestically at the back of the field enjoying the less than favourable weather, generating lots of energy for the school. By 1.30 pm the skies turned blue and the sun shone to welcome over 300 guests including staff, students, governors, councillors and the local M.P. and representatives from sponsors including EDF energy who helped fund the project.

Cranford’s A Level Drama students delighted everyone with their humourous but thought provoking performance of a devised piece on global warming entitled “The World Can’t Wait” followed by a year 9 presentation on the contribution we can all make to the environment and how our Wind Turbines have put Cranford on the map in leading the way. The marquee walls were decorated with 13 oil paintings created by the Gifted and Talented art group representing a range of images reflecting environmental issues.

The celebrations concluded with Alan Keen MP, formally launching the wind turbines. Everyone was given their own windmill to reflect their role in keeping this project alive and Julie Spiller, Chief Science Technician who inspired the project, was applauded and thanked for all her hard work.

Saturday began very much the same with strong winds and overcast skies as the concourse was transformed into a bright bazaar of coloured flags, stalls, and merchandise. A large stage outside the Concert hall with a dance space was created to accommodate the varied dancers and performers.

Right on cue, the sun came out

h o o r a y !

to welcome hundreds of guests from the school and the community to enjoy a multicultural feast of drama, music, dance, sports, foods and activities for all the family.

The varied programme of entertainment ran throughout the day with Juggy D, a Panjabi Bhangra singer from Southall, creating quite a stir as he performed to an enthusiastic crowd inside the Concert Hall. But the highlight of the day was the Caribbean band who created a real carnival spirit as they closed the day with everyone dancing and joining in the festivities.

The International Festival was a great success and an excellent launch for the school’s annual International week celebrations.

This included European trips, curriculum initiatives, a year 6 primary French market day experience with our feeder schools and an opportunity to share international foods and dress in cultural costumes.

During the weekend of July 6th-8th 2007, Cranford undertook a new venture by manning a stand at the Asian Life Style Show at Olympia. It was an exciting experience to be part of such a high profile cultural event sponsored by Sunrise Radio.

During the weekend we were able to enjoy the varied and colourful exhibitions and events and talk to members of the public about what Cranford has to offer prospective students and parents. We also managed to catch up with a number of former students who were participating in the show including, Hartinder Dharmi, better known as “H-Dharmi” now very successful in the Asian music industry.

He talked with great fondness about his time at Cranford. This opportunity not only put Cranford on the map beyond the Hounslow and Southall boundaries but also enabled us to be part of a National event celebrating Asian culture for all age groups.

Riti Masih - Year 10 Key Stage 4 April 2007 Award Riti exemplifies everything that is good about a Cranford student. A founding member of the Latin Club and a volunteer for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, she is versatile and sociable. Twice winner of the Key Stage 3 talent show, Riti has also achieved a podium finish each year in different track and field events on Sports Day. She achieved a grade B in early entry Citizenship GCSE and achieved the highest levels in the Key Stage 3 SATs. Monica Mwangi - Year 13 Key Stage 5 May 2007 Award Monica made an outstanding contribution to improvement within the sixth form, leading new ideas with the prefect committee. She mentored and supported year 8 and 9 students. Monica organised the fashion show with the sixth form students during charities week and over £400 was raised. Monica has been an outstanding Head Girl, with a cheerful personality. She is reliable, meticulous and well organsed. Monica is a real ambassador for this school.

Rohan Mohindru - Year 9 Key Stage 3 June 2007 Award

Leon Smith Year 7 - Gold Prize Electric Guitar

Danielle Harris Year 7 - Silver Prize i-Pod Shufle

James Barrett Year 7 - Bronze Prize MP3 Player

Nisha Tulcidas Year 12 Sixth Form Award

Try Cycling to School Scheme In June and July 10 2007 staff and 11 students took part in the ‘Try Cycling to Schools scheme’. All participants were given a brand new bike (which they were able to choose from a range of bikes on offer), plus accessories to use for 4 weeks. The idea of the scheme was to encourage more people to become active and cycle to and from school at least 50% of the time.

At the end of the 4 weeks, they were all offered the opportunity to buy the bikes for a discounted price.

All participants completed an on road assessment to ensure that students were safe to cycle before they were allowed to take a bike home. It is hoped the scheme will be repeated again later in the year.

Nominated for his excellent commitment to education and learning in every subject, Rohan is a very mature and enthusiastic member of the tutor group and is well respected by fellow students and members of staff. His work has consistently been exemplary and he always works hard to exceed his target grades. He is consistent in his enthusiasm for learning, effort with his work, endeavour to improve, progress and development. He is often seen helping others with their work. He truly deserves this recognition as he is a shining light in the school community.

Ms Kirsty Lowden 2006/2007 Award Each year one adult from the school community is nominated by colleagues to be the recipient of £1000 prize to fund a project of their choosing. This year Ms Kirsty Lowden was the winner and she has decided to purchase a number of Apple Mac Books specifically designed for media editing to help students across all key stages with a range of filming and editing assignments.

On Wednesday 25th April 2007 the hard work, blood, sweat and tears of the Rock Challenge came to a dramatic end! The performers, Chrystelle Aka Adou, Reetika Babber, Luisa Pineda, Oksana Ivanova, Anam Naseer, Nhea Sargeant, Ella Powell and Bansari Chandarana, with 30 other pupils from across the borough, performed a breath taking Brazilian inspired dance which they devised themselves. The performance took place at Hackney Empire. The judges gave them an excellent review and the dance won ‘Most Entertaining Award’ for the evening.

It was certainly an occasion to be proud.

Editor Director: Jessica Joyce | Graphic Designer: Enzo Gianvittorio (www.enzogianvittorio.com) | Printed by: schoolhousestudios.co.uk

Cranford’s end of year assembly was a fitting conclusion to an excellent school year. Winning performances from the annual talent show and staff entertained all present with music from a variety of genres.

A range of prize winners from across the school were applauded for their successes and recognition was given to staff and student nominations for the Jack Petchey awards. The Head teacher, Mr Prunty wished everyone a safe and happy summer holiday .

J a c k P e t c h e y Aw a r d s

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