Cranford_Review_June_2010

Cranford Community College, High Street, Cranford, Hounslow. TW5 9PD Tel: 020 8897 2001 www.cranford.hounslow.sch.uk
THE CRANFORD REVIEW June 2010
A
Once
in a
Lifetime
Experience
During the Easter holidays
a group of Cranford students
and teachers made the three
hour train journey to Penrith
station, situated in the heart
of the Lake District, our
destination: the Outward
Bound Centre. The water in
the nearby lake at the centre
splashed ominously, as if it were
trying to warn us to be prepared
for what was to come in the week
ahead; jumping in freezing lakes,
building rafts and then precariously
racing them over long distances in
the water – and this was just the
beginning.
We clambered through freezing
water falls as we embarked
upon the overnight mission. Six
hours of torturous climbing with
excruciatingly heavy backpacks
was not something we thought
ourselves capable of, but when
we finally reached the summit
the feeling of accomplishment
flowed through each and every
one of us; we had managed
an extraordinary feat. At our
overnight camp, viewing the
thousands of shining stars in
the jet black sky was a magical
moment and one that I believe
will never be forgotten by any of
us, as it reminded us that there
is more to life than just living in
the city.
This trip was indeed a once in a life
time experience; we embarked upon a
journey that many would shiver to
simply think off. Along the way there
was some trepidation and even some
poignant moments, but ultimately,
we faced the best the mountain
could give us and we emerged
victorious.
By Faizan Khan (year 12)

Sixth form
First Story
writer’s forum
at Oxford University
Hounslow Teen
Read Awards Trip
The long ride on the school bus through wild countryside and
busy streets was tiring and made the perfect conditions for a
quick nap. As we arrived in Oxford and just a few hundreds yards
away from the Oxford University colleges, everyone stood up in
amazement to appreciate the magnificent gothic architecture.
We walked into Christ Church feeling as if we had been
transported to the world of Harry Potter; the college campus
was glorious in its own right. The trip was organised by
First Story and all participants were invited to attend the
Oxford Literary event. This takes place once a year where
writers come to share their work, so it was an honour to be
there. The whole group became like children again as we
explored our way through the college and visited the old
library, dorms and gardens.
I was to be on a panel with Philip Pullman (Author of
Golden Compass & Of His Dark Materials). William Fiennes
(Author of The Music Room), Ms Powell, who is leading the
current writers’ group plus other writers and students from a
variety of schools. All of the students were given the opportunity
to read their story and talk about their experience of being in
First Story. I was nervous at first, with so many strangers in the
audience, but I later got on with it and was glad to have had
such an amazing opportunity.
By Cyrus Mwangi (year 12)
Every day the same. Nothing changes.
The alarm goes off at 7.30. I heave myself out of bed. I get
ready. I leave the house. I go to school. I work. I go home. I eat.
I go to bed. And the routine starts over again in the morning.
It never changes: it almost can’t be changed.
Why must we live in this way? It makes no sense. On the odd
occasion, if you muster the power, you can break out of the
mould. And for those brief moments in time you are free.
Free to do what you want.
But if you don’t treasure these moments, you will never be free.
The routine always finds a way of coming back.
• ROUTINE BY CHRISTOPHER NICOLL (CRANFORD COMMUNITY COLLEGE)
On Thursday 18 March 2010, seventeen
year 9 students along with Mrs Gawali
travelled to the Paul Robeson Theatre in
Hounslow’s Treaty Centre. We were there
because Cranford took part in the Hounslow
Big Read. The challenge was to read a
couple of books and to write a review. We
had to vote on the book which we thought
the best. Most schools in the Borough were
running this challenge too. At Cranford we
voted for the title ‘Numbers’ by Rachel
Ward and guess what… ‘Numbers’ won!
The results were presented by author
Ian Beck, who was there to talk about
his new book, his first one for teenagers
called ‘PastWorld’. After the talk we had
a question and answer session. He talked
about his work as an illustrator.
I thought that the trip was very interesting
because for me it was the second time
I had met an author.
By Jad Greisaty (year 9)
19 March 2010, and it had been months since
our team had begun preparing for The Times
Spelling Bee Local Play-Off. Savas Barima,
Manraj Rai, Ali Alweis and myself (Mariyum
Mahmood), tried to think positively and stay
focused so on the day of the Spelling Bee
we knew it was time to ‘pull up our socks’.
Once we arrived at Feltham Cineworld, ‘The
Cranford Crew’ met their rivals for the very
first time. There were two rounds, the play
off and the quick fire round. The final scores
were very close. We did not come first place
but we got goody bags with a cinema ticket,
note book, pens, pencils and badges for superb
effort towards the spelling bee.
Our sixth form mentors (Simran Kahlon,
Amarpal Khuttan and Kiranpreet Bains) had a
few words on our efforts “All of the members
of the Spelling Bee worked extremely hard
and are very clever, interesting characters.
We enjoyed working with each of them. In
the audience we all glowed with pride as
we watched ‘The Cranford Crew’ compete
against very high calibre rivals. We hope that
all contestants enjoyed the in-school sessions
and events, and hope that this experience will
last them a lifetime. We are all very proud
of each of them and they should be proud of
themselves too”.
This has been the best experience anyone
could ever have and we were part of it. I really
hope that the next year 7 students continue the
Spelling Bee so Cranford can be winners of
the Times Spelling Bee competition.
By Mariyum Mahmood (year 7)

This year’s circus based Sports Excellence Evening was a night filled with
fun, excitement and entertainment. Performances from Mumeshi Kendo Club,
Choi Kwang Do and the best of Cranford students dazzled the audience,
as well as the more than interesting clown costumes from the PE staff
(face paints and all).
Many awards were given out that evening including Coach
of the Year awarded to Mr Kelly for his devotion
to year 8 Boys Football and Zoe Mills
(year 10) for Female Sports
Personality.
Everyone nominated was congratulated and thanked for their efforts and
wonderful commitment to the Physical Education department.
Gymnastics, trampolines, basketball, dancing and football - this night had it all.
The whole evening was tied together by the outstanding presenting from
Jay Gohil (year 9) and Simran Kahlon (year 12), the teachers
dressed as clowns and the ‘flipping’ trampoliners.
By Simran Kahlon (year 12)

Sixth form Fashion Show for
Haiti Appeal raises £ 415.00
March 2010 and the Panjabi Culture Week in Cranford Community College was celebrated
by pupils with great excitement and enthusiasm. The main objective was to raise awareness
and learn about Panjabi as a language and culture. Pupils from years 7 and 9 took part in
school assemblies. They prepared and rehearsed a presentation about Panjabi culture and the
Panjabi folk dance Bhangra for a month in their lunch breaks. Their excellent efforts were
much appreciated by the staff and pupils from all the years. They received prizes for their
hard work from Ms Kokri. They were very proud of their achievements which have built their
self confidence and encouraged other pupils to participate in future events.
During tutor time pupils worked on a quiz ‘Some facts about the Panjab, the Panjabi community
and Panjabi as a language.’ Pupils enjoyed learning about Panjabi and many took the opportunity
to practise their mother tongue with Ms Kokri inside and outside of the lesson.
Panjabi food was served by the school canteen, which everyone enjoyed. It was delicious.
The effort made by the kitchen staff to make such tasty food was much appreciated.
The local Panjabi radio, Desi Radio
invited Ms Kokri for an interview on the
school’s celebration of Panjabi Culture
Week. Listeners to the radio station
responded positively and welcomed the
effort and opportunity given to Panjabi
by the school.
It was a great week and enjoyed by the
whole school community. Organising this
event in my first year of teaching was a
very good experience for me, hard work
but rewarding.
By Ms P. Kokri (Panjabi Teacher)
The annual fashion
show took on a new
look this year. After
non-stop emails
to Ms Joyce and
meetings with
Business a date
was finally set.
29 March 2010 was
a memorable date for many. This year the show
was in aid of the Haiti appeal hence named
‘Fashion 4 Haiti’.
On 12 January 2010 at 4.53p.m. the small island
of Haiti was hit by an enormous earthquake
and the country was left in devastation. The
show acclaimed as “the most entertaining
and organised yet”
was a hit with the
audience members
of Cranford. Sixth
Form and members of
staff did what they do best;
fashion, dance, presenting,
singing and putting on a
show to help raise money
so that the people of Haiti would be a small step
closer to rebuilding their lives. The performances
were fantastic and the audience was overwhelmed
by the performance from Joseph the caretaker.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank
those who bought tickets, supported us and who
took time out of their busy
schedules to take
part to ensure that
‘Fashion 4 Haiti’
was an unforgettable
experience for all.
By Shivaani Kaushik, Amarpal Khuttan and Rajdeep Sidhu (year 12)

The Jack Petchy Foundation Awards 2009
The award ceremony was a phenomenal event.
The stage was set, the seats were full and best
of all the presenter was here. Steven Day was
our host for the evening. He kept us entertained
throughout the evening with his funny jokes and
great enthusiasm. There were some absolutely
tremendous performances such as street dance,
singing and classical dance. The awards were
presented in a grand manner by the Mayor of
Hounslow. All the award winners from the
schools were worthy of their achievements,
including Mr Bray who won the teacher’s award.
It was amazing to hear the variety of reasons
why people won their award. All in all The Jack
Petchy Awards was a great experience which I
wish I could live again.
By Harshita Bedi (year 9)
National Hero visits Cranford
On 25 March 2010, Cranford Community College was
honoured to be visited by Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry
VC accompanied by Warrant Officer Lionel Zeffortt, to
deliver an inspirational and motivational talk to year 11
students as part of their PSHCE programme.
Johnson spoke about growing up in Grenada as part of
a large family without much money; he was 8 years old
before he got his first pair of shoes. He moved to the
UK in 1999 and lived in Heston. After struggling with
unemployment, drug and alcohol problems he joined the
British Army at the second attempt in 2001. He had been
turned down 6 months previously for being overweight,
unfit and sporting unruly dreadlocks.
He went on to talk about how he saved his friends and
colleagues, how he couldn’t see where he was going
because of the blood from a head wound. “I didn’t think
about myself – I’m not important.”
There was an audible gasp across the Concert Hall
when Lionel announced that he had brought his medals
along, including the Victoria Cross which students were
allowed to hold and admire at first hand. While the
medals were passed round, the audience was invited to
ask questions.
Year 11 were truly captivated and impressed by this
incredible young man and I hope that they remember
meeting him and listening to his story for a long, long
time. I certainly will.
Cath Goold (PSHCE Coordinator)
Rod Lewis:
A celebration of his
commitment to Cranford
as a member of the
Governing Body
One of our longest standing and most
committed members of the Governing
Body Rod Lewis, husband of another
dedicated Governor, Jenny, and father
of Nicole (ex student) sadly died on
Monday 22 February 2010.
Rod was an amazing and truly
passionate supporter of the school and
gave so much over so many years.
He fought cancer for many years,
defeating the odds over and over,
even battling against paralysis to walk
and wheel-chaired himself to so many
school events during his final year.
I have never known anyone with such
resilience and optimism.
He was a great man to know and
admire and I, others and the school
already feel his loss. In recognition
of his dedication to the school and
in respect of the family’s wishes we
have donated money to the Prostrate
Cancer Trust and will continue to
work to support this important charity
in his memory.
Kevin Prunty (Headteacher)
Copyright Cranford Community College © 2010 | Editor Director: Jessica Joyce | Graphic Designer: Enzo Gianvittorio | Printed by: schoolhousestudios.co.uk