Dedication Services
At the beginning of the academic year, Dedication Services are held for each year group at Knowle Parish Church. It is a wonderful way of reflecting on the achievements of the past year and discussing hopes and expectations for the year ahead. As well as inspiring words from the Church team, students also hear from Mr Murphy and Senior Pupils all of whom have acquitted themselves superbly. The Senior Pupils have spoken about their experiences at Arden and how students have so many opportunities open to them. Below are the words of Alisha Sharma who was addressing Year 8 students, we're sure you'll agree they are wise and meaningful
"Year 8. I hope you’ve all had an exciting and fun filled summer, as you deserve it. This time last year you were sitting in this exact church and in the same uniform, just as you are now, except this time last year a lot was different. As bubbly Year 7s you walked into this church for the first time in your Arden uniform, fresh-faced and smiley, ready to start your new journey as part of the Arden family. I can imagine the array of different emotions you must have all been feeling: nervousness, excitement, and eagerness to make the best impression. You sat in here surrounded by people that were practically strangers to you only a few months prior, yet together you sat as one year group, and together you sit as one year group, for the next few years to comeNow here you are once again, surrounded by people who, I hope, have become friends and acquaintances. You are here not only to reflect on the academic year just passed but to also set your minds to the future, this coming year and all the amazing things that you will undoubtedly achieve if you set your mind to it. ‘Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try’. That being said, Arden has so many facilities and opportunities that allow you to achieve and strive for your best, but it is up to you and only you to use them to the best of your ability in order to get the full package. Every single person here is special and unique in one way or another, and Arden is here to help to allow you to grow and learn in order to flourish later on.
Something I would like to emphasise however is the saying ‘strive for progress not perfection’. Set yourself goals, perhaps it is reaching your target level at the end of the year or getting all effort ones and twos at the end of the term. Either way, however ‘big’ or ‘small’ you think your goals are, any goal that allows you to work that little bit harder is a goal worth having.
In summary, every person in this church right now is worth more than they know and can achieve so much if they put their minds to it. Whether you realise it or not Year 8, this year is a big leap up from last year. Even though you are wearing the same uniform and sitting with the same people, you now take on the role of model students for the new Year 7s. Put yourself in their shoes, it shouldn’t be hard seeing as you were in their place only a few months ago, and think of their emotions as they start their new journey. Be kind, be patient and be a year group that achieves fantastic things in the year ahead. Thank you."
