There is no doubt that teaching and learning in the classroom and academic excellence is a cornerstone of life at school. This is reflected in Cranford’s exceptional results and value-added scores. However, at Cranford, life is about so much more than simple academic success.
The aim is to support the development of confident, well-rounded young people, imbued with a spirit of enquiry, strong moral compass and the conviction to dare to challenge themselves to be the best they can be.
The Cranford Pathway sits at the heart of school life. It represents a roadmap for pupils on their individual journey through school life. These opportunities are designed to offer their pupils ways to expand their learning, build confidence and explore their sense of curiosity.
All pupils play an active role in the extra-curricular life of the school. Our aim is to ensure that there is something for everyone - offering breadth, variety and most importantly lots of opportunities for pupils to have fun and challenge themselves at school. With over 100 clubs taking place in school each week, 200+ peripatetic music lessons, an average 30+ going out on fixtures and so much more, our community is a hive of activity throughout the day!
It is an expectation of life at Cranford that pupils will get involved in the fullest range of activity on offer, finding their own individual route that will enable them to have fun and enjoy their days at school, whilst challenging themselves.
All pupils are required to participate in at least one activity each term beyond the core curriculum and that is monitored, reviewed and discussed as part of the 1:1 support provided to pupils.
At Cranford we place a great emphasis on developing independent, happy and reflective learners. To support pupils in building this independence our Pathway programme encourages pupils to reflect on personal goals that have been agreed with their tutor and challenge themselves to take up new activities.
The small group and 1:1 mentoring support offered within the Pathway is a critical aspect of the pastoral care that is so central to school life. We are a small school and place the greatest emphasis on knowing each individual young person and supporting them in achieving their goals. We want our pupils to challenge themselves to try new activities, seek new challenges and live according to our school motto: Per Salicem ad Alta (through the willow to the heights). Pupils meet with their mentor twice each half term to review progress against their personal goals and set new targets for the year ahead.
