Dear SCWA Community,
As we wrap up another week at Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy (SCWA), I find myself excited about the future and the newest members soon to join our community.
Our Arden Sixth Form Taster Event gave us a glimpse into the future, highlighting the potential of our prospective Year 12 students and their alignment with our culture of scholarship. Similarly, the Transition Day displayed the spirit of fellowship and leadership embodied by our incoming Year 7 students, wonderfully guided by our dedicated student ambassadors.
Our Year 10 students’ impressive display of leadership and resilience during the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Expedition serves as an inspiration for the younger students joining us. Each of these events echoes our commitment to fostering an environment that encourages lifelong learning, camaraderie, and leadership. As we look to the future, and especially to our incoming Year 7 and Year 12 students, I’m filled with optimism for what lies ahead. Together, we will continue our journey of academic and personal excellence.
Looking forward to a bright future together,
Joseph Sparks | Principal, Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy
Potential Students Get a Taste of Life at Arden Sixth Form
On 29 and 30 June 2023, Arden Sixth Form welcomed over 200 potential Year 12 students for a two-day taster event. Attendees had the opportunity to sample a variety of post-16 courses, notably the new Digital and Finance T-Level courses. The event allowed the prospective students to interact with their potential peers, delve into extracurricular offerings, and participate in team-building activities such as a challenging obstacle course.
Assistant Principal Mr Spark expressed delight in meeting the potential students and introduced them to the myriad opportunities at Arden. Detailed information about the Arden experience, subjects, and dress code is available on the Arden Sixth Form website. On 24 August 2023, applicants should log into AdmissionsPlus to finalise their enrollment and subject choices. The Arden Team will be on-site throughout the day to aid in the enrollment process. For more information, students can refer to the Student Enrollment Guide.
Successful Transition Day for Incoming Year 7 Students
On Wednesday, 5 July 2023, we had the pleasure of welcoming our new Year 7 students for their induction day. The day was marked with joy and excitement as student ambassadors from various year groups guided the newcomers through an array of activities. Highlights included a mini bake-off in our Food & Nutrition department and a collaborative treasure hunt, titled “The SCWA Way”.
Ms Rennalls, Assistant Principal, said: “The positive feedback from our newest students reflects the commitment and hard work of our exceptional staff, who ensured a memorable start to their educational journey at SCWA. The day was not just an induction, but a warm welcome to a fruitful and exciting learning experience ahead.”
Year 10 Students Triumph in Silver Duke of Edinburgh Expedition
The Silver Duke of Edinburgh Expedition, which took place from 1 to 3 July 2023, was a tremendous success. Over the course of three days, 67 Year 10 students successfully navigated over 50km across the South Downs, braving hot weather and challenging inclines while camping overnight and cooking their meals.
Their achievement, according to Mr Spark, Assistant Principal and DofE Centre Manager, attests to their meticulous training and preparation over the year. The students’ navigational accuracy was notably impressive. Looking forward, Mr Spark is excited to guide these students towards the Gold Award at Arden Sixth Form.
Over the weekend, the students demonstrated responsibility, respect for the public, and regard for the environment. Their conduct earned praises from Frank Savage of Alfriston Camping Park, who expressed his pleasure at hosting the students from Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy. The event wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of Mr Soane, Ms Atkinson, and Ms Boyd who volunteered their weekend, as well as the supportive presence of Ms Fasan, and fellow students George, Melissa, Tyler, and Amy.
The season will conclude with the final expedition on the River Thames through Berkshire and Oxfordshire, with 19 Year 12 and 11 Year 13 Gold Award participants looking forward to the challenge.
Arden Year 12 Students Gain Insight at UCAS and Apprentice Futures Fairs
In line with Arden’s commitment to personal development and career education, all Year 12 students recently attended the UCAS fair at Tottenham Stadium and the Apprentice Futures apprenticeship fair at Guildhall. These fairs provided comprehensive post-18 guidance, allowing students to engage with numerous universities, including the prestigious Russell Group, and a broad range of apprenticeship providers.
The students had the opportunity to participate in several seminars at both events, which included a guidance session on applying to Russell Group universities, Q&A sessions led by current apprentices, and subject-specific discussions, such as one focused on Artificial Intelligence.
These events, combined with the ongoing support provided by Arden, will play a crucial role in helping students make informed decisions about their post-18 options and prepare successful applications.
