Croydon Stands Tall

Oasis Academy Arena is proud to be a part of an exciting new public art trail and borough-wide learning programme called Croydon Stands Tall, which launches in autumn 2023 in aid of Crisis.

Croydon Stands Tall, presented by Croydon Business Improvement District (BID) in collaboration with internationally renowned Wild in Art, will provide a direct opportunity for children from our schools and youth groups to play a central role in the London Borough of Culture 2023.

Oasis Academy Arena will be taking part in the Leaning Programme which has been sponsored and curated by HSBC and LSBU, complete with Key Stage learning resources, lesson plans, templates and activities.

Alongside this, Oasis Academy Arena will also get the opportunity to form part of a secondary trail as we take delivery of a four-foot giraffe sculpture, which our children will get to design and create themselves.

Once decorated, the smaller giraffe sculptures will be delivered to civic centres including libraries, leisure centres and other notable locations for the duration of the 10-week extravaganza.

The sculpture provides a unique, creative opportunity to engage students in important topics ranging from environmental issues and the natural world to science, art, and so much more. At the end of the trail, the giraffe will be delivered back to us, to keep forever.

HSBC is a committed local, national, and global partner, helping young children build money confidence through their Financial Capability Programmes for Young People aged 3 to 25 years, as well as their partnership with The Scout Association and the Money Skills Badge, which helps Beaver and Cub Scouts develop confidence and an understanding of money.

Kevin Dewick, Local Director at HSBC said:

“HSBC is committed to Croydon, its people, and communities, and we are incredibly excited to be a part of Croydon Stands Tall and to support Croydon’s young people through the Learning Programme as lead sponsors. We are delighted to partner with LSBU on Croydon Stands Tall to provide HSBC with this one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage, educate, and enrich learning for our young people, allowing them to contribute to the London Borough of Culture. If you are a headteacher, teacher or youth group leader, get in touch with Croydon Stands Tall and join us.”

Working in partnership, LSBU believes that knowledge has the power to impact the lives of people, from all walks of life. LSBU serves society with integrity, wherever they are in the world, leaving no one behind.

Richard Fenn, Campus Director at London South Bank University said:

“At London South Bank University, we’re proud and excited to be involved as the Croydon Stands Tall Learning Partner. As a university, our focus is to support our Croydon Community, and Croydon Stands Tall gives us all an opportunity to celebrate the uniqueness and vibrancy of our local area. We’re partnering with HSBC and Crisis to deliver a learning programme aimed at building aspiration, promoting resilience, and developing awareness of money matters among our youth. Our ambition is to leave a legacy for Croydon’s young people while also demonstrating to the rest of the world what Croydon is truly capable of.”

Croydon Stands Tall, a project led by Croydon Business Improvement District (BID) in association with internationally renowned Wild in Art, will create a public art trail unlike any other, celebrating the borough’s rich artistic heritage, creativity, and diversity. The project will also raise money for the Crisis Croydon Skylight, located in the heart of the borough, offering vital help with housing, employment, health, and well-being to help people leave homelessness behind for good.

Matthew Sims, Chief Executive at Croydon Business Improvement District (BID) said:

“The London Borough of Culture should touch every one of us, whatever our age. Our young people are our future. We are therefore thrilled to be working with HSBC and LSBU as we deliver the Croydon Stands Tall Learning Programme, a unique educational experience for our schools and youth groups across the borough. Together, Croydon BID, HSBC and LSBU are absolutely focused on making sure our young people can play a central role through Croydon Stands Tall.”

For further information on Croydon Stands Tall and how you can support Croydon and the London Borough of Culture, please visit www.croydonstandstall.co.uk.