Dear SCWA Community,
As we embark on another academic year, I am filled with pride for our students’ collective achievements this summer and excitement about the year ahead. This week’s updates reflect our unwavering commitment to the values of scholarship, fellowship, and leadership.
Our summer results stand as a shining beacon of scholarship. The dedication to learning our students have shown, resulting in such commendable outcomes, is truly inspiring. Their success is a testament to the combined efforts of our staff, students, and the unwavering support of parents and carers.
One of the most exciting introductions this term is the Knowledge Acquisition Booklets, a transformative approach to homework designed to foster independent learning. These booklets are crafted to capture the core knowledge students require to enhance their classroom experiences. They act as a thorough guide, ensuring every student is well-prepared for each module.
Lastly, our updated policies and procedures are in place to ensure the safety, well-being, and focused learning environment for our students. These changes, while they might require adjustments, are made with the best interests of our students at heart. I urge all parents and carers to familiarise themselves with these updates.
Best wishes,
Joseph Sparks | Principal, Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy
Term Dates for 2023/24 and 2024/25
We are pleased to announce the term dates for the academic years 2023/24 and 2024/25. Parents and carers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these dates to aid in planning for the year ahead. It is important that family holidays and other commitments are scheduled outside of term times to ensure uninterrupted learning for all students.
Start-of-Term Arrangements Detailed for 2023
The academy has communicated the arrangements for the start of term for students in Years 7-13. Letters were sent to parents and carers on Tuesday, 29 August 2023, detailing the specifics for each year group.
Key Points:
- Date of Return: All students will return on Monday, 4 September 2023, with a prompt start at 08:30.
- Period 1: Students should report to their Small Schools for the first period. Here, they will be given their timetables and engage in a session with their form tutors.
- Period 2 Onwards: From period two onwards, students will revert to their standard lesson schedule.
- Welcome Assembly: Each year group will participate in a welcome assembly led by the Principal. The schedule is as follows: Year 11 – Period 2; Year 10 – Period 3; Year 9 – Period 4 and Year 8 – Period 5.
- PE Reminder for Year 8: As some Year 8 students have PE scheduled for Monday, it’s essential that all Year 8 students come prepared with their PE kits.
For a more detailed overview, parents and carers can access the specific letters for each year group:
- Start of Term Letter for Year 7
- Start of Term Letter for Year 12
- Start of Term Letter for Years 8, 9, 10, 11 and 13
Timings of the School Day
As outlined in the end-of-term latest news page updates, we have made some alterations to the school day timings to ensure a more efficient learning environment. We have streamlined our schedule, placing a single tutor period after the second period to ensure a prompt start to the day’s learning. In response to feedback from parents, carers, and students, we have introduced transition times between lessons to allow students adequate time to move between classes, ensuring a punctual start to each lesson. We will continue to operate split breaks/lunch, with both intervals being slightly extended for the comfort and well-being of our students. The updated timetable can be found on our website for your convenience. The updated timetable can be found on our website for your convenience.
A Summer of Success
We are thrilled to share with you the outstanding academic achievements of our students this summer. Our school community has truly outdone itself, receiving an exceptional set of A-Level and GCSE results. Delving into the specifics of the GCSE results, our Attainment 8 score has soared to an impressive 50, marking a significant improvement from 2019 and 2022. On the A-Level front, our students have excelled, with the average grade standing at a C+; the average grade achieved for those enrolled in vocational courses is now a Distinction*. We understand the importance of transparency and detailed information; therefore, for a comprehensive breakdown and further details, please visit our website’s GCSE Results page and the Post-16 Results page.
Introducing Independent Learning: The Knowledge Acquisition Booklets
In our continuous effort to enhance the learning experience for our students, we are thrilled to introduce a new approach to homework this term: Knowledge Acquisition Booklets.
What are Knowledge Acquisition Booklets?
These booklets are designed to capture the essential knowledge students need to bolster their in-class learning. They serve as a comprehensive guide, ensuring students are equipped with the foundational knowledge required for each module.
Key Features:
- Universal Access: Every student across all year groups will receive a digital knowledge booklet that contains all their subjects.
- Subject-Specific Content: Each subject within the booklet will highlight the key terms and knowledge essential for success in that particular module.
- Enhanced Classroom Experience: With this foundation, students will be better prepared to engage, access, and apply their knowledge during lessons.
For a clearer understanding, an example of the Knowledge Acquisition Booklet is available here.
Assessments and Feedback: In the third week of every module, students will undergo a Knowledge Acquisition Assessment. This will gauge their grasp and understanding of the fundamental concepts. By the fourth week, parents and carers will receive a report on their child’s performance in each Knowledge Acquisition Assessment. Mr Kay, Assistant Principal, said: “We believe this initiative will empower our students to take charge of their learning journey, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for their subjects. We look forward to witnessing the positive impacts of this approach in the classroom and beyond. Students who achieve 80% or more in all of their knowledge acquisition assessments will be invited to an end-of-term reward party!”.
Discover the Joy of Learning a Musical Instrument at SCWA
At SCWA, we believe in the transformative power of music. We’re delighted to offer our students the chance to learn a diverse range of musical instruments, ensuring a holistic musical education for every child.
Research consistently highlights the myriad benefits of musical education. Not only does it enhance brain development and boost IQ, but it also strengthens literacy, numeracy, concentration, and social skills. Beyond these academic advantages, learning an instrument equips students with invaluable transferable skills and introduces them to a lifelong passion.
Should your child wish to learn a musical instrument, please fill out this form, and a member of the music team will be in touch to provide more information.
SCWA Restaurant: Cashless Payment System for Year 7 Students
Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy operates a cashless payment system for the convenience and safety of our students. On Friday, 1 September 2023, all Year 7 students were provided with a letter containing essential details for their ParentPay accounts, including a unique username and password.
We kindly request all parents and carers to ensure that the ParentPay accounts are sufficiently topped up by Monday, 04 September 2023. This is especially crucial for students intending to purchase lunch from the school restaurant.
Updated Policies & Procedures
As highlighted in my end-of-term communication, we have made several adaptations to our behaviour policy. Here’s a brief summary: To foster a conducive and respectful learning environment, we’ve updated our Behaviour for Learning policy, set to be published in September. These changes aim to provide clarity and consistency for both students and parents/carers.
- Makeup: Students across all year groups will no longer be permitted to wear makeup. Previously, the term ‘subtle makeup’ led to confusion, and we aim to have a clear and consistent policy.
- Jewellery: Students in Years 7-11 will not be allowed to wear jewellery, including small studded earrings and nose piercings, except for non-smart wristwatches. This decision prioritises health and safety, reducing potential accidents and ensuring uniformity across the school.
- Mobile Phones: We’d like to reiterate our stance on mobile phones. The Academy maintains a no-mobile phone environment. While students can bring their phones, they must remain off and stored in their bags. If a student is found with a mobile phone, it will be confiscated but returned the same day, requiring collection by a parent/carer.
We encourage you to familiarise yourself with these updates and all other information on our website. This collaborative awareness ensures a harmonious partnership, benefiting your child’s education and well-being.
