Cranford Review 2021

use it”. To ensure students were still receiving
an opportunity to develop scientific skills the
department incorporated use of PHET and
Java simulations into lessons to allow students
to continue developing their observational
skills through these online investigations.
This allowed students to model scientific
investigations and change parameters in an
experiments just as they would do in school.
A feedback poll was completed by students
across all year groups about their experience
of science lessons in a remote environment in
which an impressive 367 pupils responded. In
this poll students voiced that they knew they
were making progress in their live lessons
as they were now able to do things that they
could not do before. They could also see an
improvement in their marks when completing
exam questions. Students enjoyed their lessons
as they were able to converse with their teachers
and they liked the use of Kahoot and Nearpod
as these allowed them to actively engage in
the lesson. These responses enthused our
staff to deliver high quality lessons where the
teacher demonstrates good subject knowledge,
highlighting misconceptions and strong use of
questioning using interactive tools. Students
were offered scaffolded tasks and given lots of
praise and encouragement to engage with the
lesson and also to work independently.
As with an ever changing COVID climate
students returned to school in March 2021 and
the departmental focus was shifted back to
creating a positive learning climate in line with
the department ethos to ensure contact time
with students was maximised whilst supporting
students with their adjustment back into normal
routines. Alongside their return to school there
were opportunities to promote science capital
that had been put on pause. These included a
national STEM week and a lecture from a guest
speaker in the medical and research field, both
designed to inspire our students and for them
to see real world impact of science.
The science department would like to take this
time to thank students for continuing to show
resilience this year and adapting to changes
in school and during remote learning. You
endeavoured to work hard and concentrate
in live on-line lessons which itself was quite
intensive. The positive attitude you have shown
this year in science is commendable and we
looking forward to building on your love for
science next year.
Amrat Atwal and Seema Mehmi (Heads of
Science Department)
Science
Testimonials
Period 0 Activity
I really enjoyed all experiments.
It was so fun and engaging. My
favourite experiment was the
rainbow boiling tube because
it was so cool to see how acids
can make a rainbow. All the
experiments were fun. It was
fun to enjoy the experiment with
many people. We learnt many
new things. Cranford Community
College is a enjoyable place to
learn new things especially doing
many experiments.
Palveer Layal (year 7)
My definition of science is the
way of learning about life. I am
grateful to be chosen as a student
to attend a morning of fun. We
did practices using acids, making
a rainbow in a test tube, and
seeing static electricity and how
colour spreads to make beautiful
patterns.
I enjoyed the rainbow practical as
it showed how 0.5 ml of salt added
to acid could make a rainbow.
Science has shown a different
perspective to what we believe.
Experiments are fun but also show
how science has evolved for us to
gain greater understanding.
Sofia Bisnauthsing (year 7)
I really enjoyed the science session
as it was really fun and was a way
to get our minds thinking. I think
my favourite experiment was the
rainbow in a boiling tube as it was
really interesting to see a rainbow
.This was so much fun and my
group made one! This has inspired
me to become a scientist and this
shows how great science is at
Cranford Community College.
Jagroop Layal (year 7)
SCIENCE
I really enjoyed the ‘Rainbow
Fizz’ practical because I got to
learn about the different acids and
how the reactions occurred. The
science experiments at Cranford
overall are really enjoyable as
they allow me to understand
science practically, as well as
have fun.
Jasleen Ghattoray (year 7)
#
15