Dear SCWA Community,
This week at Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy has been marked by a series of events and experiences that celebrate our commitment to scholarship, leadership, and fellowship. Our students demonstrated outstanding athleticism in the Victor and Victrix Ludorum Athletic Competition, setting new records and highlighting our community’s high level of sportsmanship. Meanwhile, we welcomed our incoming Year 7s for a Transition Day, filled with interactive and educational activities designed to ease their upcoming transition into secondary school life. In addition to these events, our Combined Cadet Force (CCF) cadets returned from an immersive training week at the Royal Marines Summer Camp equipped with enhanced skills and a deeper appreciation for teamwork and leadership.
Looking ahead, we are excited to host a live webinar for all parents and carers on Monday, 15 July 2024. This session will cover several key topics as we prepare for the upcoming academic year, including the start of term arrangements, updates on our name change and uniform policy, and enhancements to our academic curriculum. Your participation and feedback are invaluable to us, and we encourage everyone to join and stay informed. Additionally, as we continue to refine our approach to parents’ evenings, we seek your feedback on past events to better meet your needs and expectations in the future.
Here’s to another great week at SCWA!
Best wishes,
Joseph Sparks | Principal, Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy
Essential Updates for SCWA Parents: Join Our Live Webinar on Monday, 15 July 2024
Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy invites all parents and carers to join a short webinar on Monday, 15 July 2024, at 18:00. Hosted by the Principal and Heads of College, this session will cover several important topics as we prepare for the upcoming academic year. Key points of discussion will include:
- Start of term arrangements for the next academic year;
- Details about the academy’s upcoming name change, the new names of the colleges (small schools), and changes to the uniform;
- An update on the use of Chromebooks and homework by Mr Flower;
- An update on our expectations and our behaviour policy by Mr Farr;
- An overview of changes to our PSHE curriculum by Ms Collier.
The webinar will be streamed live on YouTube, and a link to the event can be found here.
Seeking Feedback for Future Parents’ Evening Events at SCWA
This academic year, Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy hosted seven parents’ evening events, with thousands of appointments made and attended. We value the feedback provided by parents and carers throughout the year, with some parents highlighting the convenience of virtual events, allowing attendance from work or home. As we aim to refine and improve the format of parents’ evenings for the next academic year, we are seeking further input from our parents and carers. You are encouraged to share your experiences and suggestions by completing a short Google Form. Please submit your feedback by Friday, 12 July 2024, at 17:00.
Year 10 Students Shine in Victor and Victrix Ludorum Athletic Competition
The fifth annual Victor and Victrix Ludorum Athletic Competition for Year 10 students at Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy concluded on Thursday with impressive performances across various athletic events. The competition involved students competing in 100m or 200m sprints, 800m or 1500m runs, high jump, long jump, and throwing events such as shot put, javelin, and discus. The day ended with the 80m hurdles, challenging each competitor’s speed and agility.
Highlighting the day’s achievements, Rhys broke the school’s 800m record, and Rianna set a new record in the 1500m race.
The top scorers of the competition were:
Girls:
- Eva – 254 points
- Rena – 211 points
- Rianna – 151 points
Boys:
- Henry – 353 points
- Rhys – 352 points
- Leo – 323 points
Ms Blayney, the event organiser, commented, “Thank you to the PE staff from 2012 for their efforts in organising and supporting this event. We look forward to next year’s competition and the continued enthusiasm and commitment of our students.”
CCF Cadets Experience Royal Marines Summer Camp
This module, eight cadets from our Combined Cadet Force (CCF) attended the Royal Marines Summer Camp at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, Devon. The CCF cadets engaged in a comprehensive training program that included live firing, various water activities, swimming, climbing, abseiling, and weapons training, culminating in a military battle exercise. These activities were led by experienced Royal Marines instructors. This year, the Royal Marines generously funded the entire camp, providing our cadets with this invaluable experience at no cost.
Major Jeremy Wilson, the Contingent Commander, reflected on the experience: “This was an arduous week on Dartmoor for our cadets, who spent most of their time on the moor, cooking for themselves and honing their self-reliance skills. A special mention must go to Henry, who secured third place in the shooting competition among 45 cadets. I believe everyone who attended learned more about themselves, appreciated the importance of teamwork, and had the chance to demonstrate their leadership abilities.”
The camp provided a valuable opportunity for our cadets to enhance their practical skills and teamwork, aligning with the values of our academy’s CCF program.
SCWA Hosts Transition Day for Incoming Year 7s
On Wednesday, 3 July 2024, Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy welcomed 240 prospective Year 7 students for a Transition Day. The event featured various activities to introduce the students to what awaits them in the coming academic year. They participated in a treasure hunt to explore the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP), baked cookies in Food Technology, and conducted practical Science experiments.
The students also attended Maths and English lessons and participated in PE team-building activities. A notable session was led by Ms McLeod, Head of Photography, where students used the academy’s cameras to learn about photographer Slinkachu, a British street artist and photographer known for his miniature installations integrating tiny human figures into urban environments. “The students learned about framing and focusing the camera. They worked well in small teams, creating their scenes and then photographing them,” said Ms McLeod.
Ms Kalote, Assistant Principal, thanked everyone involved in organising the day: “I would like to thank all the staff and student ambassadors for their contributions to Transition Day. Their hard work helped make the day successful. Our Year 12 and Year 10 student ambassadors truly showcased the spirit of our academy!”
Year 10 Students Conduct Field Work for GCSE Geography
This week, 140 Year 10 students from SCWA visited the London Docklands as part of their GCSE geography coursework, focusing on the area’s regeneration. They gathered secondary data at the London Docklands Museum to learn about its history and regeneration efforts. The students also explored the Crossrail Roof Garden and conducted Environmental Quality Surveys at various locations.
Mr Farr, Head of Ashdown, commented on the trip: “The students demonstrated exemplary conduct throughout the field trip. Such experiences are vital for students to understand and apply their classroom knowledge to real-world settings, enhancing their learning and appreciation of geography.”
Insights into Future Careers: Year 8 and 12 Students Learn from Industry Experts
On Monday, 1 July 2024, Year 12 students at Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy participated in two career talks aimed at guiding their future career paths. The first session featured Amy, an alumnus of Arden, who returned to share her experiences and advice on entering the field of Medicine. She provided information about various entry routes into the medical profession and useful tips for overcoming potential challenges.
The second talk was delivered by Vanessa, the owner of a local interior design business, Copper Dust. She spoke about her academic and professional journey, from A-levels through university to establishing her own company. Her talk sparked keen interest among the students, particularly regarding the financial aspects of running a small business.
Finally, Year 8 students had their own career-focused session later in the week. Ruth, a long-time supporter of the Academy and a veteran in the Publishing industry, shared her personal career trajectory into Publishing. With 35 years of experience, she discussed her educational choices and their impact on her career opportunities, including her current collaboration with Blair Publishing and Pottermore. Ruth’s passion for her field was evident as she also teased some upcoming Harry Potter publications, capturing the students’ imagination.
Ms Collier, Head of Arden, expressed her gratitude to the speakers: “We are incredibly thankful to Amy, Vanessa, and Ruth for sharing their valuable experiences with our students. Their insights are not just inspiring but also vital as they illustrate the diverse paths our students can pursue. Understanding these real-world perspectives is crucial in helping them make informed decisions about their future careers.”
Work Experience Begins for Year 10 & 12 Students at SCWA
Next week marks the start of a two-week work experience placement for Year 10 and 12 students at Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy. Ninety per cent of students from both year groups have successfully sourced placements, allowing them to gain real-world experience in various professional environments. Before their start, students were briefed with essential reminders and advice to ensure they were fully prepared.
Parents and carers are encouraged to assist their children with travel preparations and daily readiness for their placements. It is important to communicate with the placement employer and the academy if a student cannot attend their placement on any given day.
Staff members from each small school will conduct ‘check-ins’ with the students through phone calls or face-to-face visits to ensure their experience is going smoothly and to provide support where needed.
Ms Collier, Head of Arden, conveyed her best wishes to the students: “We extend our best wishes to all students embarking on their placements. We hope you enjoy and fully engage in this learning experience, which is a valuable step towards discovering potential career paths. Every work opportunity is a chance to make a good impression, enhance your CV or UCAS personal statement, and it may even lead to future employment opportunities.”
For any questions or concerns during the work experience period, please contact Ms Collier, Head of Arden, at eve.collier@leighstationersacademy.org.uk.
Summer Offer on School Shoes from JK Clothing
JK Clothing has announced a special offer for Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy students. When you purchase a new uniform from JK Clothing, you can take advantage of a discount on school shoes. Please refer to the flyer below for more details on this promotion.
