Changes in technology, society, the economy and family dynamics mean that it is essential for schools of all types to move with the times, but not all schools are able to do this effectively.
Whilst schools like Cranleigh are built on tradition, the freedoms available in the independent sector mean that it is very much easier and more likely that they can embrace innovation.
One area where this is most needed is the ‘transition years’ between Primary and Secondary, which children and families often find challenging. The uncertainty of settling into a new school environment, with different expectations and priorities can prove to be a barrier to some pupils making good progress. It is important that these transition years don’t become ‘lost years’.
Sam Price, Head at Cranleigh School, says: “The changes we are working on are really starting to make a difference here. Our pupils move from Prep to Senior seamlessly because we are effectively one school on two sites on either side of the road. This is a transition that we are able to handle particularly well. Children get the best of both worlds. Our two sites offer a huge range of different experiences, but our values and expectations are shared. It’s about accelerating pupil progress in the crucial ‘middle years’. Our ethos is based on a belief that everyone is capable of outstanding academic performance. It’s not about us being highly selective, it is about our breadth of opportunities for pupils to develop and demonstrate their abilities, not just in the classroom but well beyond.”
The most significant change in Cranleigh’s offering in the past twelve months has been the development of the Cranleigh Diploma, studied at Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced level, starting at Prep and progressing to Senior and embedded alongside traditional academic subjects, complementing what’s being learned by offering real-world applications for the knowledge and skills being taught.
Will Newman, Prep Head at Cranleigh School, said: “We’ve thoughtfully reimagined our curriculum. Our Foundation Diploma provides the essential academic stretch whilst building the confidence, collaboration and leadership skills that we know every child needs. In science, for example, the theme of space gives pupils a chance to explore the Big Bang, molecular formation, forces and the potential for life on other planets. In financial literacy classes, pupils work well ahead of national recommendations, using the mathematics they’re learning to budget for travel and events while practising essential spreadsheet and formula skills.”
The Diploma provides that ‘golden thread’ of continuity, giving pupils a head start in learning and personal growth whilst fostering a sense of ambition, individuality and belonging that stay with pupils as they move from one year group to the next.
Mrs Price continued: “As pupils move from the Prep to the Senior sites, what they have learned and experienced at Foundation level becomes even more aligned with the real world and what employers are looking for. There are enterprise, finance and public speaking opportunities. An awareness of the stock market and how trading works is a weekly experience for our Sixth Formers. Teaching is strong, guidance is personal. Pupils consistently improve in every subject, whatever their starting point. They grow in independence but support is always close by. For us it is about anticipating the skills and values young people need to thrive and creating opportunities so they can stretch themselves”.
