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Year 13 Scientists visit CERN at Half term

Twenty Year 13 students experienced a fascinating visit to CERN, Geneva at Half Term. The students reported that they had an enjoyable and informative trip to the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, where physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. 

Below you will find some of the comments that the students made on return from their trip, including descriptions of some of the photos in the gallery at the bottom of the page.

“Geneva was a fantastic city to explore, and I particularly found the antimatter factory really interesting. It was great seeing/hearing first-hand the details of particle physics which are so alien to our everyday lives. I feel I’ve learnt a lot from the experience." Paul Ertl.

“The Globe of Science and Innovation is a visitor centre designed to inform visitors about the significant research being carried out at CERN. It is 27 metres high and 40 metres in diameter. Whilst we were there, an exhibit relating to the Big Bang was on show which explained the details behind the theory. I found this attraction extremely interesting and would recommend anyone going to Geneva to visit this fascinating piece of architecture.” Akhil Dhokia. 

"The photo is looking across Lake Geneva from the Marina and the Jet d'Eau. Geneva was a beautiful city and the vastness of the lake, combined with my love of boats, created a stunning view." Ben Constable.

“When Tom Hanks came to CERN he said this about it- ‘magic is not made here, magic is explained’. To me this perfectly sums up CERN, having visited it and seen some of the experiments in progress.  At CERN they are testing and looking for particles that some people thought were made up in science fiction, such as anti-matter.” Matthew Hodgart.

"Geneva was an amazing place filled with culture and memorable landscapes." Rowan Thomas.

Many thanks to all the students who contributed comments and photographs and who  expressed their appreciation to trip leader Mr Van Dyk and his colleagues for such an enjoyable experience. 

Please follow the link below below to learn more about CERN:

https://home.cern/

 

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26th February

Celebrating our inclusion in National Top 200 Sporting schools list

We are proud to announce our inclusion in the prestigious list of the top 200 sporting schools in the country, achieving an impressive 62nd place ranking nationally. This recognition, recently highlighted by the Watford Observer, places the school among the elite educational institutions for sporting achievement in the United Kingdom. The "Top 200" list is compiled annually by School Sport Magazine, which utilises a rigorous methodology to determine the most successful schools across the nation. Unlike subjective polls, these rankings are based purely on performance in national competitions. The magazine analyses results across more than 20 different sports and over 120 different national competitions, awarding points based on how far a school progresses. Particular weight is given to reaching the final stages of prestigious national cups and championships, meaning the list serves as a direct reflection of a school’s competitive reach and its ability to succeed at the highest levels of school sport. Our climb to the 62nd spot this year is a direct result of several standout performances on the national stage across a variety of disciplines. Our Senior Girls reached the ESFA Football National Semi-Finals, showcasing incredible teamwork and skill against the best in the country. Our golfers also excelled on the national stage, finishing as National Finalists ranked number 9 in the country in the English Schools’ Team Championship. Additionally, the Inter Boys squad demonstrated exceptional talent and athleticism by qualifying for the National Track & Field Final, while the U16 Boys’ determination saw them progress deep into their season to reach the National Vase Regional Final. These milestones represent countless hours of training, immense dedication from both pupils and staff and a tenacious competitive spirit that defines the St Clement Danes community. While the school is incredibly proud of these elite achievements and our high standing in the national rankings, we recognise that these statistics only tell part of the story. Our core values are built on the belief sport extends far beyond the trophy cabinet or a leaderboard. Our focus remains firmly on participation as well as performance, ensuring our programme is inclusive, meaningful and accessible for all, not just those competing at the highest level.  Sport is for all, and whether a pupil is representing the school in a national final or discovering a lifelong passion for physical activity in a lunchtime club, our goal is to create a culture where every pupil feels empowered to stay active. We remain committed to providing a diverse range of opportunities that cater to all abilities, ensuring every pupil can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of sport.  Congratulations to all our pupil-athletes, coaches and supportive parents who have helped make this national recognition possible.