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Duke of Edinburgh students train for Gold Expedition in Peak District

Over the Easter break, Year 12 students spent four days making their way across the Peak District in Derbyshire to complete the practice expedition for their Gold Duke of Edinburgh award.

The 24 students had to carry all provisions in their backpacks, including tents, cooking equipment and most importantly, lots of high-energy food to ensure that they could meet the requirement for 8 hours of activity per day. The staff, on the other hand, had the luxury of a takeaway curry!

One of the criteria for the Gold award is the need to journey through ‘wild country’ and the slopes of Kinder Scout proved to be suitably challenging. At 2087 feet above sea level, it is the highest peak in the Peak District and once conquered, offered the groups stunning views across the surrounding moorland.

The weather was kind and there were a few cases of sunburn by the time it came to getting the (very quiet) coach home.

For their qualifying expedition in July, the students will be tackling the Brecon Beacons – we wish them the best of luck.

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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