What is Inquiry-Based Learning?

Improve Your Studying For Exams With These Tips Exam season is in full swing, and students across Crawford International are working hard to showcase their knowledge and skills. This period is a chance to reflect on academic growth and strive for personal bests. Performing well in exams not only marks academic success but also builds resilience and prepares students for future endeavours. To support students, we have compiled essential study tips for exams to make this busy time more manageable. Whether you are aiming to consolidate your learning or improve focus, these study methods for exams are designed to help you succeed. Start with a Plan Effective preparation lays the groundwork for productive study sessions. Begin by creating a study schedule that gives time to each subject based on its difficulty and your confidence level. Breaking down the syllabus and setting realistic goals ensures that all material is covered without feeling overwhelmed. Focus on Understanding, Not Just Memorising While memorisation has its place, understanding the material ensures it is retained long-term. Crawford International encourages students to engage deeply with content, using methods like summarising concepts in their own words or explaining topics to a peer. This makes how to study effectively for exams more meaningful and is especially useful for application-based questions. Practice with Past Papers Practising with past papers is invaluable for exam preparation. By going through these, students can familiarise themselves with the exam format, understand question trends, and refine their time management skills. This approach also helps pinpoint areas needing further revision. The Independent Examinations Board and the Department of Basic Education have archived past exam papers of the last five years, this is an accessible online resource which students may utilise. Take Breaks and Stay Active Long study sessions without breaks can lead to fatigue and reduced focus. Incorporate short breaks to refresh and include physical activities like stretching or a quick walk. These breaks boost concentration, making study sessions more productive. Look After Your Well-being Adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and staying hydrated can positively impact your cognitive performance. A healthy mind and body are essential for effective studying and help you stay calm and focused during exams. At Crawford International, we are dedicated to supporting our students throughout this exam period. Our teachers provide guidance, resources, and one-on-one support to help students reach their full potential. From structured revision sessions to a collaborative learning environment, we are here to ensure that every student has the tools they need for success. Best of luck to all our Crawford International students writing exams. Stay focused, trust in your preparation, and remember that perseverance is key.

What is Inquiry-Based Learning? Inquiry-based learning is an educational approach centred on encouraging students to explore questions, problems, and scenarios rather than being directly presented with facts. This method enables learners to take charge of their educational journey, prompting them to ask questions and seek answers through exploration, investigation, and collaboration. Unlike traditional, lecture-based instruction, IBL allows students to develop critical thinking skills as they actively engage in their learning process (Edutopia, 2023). What Are the Benefits of Inquiry-Based Learning? The benefits of inquiry-based learning are extensive, with positive effects on both academic and personal development. Research suggests that inquiry-based learning promotes a deeper understanding of content, as students are more likely to retain knowledge acquired through active exploration and problem-solving rather than passive listening (Bell et al., 2019). Moreover, students involved in inquiry-based learning develop essential skills, such as analytical thinking, creativity, and resilience, as they work to solve complex, open-ended questions. Inquiry-based learning is particularly effective in preparing students for real-world challenges by enhancing skills such as collaboration, communication, and adaptability. Studies have also shown that inquiry-based approaches help students build self-confidence and independence in their learning. By encouraging students to inquire and make discoveries, they gain a sense of ownership over their education, which can positively impact their motivation and engagement in school (Llewellyn, 2020). Does Crawford Utilise Inquiry-Based Learning in the Classroom? At Crawford International, inquiry-based learning is central to our educational philosophy. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, Crawford offers the IB curriculum from Pre-Primary to Preparatory levels, providing students with a foundation in inquiry-based approaches from their earliest years of learning. This methodology is especially evident in subjects such as Physical Sciences, where students engage in experiments and hands-on projects, and humanities, where they investigate real-world issues and reflect on diverse perspectives. Crawford’s commitment to inquiry-based learning aligns with its goal to equip students with the skills needed for success in an evolving world. Through inquiry-based learning students at Crawford gain confidence, develop critical skills, and discover a genuine passion for learning that prepares them academically and personally for future challenges.

10 Child Friendly Summer Activities With just six weeks left in the academic calendar and the year drawing to a close, many families are looking forward to a well-deserved break. As summer approaches, we have put together a list of child-friendly activities to make the holidays memorable. From family outings to engaging activities for teens and younger children, these ideas are tailored for our school community, ensuring plenty of fun and learning opportunities. Summer Activities to Do as a Family Beach Day and Sandcastle Competition South Africa boasts stunning beaches, from Clifton in Cape Town to Umhlanga in Durban. Spend a day building sandcastles, swimming, or exploring rock pools. Pack a picnic and enjoy the sun together as a family. Visit a Local Nature Reserve Explore South Africa’s biodiversity by visiting a nature reserve or national park. Parks like the Kruger National Park offer day trips where families can experience wildlife, have a braai, or simply enjoy the outdoors (SANParks, 2023). Outdoor Movie Night Set up a projector in your garden for a cosy family movie night under the stars. This simple activity creates lasting memories without leaving home and can be as elaborate or low-key as you like. Stargazing and Astronomy Night On a clear summer night, take the family outside to explore the night sky. Apps like SkyView Lite can help identify constellations, planets, and stars, making it a fun and educational experience. This activity encourages curiosity about science and the universe and is perfect for both kids and teens. Summer Activities for Kids 5. DIY Art and Crafts Day Gather some basic supplies and let the kids get creative with arts and crafts. Set up stations for painting, clay modelling, or making jewellery. Not only is this fun, but it also promotes fine motor skill development. 6. Learn-to-Swim Programmes Many local pools offer learn-to-swim courses during summer. Swimming is a valuable skill and an excellent way for kids to stay active in the heat. Look for heated pools nearby that run swimming programmes tailored for young children. 7. Library Story Time and Reading Challenges Visit your local library, which may offer holiday reading challenges and story time events. Libraries like the Johannesburg City Library often have children’s programmes to keep younger kids entertained and learning over the holidays. Summer Activities for Teenagers Join a Holiday Workshop Teens can explore interests like coding, photography, or cooking through holiday workshops. These sessions provide valuable skills and are available at youth centres across South Africa, often with a variety of topics to suit different interests. Outdoor Adventure Sports For active teens, outdoor options like mountain biking, zip-lining, or indoor rock climbing provide an exciting challenge. Areas like the Drakensberg offer trails and zip-lining courses suitable for beginners and adventurous teens (Adventure SA, 2023). Volunteer at a Local Charity Many charities and non-profits welcome youth volunteers during the summer holidays. Volunteering is a meaningful way for teens to give back to the community, develop leadership skills, and gain valuable experiences. With these ideas in mind, parents can ensure their children enjoy a balanced mix of fun and educational activities this summer. Whether it’s a simple day at the beach or learning a new skill, these activities provide enriching experiences for children of all ages.

The Importance of Block Play for Toddlers When we consider essential play activities for young children, block play often takes centre stage. This classic activity, involving building with wooden, plastic, or foam blocks, offers much more than just entertainment. For toddlers, block play is a cornerstone of early development, fostering a range of physical, cognitive, and social skills that lay the groundwork for future learning. At Crawford International, our holistic, play-based approach integrates activities like block play to support well-rounded development. What is Block Play? Block play is the process where young children stack, build, and arrange blocks, allowing them to create structures while developing motor skills and spatial awareness. This type of play falls within the constructive play stage, one of the key stages of play where children use materials to build or create something (Fleer, 2021). Constructive play helps children understand the physical properties of their environment, forming an early foundation for problem-solving and critical thinking. How Block Play Supports Stages of Childhood Play Development Aligned with recent insights into play-based learning, block play fits well within constructive play, often beginning as toddlers advance beyond solitary play into more interactive, purposeful play forms (O’Connor, 2020). During block play, toddlers start to engage in parallel play, where they play alongside peers without directly interacting, gradually moving into associative and even cooperative play as they reach preschool years. This gradual progression, from building alone to constructing shared structures with friends, enhances social and communication skills. Why is Block Play Important in Childhood Development? Block play plays a vital role in several key areas of development for young children: Physical Development Manipulating blocks builds fine motor skills as children learn to pick up, stack, and balance different shapes and sizes. This activity strengthens finger and hand muscles, supporting early writing skills and overall dexterity (Cohen & Emmons, 2021). Additionally, Crawford International’s Learn-to-Swim programme complements these fine motor skills by encouraging whole-body coordination, creating a balanced approach to physical development. Cognitive Development Block play helps children grasp fundamental concepts in maths and science. Through trial and error, toddlers learn about balance, gravity, and spatial awareness, discovering how structures work and why some designs are more stable than others (Trawick-Smith, 2021). As they group and sort blocks by colour, shape, and size, they lay the groundwork for early maths skills. At Crawford International, we incorporate early STEM concepts into play-based learning, encouraging young learners to explore and hypothesise within safe and engaging environments. Social and Emotional Development As children progress through stages of block play, they begin to engage in collaborative building, learning to share, take turns, and communicate ideas. This naturally fosters patience, cooperation, and confidence. At Crawford International, we prioritise these interactions by encouraging inclusive play in a nurturing environment, helping children to feel secure and supported as they develop social skills (Gibson et al., 2022). Creativity and Problem-Solving Block play nurtures creativity by giving children freedom to build whatever they imagine. Whether constructing a simple tower or an elaborate castle, they experiment with ideas, solve problems when structures fall, and exercise critical thinking to try again. Crawford International’s approach encourages this kind of innovative thinking early on, supporting creativity as a fundamental part of every child’s learning journey. Why Crawford International Embraces Block Play in Early Years Education At Crawford International, we understand that early education is about building more than just knowledge; it’s about building skills that empower lifelong learning. Our teachers use block play as an interactive tool that’s both engaging and educational, offering toddlers a unique opportunity to explore the world of shapes, sizes, and relationships in a fun, inclusive environment. With our IB framework, we bring an academically rigorous yet age-appropriate approach to all stages of early learning, preparing our youngest students for a future filled with discovery, curiosity, and a strong sense of self.

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Deciding what to study after high school is a significant step in shaping your future, but it can also be a challenging decision. At Crawford International, we understand that this journey is not always straightforward – and that’s okay. Here, we will explore why not knowing exactly what you want to study isn’t necessarily a bad thing and offer some tips to help you find your path. Not Knowing What to Study Isn’t a Bad Thing It’s natural to feel uncertain about what to study after high school. In fact, many students share this uncertainty. Rather than feeling pressured to decide right away, view this time as an opportunity to explore different interests and passions. Uncertainty can lead to self-discovery, allowing you to find what truly excites you. Remember, choosing a field of study is a significant decision, and it’s perfectly fine to take the time you need. How to Decide if Studying Further Is for You Before deciding on a university course, it’s important to determine whether further studies align with your goals. Ask yourself these questions: Do you enjoy learning new concepts and ideas? Are you passionate about a specific subject that requires further academic study? Is a university qualification necessary for the career you have in mind? If the answer is “yes” to most of these, then pursuing higher education might be the right path for you. However, if you are still unsure, consider taking a gap year to gain work experience, travel, or volunteer . This can provide insights into what you enjoy and whether a university education is necessary to achieve your goals. The World of Work Has Changed The world of work today is vastly different from what it was even a decade ago. We now see jobs that simply didn’t exist five to ten years ago, such as influencer marketing, data science, and app development. These careers have emerged as technology and digital platforms continue to evolve, creating new opportunities that were once unimaginable This raises an important question: Is what you are interested in even something that is offered at university? While traditional degrees remain valuable, some modern careers don’t always have a direct university pathway. For example, careers in digital content creation or social media management might benefit more from practical experience, online courses, or specialised certifications. Exploring alternative paths alongside traditional studies could be a strategic move for some students. Matching Your Interests and Hobbies with Potential Careers One of the best ways to decide what to study is to look at your hobbies and interests. Here are a few tips on how to do this: Reflect on Your Passions: What subjects do you enjoy most at school? Which extracurricular activities or hobbies bring you joy? Understanding what you are passionate about can guide you towards a field of study that you’ll love. Research Career Paths: Once you’ve identified your interests, research the different careers associated with them. For example, if you love technology, explore fields like software development or digital marketing. Talk to Teachers and Mentors: Your teachers can provide valuable insights into your strengths and suggest fields of study that might suit you. Don’t hesitate to ask for their advice—they can help you make an informed decision. It’s OK to Take Your Time Remember, choosing a course of study is not a race. Taking the time to explore your options can be incredibly beneficial. Rushing into a decision may lead to regret or the need to change courses later, which can be costly and time-consuming. By giving yourself the space to think about your interests, research your options, and seek advice, you’ll be better prepared to make a choice that aligns with your future goals. At Crawford International, we believe in supporting our students through every stage of their educational journey. Whether you are ready to dive into university studies or still exploring your options, we are here to help you make a choice that sets you on the path to success.

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Meet Dr Langa Twala - A Crawford Lonehill alumni taking quality healthcare to South Africa’s rural citizens Current occupation: Medical Doctor at the Tzaneen Mediclinic Hospital and Peacemed Medical Centre Further studies & qualifications: MBChB - Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery – University of Cape Town Post graduate qualifications in Basic and Essential Surgical Skills, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support and Paediatric Life Support. Currently reading towards an Ophthalmology specialization From the classroom to the operating room, Dr. Langa Twala’s journey from Crawford International Lonehill to the forefront of rural healthcare is nothing short of inspirational. Graduating with an impressive 8 distinctions in 2013, Langa wasted no time in pursuing his passion for medicine, earning his MBChB from the University of Cape Town in 2020. After completing his internship and community service, he now serves at Tzaneen Mediclinic Hospital and Peacemed Medical Centre, where he brings hope and healing to underserved rural communities. His work fuels his deep commitment to serving others. “As a medical professional, I pride myself on working in a rural setting where access to quality care is limited. It’s an honour and privilege to be a part of so many big moments in people’s lives, from the birth of a child to the passing of a loved one,” Langa reflects. On his Crawford journey Langa credits the quality of education and the support of his teachers and peers at Crawford International Lonehill in preparing him for life in the real world. “It is often said that a good high school should prepare you for post school studies, however Crawford - in many ways - prepared me for life. In addition to the high standard of academics, the guiding principles instilled in me at Crawford have stood the test of time.” Throughout his school career, Langa loved the individuality and autonomy that students were instilled with. “I was fully aware that I was captain of my own fate and responsible for my outcomes, which taught me a great deal of self-discipline. As I transitioned from high school to university, I never got the sense that I was drowning or that the jump to varsity was too big. Teachers and management staff in Crawford offered support even beyond the classroom. The care and interest that they showed encouraged me to choose a life of service as well, which I have never regretted.” As SRC President at Crawford, Langa was instrumental in launching the very first ‘Crawford’s Got Talent’, an event run by and for the students, with all proceeds going to charity. The support received from the staff was immense, and Langa had no idea how mammoth a task it would be to coordinate so many moving parts. This invaluable experience empowered him with valuable skills that he would use long into his tenure as Health Sciences Students Council (HSSC) Chairperson at UCT. Making a difference while at med school Langa’s leadership abilities only grew at UCT, where he chaired the Health Sciences Students Council and sat on upwards of 10 university leadership structure committees, including with the Vice Chancellor. He also contributed to the reigniting of the Mayosi Impilo Student Bursary Fund in his tenure as HSSC Chairperson at UCT - the fund has since continued running strong through the commitment of many stakeholders, ensuring future generations of healthcare professionals have the support they need. Langa’s leadership has earned him both local and international accolades, including the prestigious Kerry Capstick-Dale Leadership Award. Langa’s proudest achievement stems from his various leadership roles at UCT and seeing the doctors and therapists who today are serving their communities in part because he played a small a role in ensuring they were not financially or academically excluded through helping to reform policies. What’s next? Looking ahead, Langa dreams of expanding his reach in healthcare, specifically by bringing much-needed eye surgeries to rural areas. “Being able to give the gift of sight would be incredible,” he says. Soon to be married, Langa’s personal goals are just as meaningful as his professional ones - hoping to be a loving husband, devoted family man, best son and brother to his siblings. When he is not serving and caring for people in hospital, he is serving them as a minister in his church congregation.  Personal reflections To current Crawford students, Langa offers this advice: “Make the best use of your time and the resources that you have at your disposal at Crawford. There is a wealth of knowledge and experience surrounding you, but it needs you to tap into it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t be afraid not to know every answer, even about yourself or where you want to go. Be anchored by your principles and the people around you who are in your corner and want to help you succeed. Also remember, there are many different variations of success.” Dr. Langa Twala is the embodiment of Crawford’s values – a solid work ethic, compassion, accountability and leadership. His journey reminds us that the impact we can make in people’s lives is limitless.