Cranford Review 2014

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Duke of Edinburgh Award Three In February <strong>2014</strong> I was able, with great pride, to witness the Awards ceremony for all our students who have now completed either the Bronze or Silver D of E qualification. We are now in our 3rd year of the programme and each year the team who apply to take part in the challenge in addition to their studies, gets stronger and more determined, as do the staff that support them. At the start of each new expedition, I always wonder if this time there will be someone who will give up or fail to finish, but to date, I can honestly say they have all made it through and achieved so much personally in doing so. Year 10 Bronze expedition is... just a walk in the park When we went to New Forest, Hampshire, we embarked on an enduring experience that many Pupils of us would not forget. 18 Walking 14.8km on the first day was a painful thought because most pupils were not prepared for a hike, but with a positive mind and pure determination shown by all the pupils, the distance no longer seemed like a trek but almost like a ‘walk in the park’. Obviously, we had to stay alert on our route; being cautious of where we were and where we were heading. One part of the course that we trekked through was Beaulieu Heath Airfield which, during WW2 was used as a bomber and fighter airfield for pilots to take off from. Ending the final day of the expedition on Lepe Beach made the course worthwhile as this was a significant place where the D day landings left from. We were also able to enjoy ourselves after two days of hard work; it allowed us to break free from this mind set of just getting things done to relaxation and the pleasure that we finished. The spirits of the pupils were raised and the general atmosphere was a lot more jubilant, lively and upbeat. The Duke of Edinburgh expedition is not to be taken lightly as it requires self-confidence, dedication and a drive to get things completed. Being able to communicate with your team members is vital as along the course, you have to overcome obstacles and establish routes to take to get back on track without losing focus. Sabina Viera (year 10) ...an experience The Duke of Edinburgh Award was an exhilarating experience that included a turbulence of emotions. To complete this phenomenal journey, it was imperative to learn a physical skill and a different new skill; you also had to do 6 months of volunteering which took determination, before you could go on the expedition. Our practice expedition in March <strong>2014</strong> was slightly cold and even though we were out of our comfort zones we had each other and got a great taste of the real expedition; even though all three groups got a little lost, it was worth it. On our real expedition which lasted two days and one night there were many ups and downs, but definitely happier times. On our first day large numbers of kilometres were covered which was very enjoyable. Arriving at the campsite was a massive relief as the gigantic bags on our backs could be thrown on to the unkind, hard ground allowing us to set up our tents and relax our drastically tired bodies. Whilst excitingly wandering around the campsite and trying to fill ourselves up with never ending food (so our bags would be lighter the next day) humour was aroused and unforgettable stories were told. The aggravating rain did not help us sleep and carried on during the morning. The second day took less time due to the shorter distance, but was equally fun. Overall, the whole spectacular experience was amazing as we developed various skills and talents which we never knew we had, we also learnt several new things, and now have countless new stories to tell that will stick with us for the rest of our lives. Aarina Babra (year 10)
steps to Gold This year we have our first cohort of students who will complete their Gold D of E qualification; some may even do so by Christmas. This is amazing and will provide them with additional points for their university applications and increase their life chances. As we begin a new academic year I look forward to the next group of enthusiastic year 10 students who want to join our roll of honour and learn what it is to take on the wonderful challenges of doing the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. Simon Dean (Assistant Head of School / D of E Leader) Year 11 Silver expedition is... A time for Adventure Our Duke of Edinburgh expeditions never fail to be a time of adventure, perplexity but most of all, enjoyment. By the time we got the campsite, it was pitch black. One of the biggest challenges came before we had even started walking: putting up a tent in the dark. Pegs, poles and pyjamas were the talk of the campsite before we all settled down and rested our heads for the long hike ahead. In true country style, we were, frustratingly, woken up by our birdy friends. After packing up all of our gear again, we set off on our quest… to get back to the campsite – today’s walk was one big circle. Think it was easy? Read on… During our walk, we encountered an array of animals from squirrels to horses (we attempted a ‘selfie’ with one but it didn’t quite work out). Being so near the coast, the ground was exceptionally muddy so we tried to avoid the wet ground, where possible. However, we squelched through a patch of extremely wet mud and Gabby’s shoe got ‘stuck in the mud’ (literally). As a team, we frantically pulled it out while Zahra supported Gabby on one leg in an attempt to keep her sock dry. Continuing to trudge along, the morale of the group began to drop: we were lost and ready to give up. So, we did what Group 1 always does in a situation like this – eat. As if by magic, once we arose from our state of despair, we hit the main road. On our last leg of the journey, we naïvely took a sort of shortcut that was to prove a really bad decision. After taking our first step in the horrific salt marsh, we felt the liquid rise through our supposedly ‘100% waterproof’ shoes (we’re all suing our shoe manufacturers). When we got back to the campsite, we desperately tried to dry our soggy socks and wet trousers before cooking our dinner: hot dogs. Despite walking for over 9 hours, we couldn’t get to sleep and resorted to more singing (again). Our second day was rather relaxed as far as expeditions go; the land was generally flat and the walk wasn’t very long. Our massive sigh of relief when we saw the school minibus was truly a photographic moment. We had done it. We’d completed our Silver DofE. Luckily, we ended up on Lepe Beach where we spent a couple of hours relaxing as well as watching the swash arrive at the coastline (GCSE Geography came in use). To top it of, a certain someone performed a re-enactment of Beyoncé’s ‘Drunk In Love ’ – it certainly wasn’t me. Aside from the long walks in the heat, the disputes over which was the north and the rough nights (with badgers trying to steal our food), all of our Duke of Edinburgh expeditions have been a truly incredible experience that have allowed us to develop as young individuals. Will we do Gold? We’ll have to see… Alexinder Riyat (year 11) 19
Page 1 and 2: 2013 2014 Cranford Review
Page 3 and 4: Introducing the Student Leadership
Page 5 and 6: My name is Ravleen Thakker and I wa
Page 7 and 8: ILL-Abilities The “ILL-Abilities
Page 9 and 10: “NOfA, National Orchestra for All
Page 11 and 12: The Drama Department... 2013-2014 h
Page 13 and 14: SPORTS - Brentford Football Club In
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Page 17 and 18: The Mark Of The Shadow… The wet b
Page 19: looking for Mr Myers and Suban, whe
Page 23 and 24: Ciphers module and Computing GCSE.
Page 25 and 26: Tracey Fletcher Award winner 2014
Page 27 and 28: ADT trip to Cornwall Eden Project T
Page 29 and 30: The Annual Sixth Form RE Conference
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Page 35 and 36: “I learnt about the military and
Page 37 and 38: “Assault Course - we got an idea
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Page 41 and 42: Year 12 Monopoly Challenge - Monday
Page 43 and 44: A message from Ms Suri ...and so th

Cranford Review 2014

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