Dear SCWA Community,
This week at Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy, we celebrated a series of events that demonstrate our commitment to scholarship, fellowship and leadership, starting with the Dean School Festival, which celebrated the accomplishments of our Year 11 Dean School students. This special event not only recognised their hard work and dedication, but also brought our community together in a heartfelt send-off that highlighted their growth into remarkable young adults.
Our Year 9 students concluded their International Baccalaureate Community Projects last week, demonstrating exceptional initiative and commitment to societal improvement. These projects not only addressed diverse community needs but also highlighted our students’ capabilities in leading meaningful change.
In other news, the elegance and spirit of the Year 11 Prom reflected the maturity and leadership our students have developed over their time with us. Similarly, the Arden Taster Event successfully provided prospective students with a glimpse into the enriching academic life awaiting at our Sixth Form. Finally, our “Classics to Pop” Summer Concert and the joyful Disneyland Paris trip further showcased our school’s community spirit and the personal development of our students through creative and recreational activities.
Here’s to another great week at SCWA!
Joseph Sparks | Principal, Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy
Year 9 Students Complete Community Projects at SCWA
During Module 5, Year 9 students at Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy completed their International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) Community Project. This crucial component of the MYP is designed to encourage students to engage in a sustained inquiry, resulting in service actions within their community. The project required students to identify a community need, conduct research, take action, and reflect on their experiences.
Year 9 students at Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy undertook a diverse range of projects, addressing various community and environmental issues. Their activities ranged from environmental initiatives like litter picking and promoting recycling, to health and well-being projects focusing on mental health, vaping awareness, and community safety. Additionally, they supported community engagement through food bank information dissemination and arts promotion. The students also sought to enhance school and community improvement by advocating for student voice in school governance and providing academic support resources for younger students.
Mr. Duran, Assistant Principal, said: “It’s inspiring to see our Year 9 students so actively involved in such a wide range of community-focused projects. Their hard work has not only benefited our local community but has also provided them with invaluable real-world experience. We are especially keen to consider their innovative ideas for enhancing school life, such as the proposal to establish more direct lines of communication through suggestion urns in the next academic year.”
Below is a link to a video featuring Ava who explains the work she completed as part of her community projects.
Year 11 Prom: A Night of Celebration at SCWA
The Year 11 Prom, held on Tuesday, 25 June 2024 – one of the warmest evenings of the year – was a resounding success. The event provided a perfect opportunity for students to celebrate the culmination of their last five years at Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy.
Reflecting on the evening, Mr Kay, Assistant Principal and event organiser, said: “The students really stood out in their impressive outfits, showcasing a range from classic elegance to modern chic. It has to be said, the girls particularly dazzled, often outdressing the boys, though it was refreshing to see the boys with their shirts neatly tucked in for the occasion. Their maturity shone through the entire evening, complementing the joyous atmosphere as they celebrated together. Despite a brief pause for the England football game, the dance floor was constantly alive with energy, highlighting the great time everyone had.”
Mr Sparks, Principal, said: “The prom’s success was a direct reflection of the planning by the organisers, teachers, and support staff who worked tirelessly to ensure that every detail contributed to creating a memorable evening. It was truly a night to remember, symbolising the end of one chapter and the exciting onset of new adventures for our Year 11 students.”
Arden Taster Event Draws Over 150 Prospective Students
On Friday, 21 June 2024, Arden Sixth Form at Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy welcomed over 150 prospective students to its Arden Taster Event, providing them with a comprehensive experience of Sixth Form Life. Throughout the day, participants engaged with the senior leadership team in sessions that outlined expectations for the upcoming academic year, establishing a clear understanding of the commitment required for success at Arden Sixth Form. Additionally, prospective students participated in a Q&A session with current Year 12 students, offering them a student’s perspective on the school environment and community.
Ms Collier, Head of Arden, said: “Selecting the right Post-16 provider is crucial, as it significantly influences future opportunities in higher education and careers. Arden Sixth Form is dedicated to supporting students and their families in this important decision with offerings that include:
- Outstanding Academic & Pastoral Support: Specialised Level 3 programmes with comprehensive academic and pastoral support.
- Diverse Course Options: A wide range of academic and vocational courses, including new T-Level qualifications.
- Career and University Preparation: Expert guidance through the UCAS process and preparation for top universities.
- Enrichment & Leadership Opportunities: Diverse extracurricular activities including leadership programmes and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
- Focus on Ambition and Resilience: A commitment to developing ambitious, resilient leaders prepared for global challenges.
For more information about the offerings and facilities at Arden Sixth Form, prospective students and their families are encouraged to visit our website or contact the academy directly.”
SCWA’s “Classics to Pop” Summer Concert a Resounding Success
On Wednesday, 26 June 2024, Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy celebrated the musical talents of its students with the “Classics to Pop” Summer Concert. Students from Years 7 to 10 performed to a captivated audience, delivering a diverse programme that ranged from choral pieces by the Year 7 choir to energetic pop and rock performances by bands and soloists from Years 7 to 10.
Mr Sparks, Principal of SCWA, expressed his admiration for the performers: “The musical talent at SCWA has truly flourished this year. I was incredibly impressed by the skills of our soloists and bands. The Year 10 Band concluded the evening with a lively set, including popular hits like ABBA’s ‘Voulez-Vous,’ which resonated well with everyone in the audience…ah ha (you had to be there).”
A special thanks to Mr Yeates, Ms Yeates, and Mr Hirst for orchestrating such a wonderful evening.We would also like to take the opportunity to remind parents and carers that tickets for the upcoming “High School Musical” performance on Thursday, 18 July 2024 are still available. Those interested should contact the Main Reception (reception@leighstationersacademy.org.uk) for more details.
Dean School Festival Celebrates Year 11 Achievements
On Friday, 21 June 2024, Dean School students at Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy held a special celebration to honour the hard work and dedication of the Year 11 students. The event included a celebration and awards assembly followed by afternoon tea, providing an opportunity for staff, students, and parents/carers to reflect on the achievements of the cohort.
The festival concluded with a vibrant send-off for the departing students, who were cheered on with party poppers and whistles by the entire Dean School community. “We are incredibly proud of our students and how they have matured into remarkable young adults and role models,” said Ms Barlett, SENCO. “It was a pleasure to celebrate their achievements with their families, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”
Annual Disneyland Paris Trip: An Adventure for SCWA Students
This year marked a special continuation of a long-standing tradition at Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy, with 60 students and eight staff members embarking on the much-anticipated annual trip to Disneyland Paris. Celebrating 32 years since the school’s first visit in 1992, the group enjoyed hot and sunny weather, making the most of their time with favourite Disney characters, thrilling rides, and vibrant parades.
Ms Blayney, the trip organiser, commented: “Despite the large crowds on our first day, everyone managed to enjoy their favourite attractions and even treated themselves to a five-star meal at the Steak House within Disney. The hotel pool was also a hit, and both the public and hotel staff praised our group’s exemplary conduct.”
Mr Sparks, the Principal, added: “I extend my gratitude to all the staff for their dedication and hard work throughout the trip, ensuring it was a memorable and smooth experience for our students. This annual trip is more than just a fun getaway; it’s a valuable opportunity for our students to strengthen their friendships and create lasting memories.”
Updated MYCAS Parent App
The MCAS Parent App has been updated with a new user interface (UI) to enhance the user experience for parents. MYCAS is implementing a phased release of this new UI, rolling it out incrementally to users. Important: Parents are required to update to the latest version of the app to access the new features, unless auto-updates are enabled for all apps on their device.
For detailed instructions on how to navigate the new interface, please refer to the user guide. This guide will assist you in making the most of the updated app functionalities.
