Dear SCWA Community,
As we reflect on the past week, I am filled with immense pride for the breadth of accomplishments and experiences our students have engaged in, embodying the core values of scholarship, fellowship, and leadership.
Our A-Level Politics students’ engagement at the Westminster Conference brought to life the theoretical aspects of their studies, highlighting the value of scholarship through direct involvement in political discourse. The resounding success of “Chasing the Sky” dance production showcased not only the artistic talent within our community but also the spirit of fellowship. Over 500 students from our academy and local primary schools came together, demonstrating the power of collaboration and the strength of our community ties.
In sports, our Year 7 girls’ football team’s historic victory in the Kent Cup Final and our cross-country team’s impressive performance in the London School Finals are testaments to leadership and perseverance. These achievements underscore the importance of teamwork, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.
As we move into week five, we are presented with two significant events that further our commitment to excellence in education: the Challenge Partner Review and our Key Stage 4 Options Information Evening. The former will allow us to reflect on our practices and strive for continuous improvement, while the latter will provide our students and their families with crucial information to make informed choices about their future studies.
Best wishes,
Joseph Sparks | Principal, Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy
KS4 Options Information Evening
Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy is hosting a KS4 Options Information Evening for Year 9 students and their parents/carers on Monday, 18 March 2024, at 18:30. This virtual event is designed to provide comprehensive information on the subjects and qualifications available as students transition from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4.
The purpose of the evening is to guide students and parents through the selection process, ensuring they are well-informed about the academic pathways and opportunities ahead. Recognising the importance of accessibility to this information, the presentation will be recorded. This ensures that those who are unable to attend live or wish to review the details later can easily access the information. A link to the virtual event is available below.
Challenge Partners Quality Assurance Review Scheduled at SCWA
Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy is set to undergo a Quality Assurance Review from Monday, 18 March to Wednesday, 20 March 2024, conducted by Challenge Partners. This organisation is renowned for its annual quality assurance reviews, aiming to foster continuous improvement within schools. The review will be led by an expert reviewer, accompanied by a team of headteachers and senior leaders from within the Challenge Partners network. The process is designed to be collaborative, which involves joint review activities and agreed outputs to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.
Mr Sparks, Principal of SCWA, expressed his anticipation for the review, stating, “We look forward to showcasing the excellent work that goes on at SCWA and sharing the valuable feedback with our community thereafter. This review represents an opportunity for SCWA to highlight its achievements and identify areas for further development.”
A-Level Politics Students Attend Westminster Conference
On Monday, 11 March 2024, Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy’s Year 12 and 13 A-Level Politics students had the privilege of attending a conference at Methodist Central Hall in Westminster. Located just moments from the iconic Houses of Parliament and the Supreme Court Building, this event offered our students an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the heart of UK politics.
The conference featured a diverse panel of speakers from across the political spectrum, including Wes Streeting (Shadow Secretary for Health and Social Care), Jacob Rees-Mogg (Conservative MP), Zack Polanski (Deputy Leader of the Green Party), Lord Dubs, and Richard Tice (Leader of Reform UK). This range of perspectives sparked lively questions, discussions, and debates among our students, touching on various issues within the A-Level specification and beyond.
Additionally, students had the unique opportunity to pose questions to Alister Campbell and Rory Stewart, former politicians turned political analysts and hosts of The Rest is Politics podcast. Mr Spark, Assistant Principal, said “Our students showed respect for the diverse views presented and made thoughtful contributions to the discussions. This experience not only enriched their understanding but also provided a practical context to the theoretical aspects of their A-Level course, making for a highly positive and enjoyable learning experience.”
Alpaca Walking Experience: Year 8 Sherwood Students’ Countryside Adventure
A group of six Year 8 Sherwood students from Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy recently embarked on an Alpaca Walking Experience in the Kent countryside. The activity began with some initial nervousness among the students, which soon transformed into confidence. This unique learning experience not only brought the students closer to nature but also showcased their resilience and adaptability.
“This experience is a powerful testament to the enriching benefits of outdoor learning, offering our students invaluable opportunities to develop skills beyond the classroom setting,” stated Ms Blayney, the trip organiser. “The overwhelmingly positive feedback from this adventure reinforces our commitment to providing diverse experiences that foster our students’ holistic development.”
SCWA’s “Chasing the Sky” Dance Production: A Resounding Success
Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy’s annual dance production, “Chasing the Sky,” held on Wednesday, 13, and Thursday, 14 March 2024, was a resounding success, captivating over 700 viewers across two nights. With the participation of over 500 students from the local community, the event underscored the academy’s dedication to fostering collaborative relationships with local primary schools.
Mr Sparks, the Principal, praised the effort and commitment demonstrated throughout the production: “The production was a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, with special recognition owed to the significant contributions from our dance leaders. Their roles in organising and guiding participants were pivotal,” he said. “Their leadership truly exemplifies the values that are at the heart of Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy, and they played a crucial role in the success of both evenings.”
Mr Sparks also extended special acknowledgements to key figures behind the scenes: “I would like to acknowledge Fran Allen, Director of Team 2012 (Sport), and Allison Pleckinger, Dance Instructor, for the countless hours that went into coordinating ‘Chasing the Sky.’ Without their dedication, this event would not have been possible.”
Year 7 Girls Football Team Shares Historic Victory in Kent Cup Final
On Saturday, 9 March 2024, the Year 7 girls’ football team from Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy competed in the Kent Cup Final against Simon Langton Grammar School for Girls. The match, held at Herne Bay Football Club on the Kent coast, ended in a draw, with both teams demonstrating exceptional skill and competitiveness throughout the game.
In the first half, Simon Langton secured a lead by scoring a goal 10 minutes before the break. However, following a strategic half-time discussion, Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy displayed remarkable determination. This resolve paid off when Lyla scored an equaliser from a corner kick in the second half, bringing the match to a draw.
As a result of the draw, both teams were declared joint winners, sharing the trophy. This marks a significant milestone for Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy, as it is the first time the school has achieved this honour in the event’s history. This achievement highlights the school’s strong sports programme and the dedication of its students and staff.
SCWA Secures Second Place at London School Cross Country
During the London School Cross Country Finals held at Avery Hill Park, six students from Years 7 and 8, along with two students from Year 10 representing Greenwich, demonstrated exceptional resilience and athleticism under some of the most challenging weather conditions seen in the past five years. The event, characterised by a very wet and muddy course, saw participants from Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy contributing significantly to the team’s performance. Despite the adverse weather and difficult terrain, the runners completed the course, securing second place overall.
“The efforts of our team culminated in securing an impressive second-place result, a testament to their hard work and resilience under some of the most challenging conditions we’ve faced. I extend my congratulations to all the runners and marshals from Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy who participated in and supported this event. Their dedication truly highlights our academy’s commitment to fostering sporting excellence and teamwork,” stated Ms Blayney, the Trip Organiser.
Year 10 Students Excel at Maths Feast Competition
Four talented students from Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy participated in the Year 10 Maths Feast, an event organised as part of the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme (AMSP). Competing against 11 other Local Authority maintained schools, our students applied mathematical concepts to solve real-life problems, showcasing their analytical skills and mathematical knowledge.
The team achieved high scores across all four categories of the competition, demonstrating their comprehensive understanding of mathematics and ability to work collaboratively under pressure. Their outstanding performance earned them certificates for their accomplishments. The academy congratulates these students for their impressive achievements and for representing our school with distinction.
Update on T-Level Courses at Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy
Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy offers T-Level courses in Digital Design and Finance and will expand the curriculum to include Media and Broadcast next year. These courses aim to blend classroom learning with practical experience, offering a comprehensive educational pathway.
An Information Evening is planned to detail these T-Level courses, aiming to provide insights into course structures, content, and experiences. The event will also address inquiries from students and parents. Feedback is sought to decide whether this should be a virtual or in-person event, with a Google Form to be released next week, via email, for preferences. The addition of Media and Broadcast to our T-Level offerings underlines the academy’s commitment to aligning education with evolving industry standards and preparing students for future careers.
