Bedfordview Jan 2024

February 26, 2024

Crawford Cares

Crawford Cares, led by students from grades 6 to 10 along with Ms Manganye, is making a big difference by collecting old books and stationery for a disadvantaged school in Alexandra. This initiative not only helps the students in need but also promotes the joy of reading by providing them with access to a variety of reading materials.

By gathering old reading books, Crawford Cares is igniting the spirit of reading among these students, opening doors to new worlds, knowledge, and imagination. Reading is a crucial skill that empowers individuals and enhances their educational journey.

Moreover, by providing stationery, they're enabling these students to engage more effectively in their studies, breaking down barriers to learning and fostering a supportive environment for academic growth.

This act of kindness and generosity showcases the compassion and empathy of the students and Ms Manganye, as they selflessly give their time and effort to support others in need. It's heartwarming to see young individuals taking proactive steps to make a positive impact in their community, embodying the values of empathy, solidarity, and service. Crawford Cares serves as an inspiring example for others to follow, demonstrating the power of unity and collective action in creating a better, more inclusive world.

Drum Busters and a New Chapter

Our Grade 8 students have embarked on an exciting new chapter in their lives. Formerly the biggest kids in the playground, they now find themselves as the smallest fish in the pond. Teachers are already discussing the importance of "preparing them for Matric," and in just a year's time, students will begin contemplating which subjects they wish to pursue. Alongside these changes, their interests are evolving, and socially, they are transitioning from being mere kids to individuals grappling with complex emotions that will shape their journey into adulthood. It's a thrilling transitional period.

To mark the beginning of this journey, the Grade 8s recently participated in an engaging Drum Busters session aimed at simulating a musical solution to their busy and sometimes chaotic lives. The activity commenced with students learning to beat to different rhythms, creating a simple harmony. As their familiarity with the rhythms grew, so did the complexity of the task. They navigated changing lead rhythms, laughed over mistakes, and experienced a dynamic musical journey. After mastering the basic skills, the grade was divided into colour-coded groups. Each colour followed a specific rhythm, resulting in a harmonious blend that couldn't be achieved with a single beat. Individual students were then highlighted to play and swap new and unique musical instruments in ever rising and falling beats and rhythms before the session concluded.

Beneath the light-hearted surface of this activity lie many of the essential skills and concepts that students will acquire throughout their high school journey and beyond. In a world evolving at the speed of electrons passing through an internet modem, merely memorising a single rhythm or task risks leaving students behind. Over the next few years, your sons and daughters will learn to research, adapt, and design the beat to their own drum— and they will be learning how to do this collaboratively as a team. In an era where social media connects us more than ever but also leaves us lonelier, it's crucial to remember that even the most skilled individuals lack enough hands to create a noteworthy harmony.

Often, teenagers are exposed to a world of superficial excellence in digital spaces that celebrate self-indulgence. It's essential to remember that the myth of the lone genius is just that—a myth. Michelangelo collaborated with a team of artisans, Einstein's theories relied on critical Mathematicians, and every great film involves numerous professionals in the credits. Great achievements require teamwork, and a single rhythm pales in comparison to the simplest of melodies. The complex social experiences of the teenage years may have their fair share of mishaps, which can hopefully be laughed over in the future. Keeping this in mind, your children will mature into creatively adaptive team players and leaders.

On this note, we leave you with a sense of hope as the Grade 8s embark on this exciting new chapter. While we cannot predict the hypothetical musical instruments they may try, stumble upon, and eventually master, what we do know is that they will be prepared for the challenges that adulthood and life will present to them.

A boy in a tuxedo is playing a drum in a group of children.

A group of people are standing on a stage playing drums.

Spreading Kindness and Love at Crawford International Bedfordview

The 14th February 2024, was a day filled with love and kindness at Crawford International Bedfordview. The school was a sea of white, red, and pink as students and staff came together to celebrate Valentine's Day in a special way.

Management took a heartwarming initiative by deciding to close the school early, at 12 pm, so that everyone could spend more time with their families. This thoughtful gesture was greatly appreciated by all and highlighted the school's commitment to fostering a caring and supportive community.

The spirit of kindness continued the following day as children from Grades 1 to 3 and college students embarked on a sweet project. They worked diligently to create chocolate hearts, melting the chocolate, pouring it into moulds, and carefully wrapping each heart in red foil. These handcrafted treats were then placed in red bags, ready to be given to someone special.

These two days were not only about making chocolate hearts or wearing themed colours. They were a beautiful reminder of the importance of kindness and caring for others. Through these activities, students learned the joy of giving and the impact small acts of kindness can have on others. It's experiences like these that contribute to the holistic development of students, fostering empathy, compassion, and a sense of community.

Crawford International Bedfordview continues to be a place where values like kindness and love are not only taught but also lived out every day. These initiatives serve as a testament to the school's commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who will make a positive difference in the world.

A group of children are sitting at a table with pots of food.

A woman is teaching a young boy how to make chocolate.

A group of children are preparing food in a classroom.

A woman is teaching two children how to cook in a classroom.

A young boy is holding a heart shaped lollipop in a classroom.

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Teacher Spotlight: Mr Chris Herbst Afrikaans Teacher at Crawford International Sandton

April 25, 2025

A Lifelong Educator Mr Chris Herbst has spent 41 years in the classroom. With a Bachelor of Education from the University of the Witwatersrand, he has taught countless learners over the decades. He joined Crawford International Sandton in 1999 and currently teaches Afrikaans to students from Grade 8 to Grade 12. His role spans across five different year groups, a challenge he embraces. “I have my hands full as I navigate the excitement and challenges of teaching an additional language to five different grades,” he says. Why Teaching Still Matters For Mr Herbst, teaching is not a job. It is something he feels deeply connected to. “Teaching is my great passion and calling. The classroom is where I find my motivation and inspiration,” he shares. “When we have a really good lesson and I see our students leave having learned something new, or figured out a challenging concept, then I am motivated and inspired all over again.” These everyday moments keep him grounded in his purpose. They are the quiet victories that reaffirm his place in the classroom. Freedom to Teach with Meaning Mr Herbst values Crawford’s approach to learning, particularly the way it supports teacher agency and student-centred learning. “I love the fact that the focus is student-centred, and that as teachers we have the freedom and the responsibility to create a teaching and learning environment that works best for every learning need,” he says. He believes this flexibility allows for learning to become more meaningful. “If I identify that a particular topic or poem has piqued the interest of my class, I have the freedom to delve deeper and really explore the subject matter without being bound by rigid syllabus rules and time frames.” Connecting Language to the Real World Teaching Afrikaans in a school where it is often an additional language means finding ways to make it resonate. Mr Herbst understands that for many students, the subject may not come naturally. “For many students, learning another language may initially feel like a requirement rather than a passion,” he explains. To bridge that gap, he brings the language to life through content that students can relate to. “It’s important to integrate engaging, real-world content such as music, movies, and stories that align with the students’ interests.” These tools, he believes, help students see the language in context and build an emotional connection to it. A Teaching Legacy Over the course of his career, Mr Herbst has taught more than one generation in the same family. It is a milestone he reflects on with pride. “I have taught students who are now parents, and I am teaching their children today. It doesn’t get better than that.” But what stands out most for him is being remembered. “By far my biggest kick is when a past student recognises me and comes over to strike up a conversation and talk about their life and work after school.”

10 Reasons Why Early Childhood Development is Important

By ADvTECH Group • April 15, 2025

The 10 reasons why the first six years of a child's life are crucial when it comes to early childhood development, read all about it in this article.

One to one correspondence

By Ashmita Mistry • April 8, 2025

Crawford schools blog article on one-to-one correspondence in early development and the importance of this developmental skill that adults take for granted.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK

March 28, 2025

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK Crawford International Sandton From the classrooms of Crawford International Sandton to the forefront of aeronautical engineering in the Netherlands, Dylan Bizjak’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and innovation . Pursuing a Passion for Engineering After matriculating in 2019, Dylan initially pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University. However, six months into his studies, a new opportunity emerged, one that would take him beyond South Africa’s borders. He secured a place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Netherlands, where he embraced the challenge of international study, even navigating his first year remotely due to the pandemic. Now a graduate with a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (2024), Dylan has stepped into the professional world, joining Eve Reverse, a pioneering start-up dedicated to climate-positive innovation. What began as an internship in his final year evolved into a full-time role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he contributes to the creation of sustainable, carbon-negative materials. His proudest achievement? Playing a key role in the development of the Eve Dry Tile, an innovative flax fibre material designed to reduce emissions and waste in manufacturing. Achievements at Crawford International Sandton Gareth Beach Award (2019) – Recognised for bravery, dedication, self-development and outstanding achievement in swimming. Sportsman of the Year (2019) – Acknowledged for excellence in swimming, basketball and boxing. Reflections on Crawford Dylan credits his time at Crawford for preparing him for both academic and personal success on the global stage. “Crawford’s approach equips you for university and beyond, whether in South Africa or internationally. It’s not just about academics but about becoming a well-rounded critical thinker and team player. Exposure to diverse cultures, teamwork, individuality and taking responsibility for my outcomes were invaluable lessons I carried with me.” Words of Wisdom To his younger self, Dylan would say: “Step out of your comfort zone sooner. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Leaving home was tough, but the personal and professional growth was worth every stumble along the way.” Dylan’s story is a testament to courage, hard work and the power of embracing the unknown. From South Africa to the Netherlands, he is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.