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Alumnus film director visits St Clement Danes School

Old Dane Tom Clarkson recently visited the school to give a talk about his work as a film director to students from Years 9-13 as part of a series of career talks arranged by our CEIAG (Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance) Coordinator, Mrs Payne.

Tom captivated the audience with his engaging and informative talk on his career since leaving the school in 2004. Tom described how his passion for film making developed during his time at St Clement Danes; he often worked as a runner on television and film sets in his free time during this period. He subsequently completed a degree in film and television studies at university. His career to date has involved working with a huge range of people, from St Clement Danes’ alumnus Jack Garratt, to directing multiple music videos, and also working with Chanel 4’s Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing in an advertisement. Tom has being involved in writing and directing the ‘Potted' Series with his brother, Daniel Clarkson, which included producing Potted Potter, Potted Sherlock and the Olivier-Nominated Potted Panto. Tom’s talents also extend to music, and he sings vocals with the 10-piece band “Blues Brothers Banned" along with former pupil Owen Visser. The band has performed in a variety of venues including four sold-out runs at The Edinburgh Festival, to returning to the Barbirolli Hall to perform to a delighted audience of students, staff and the local community. Examples of his work can be seen by following the link below:

Tom Clarkson TV

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18th June

Pupil journalist Sam B secures national 'Student Voices' award

Our  talented pupil, Sam B, Year 9, has been named one of just five winners nationwide in the prestigious ' The Day's Student Voices Young Journalist Awards 2026. Sam B clinched the honour with a compelling, insightful opinion piece titled, “Life Isn't All Sunshine And Rainbows But It's Not Doom And Gloom Either.” The competition judges praised the passion, positivity and exceptional eloquence of Sam’s writing. As part of the winner's package, the article was officially published on The Day’s global Student Voices platform on 15th June, alongside the national announcement of the competition winners. Sam’s award-winning article takes critical aim at the modern media landscape, arguing that mainstream platforms rely on sensationalism and fear to drive reader engagement. The piece contrasts historical anxieties with today's relentless news cycle, which feeds on global catastrophes. While acknowledging real hardships, Sam warns that constant access to bleak updates is mentally exhausting and traps younger generations in a false sense of hopelessness.  Far from advocating for purposeful ignorance, Sam urges readers to stay informed while remembering how far humanity has progressed. The essay highlights that we are living in a golden age of technology and medical achievement.  Ultimately, the award-winning piece serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's inherent resilience and proven ability to thrive in the face of adversity. As Sam beautifully concludes, "It's important to keep positive, because whatever happens, humans always adapt and never lose hope." The entire St Clement Danes community extends its warmest congratulations to Sam on this incredible achievement