Crawford Times 60 ONLINE

Keeping the inside track by ‘walking the talk’
The Greek philosopher Socrates could have been
describing a Crawford classroom when he explained
that the best and most lasting way to bring latent
knowledge to awareness was through the process of
continual questioning and unconventional inquiry. Two
thousand years ago, he had already provided an
answer to the potential dangers of relying on shallow
information, when he said it was essential to apply
our minds to real questions and problems and, in the
process, create new knowledge; to develop wisdom
through honest debate, and to let the great unexpected
disrupters – imagination, spontaneity and revelation
– enable us to see the world differently and, most
importantly, to change and improve it.
Recently, our Preparatory schools entered into the
candidacy phase of the International Baccalaureate
Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), which provides a
transdisciplinary framework focused on the development
of the whole child as an inquirer, both at school and
beyond. The programme places a powerful emphasis on
inquiry-based learning, challenging students to think for
themselves and to take responsibility for their learning as
they explore local and global issues; and opportunities
in real-life contexts. The IB PYP programme aligns closely
with Crawford’s commitment to developing students’
academic, social and emotional well-being, focusing on
international-mindedness and strong personal values.
At college level, students are expected to continue
thinking critically by weighing evidence and facts. They
come up with their own thoughts and opinions without
undue influence from anyone else and recognise their
responsibility to pursue deep and meaningful learning.
As Albert Einstein said: “Great spirits have always found
violent opposition from mediocrities. The latter cannot
understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit
to hereditary prejudices, but honestly and courageously
uses his intelligence”. Crawfordians are encouraged
to challenge convention, to question norms and to be
innovative, ambitious and courageous.
The continuing contributions and achievements of our
Crawford alumni, both locally and globally, provide
conclusive evidence that Crawford does indeed
‘walk the talk’ in preparing confident, creative and
contributing individuals who can play a significant role
in their communities. Their successes at some of the
most competitive universities in the world, in leading
entrepreneurial enterprises and as thought leaders
who challenge the status quo, are evidence of the
CrawfordSchools difference. And when you also
consider that the oldest alumni who have enjoyed a full
Every child a masterpiece | 17