Bedfordview January 2025

February 3, 2025

Bedfordview Grade 6 tackle their first unit of the year

The Grade 6 students are fully engaged in their first unit of inquiry, How We Organise Ourselves (HWOO), focusing on trade and economics. Kicking off the unit with an exciting game of Trade Wars, students were divided into continents, each with unique resources, and had to trade, form alliances, and conquer territories. This hands-on experience sparked lively discussions about global trade dynamics.

Following that, we explored landforms through a jigsaw reading activity, employing a flipped classroom approach to delve into the formation and characteristics of four main types of landforms. It's an exciting start to our inquiry journey!

Orientation Week 2025 Little seeds big impact at Crawford International Bedfordview College

As the school gates of Crawford International Bedfordview College opened for the first time in 2025, the atmosphere was filled with excitement, anticipation, and a shared commitment to embrace this year’s theme: Little Seeds, Big Impact. Orientation Week was nothing short of spectacular, packed with opportunities to foster connections, build community, and set the tone for another extraordinary year.

Students and staff dived headfirst into a series of engaging events and workshops, all designed to ensure a smooth transition into the new academic year. From assembly gatherings to group activities, every moment was infused with purpose and enthusiasm.

The highlight of these initial days was the energy and enthusiasm brought by our Grade 8 students and new students joining the CIB community. With open arms, they were welcomed into our family, a testament to the inclusive and supportive spirit that defines Crawford International Bedfordview. The itinerary also included opportunities for staff members, both seasoned and new, to connect and build camaraderie, reinforcing the collaborative culture that underpins our success.

A jampacked itinerary

Ice breakers that build bonds

To kick off the year, students and staff participated in a variety of ice-breaker activities. These thoughtfully designed games and exercises encouraged everyone to step out of their comfort zones and connect with one another.

Whether it was through team-building challenges, partner introductions, or light-hearted games, these moments fostered a sense of belonging that is at the heart of our CIB ethos. It was particularly special to see the excitement and nervous energy of the Grade 8 students as they mingled with their peers and seniors. The warmth and guidance of their fellow students ensured that any first-day jitters were quickly replaced by smiles and confidence.

Building school spirit and culture

A cornerstone of Orientation Week was our commitment to nurturing school spirit and a shared sense of purpose. During the week, students and staff collaborated on essential agreements, guiding principles that reflect our values and vision for the year ahead. These discussions served as a reminder that every individual contributes to shaping the culture of our school.

To further bolster our collective spirit, we introduced a series of war cry sessions that resonated through the campus. The vibrant energy, creativity, and unity displayed during these sessions reaffirmed that the CIB College spirit is alive and thriving in 2025. The passion and pride shown by students and staff alike set the tone for a year filled with collaboration, achievement, and joy.

The grand finale scavenger hunt adventure

The week culminated in an exhilarating scavenger hunt and amazing race challenge. Students were randomly grouped, encouraging them to forge new connections and work as a team. Armed with clues, they raced across the campus, solving riddles and completing challenges that led them to various landmarks and venues.

This activity was not only a test of teamwork and problem-solving but also a chance for students to explore and familiarise themselves with their school grounds. The smiles, laughter, and determination displayed by students were a testament to the success of the event.

The hunt concluded with a delightful picnic, providing an opportunity to reflect on the week’s events while enjoying some well-deserved relaxation. It was a perfect way to close out Orientation Week, leaving everyone energised and optimistic for the year ahead.

A bright year ahead

As we bid farewell to Orientation Week, we extend our best wishes to all our students and staff for a successful and rewarding 2025. The seeds planted during these initial days, through connection, collaboration, and a shared commitment to growth, will undoubtedly bear fruit as the year unfolds.

Here’s to another incredible year at Crawford International Bedfordview College, where little seeds truly do make a big impact.

CIB Preschool

We are thrilled to welcome our children back to another exciting school year at Crawford International Bedfordview. The first few weeks have been filled with joy, exploration and meaningful learning experiences.

We've begun our journey with the theme "Who We Are," focusing on self-discovery and understanding our emotions. The children have been exploring different emotions, expressing their feelings through art, and discussing what makes each of them unique. As part of this unit, they have drawn, moulded and built beautiful body images, highlighting the uniqueness of every individual.

Our preschoolers have been enjoying the great outdoors, basking in the sunshine, and engaging in various sensory activities. From playing with foam to exploring paint, the children have had wonderful sensory activities that stimulate their creativity and curiosity.

Music has been a significant part of our first weeks back, with the children delighting in songs and rhythms that enhance their learning experience. The joy of music has brought smiles and laughter to our classrooms.

At Crawford International Bedfordview, we celebrate the uniqueness of each child. Through our activities and units of inquiry, we emphasise the importance of self-identity and self-image, helping our students understand and appreciate their individuality.

We look forward to a wonderful year ahead, filled with learning, growth, and joyful moments.

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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.