Arden takes pride in being at the very heart of its community. It has
strong and supportive links with its feeder schools and enjoys
working with a variety of local community groups.
Many of the pupils who attend Arden have attended the local
partner primary schools and will already have been introduced to
several members of Arden teaching staff through the many initiatives
in place that consolidate the close ties between Arden and its partner
schools. Language teachers, PE and Mathematics staff all have
timetabled lessons to initiate pupils into their subjects before they
even start at Arden.
Arden greatly respects and is proud of its links with local
community groups. Our aim is to consolidate and enhance these
very valuable relationships, seeing them flourish throughout the
coming years thereby strengthening the bonds between the
Academy and its local community.
•Arden was delighted to offer language classes in Chinese, Spanish,
French and German for the University of the Third Age. The classes
have proved very popular. ‘Arden has provided our membership
with a very valuable programme of learning.’ Members of U3A
also take advantage of ICT courses, tailored to the member’s levels
of expertise. ‘We are very grateful to Arden for their warm and
generous hospitality’.
Knowle Women’s Institute members were also given the
opportunity to enhance their computer skills in Arden’s new
Smart Centre. Arden staff were richly rewarded for this as the WI
members showed their gratitude in the form of several break
time buffets with a range of stunning cakes!
The Rotary Club of Knowle and Dorridge work closely with the
school to host an annual Careers evening at Arden. Aimed
primarily at Year 9 pupils, the evening is very useful to both pupils
and parents prior to decision-making about GCSE options.
Knowle Friendship Club feature frequently in Arden’s academic
calendar. Hospitality students regularly cater for and serve lunches
to the membership of the club – Easter and Christmas are
particular highlights.
The close links with Knowle Parish Church are fundamental to life
at Arden – not just through assemblies but through the church’s
very close working relationship with pupils, providing a strong
presence throughout their time at Arden.
New exciting links with The Knowle Society, Knowle and Dorridge
Lions Club, Dorridge Residents Society, local elected members and
our many neighbours are developing and are at the heart of all we
do since ‘Arden is the community and our community is Arden.’
A school at the
heart of the
Local Community
Arden
56
ARD E N