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An action packed trip to Cern for science students

Over half term, 23 A-level Physics students, two A-level Chemistry students and three Science teachers went on the annual Physics Department trip to CERN.

The whole group enjoyed glorious autumn sunshine as they explored Geneva and the surrounding countryside, but the highlight was as ever the tour of the world-renowned particle physics laboratory.

With the Large Hadron Collider in the middle of a two-year shutdown for upgrades, the students were treated to an up-close look at CMS, the Compact Muon Solenoid, which is one of the two giant detectors that confirmed the existence of the Higgs Boson.

“CERN and the CMS detector had lots of information about high level physics concepts which were new to lots of us,” said year 13 Physics student Ben Hall.

The students also toured the Red Cross Museum, learning about the history and purpose of the famous international aid organisation, and the United Nations Office in Geneva, where the guide revealed how many different ways the UN is involved in humanitarian actions and the everyday lives of people in the United Kingdom.

The whirlwind three-day visit concluded with a cable-car trip up Mount Saleve, with its panoramic views over Geneva and its lake in one direction and of Mont Blanc and the Alps in the other, and a boat tour of Lake Geneva.

“The cable car was fun and the views were amazing. I also enjoyed exploring Geneva during free time,” said A-level Physics student Eisha Patankar.

“I hope the students are inspired by the visit to CERN, which is a truly amazing project of global significance, but even more I hope that they appreciate the international spirit of Geneva, which CERN reflects along with the United Nations, the Red Cross, and many other institutions,” said Mr van Dyk, who as Head of Physics has lead four A-level trips to CERN.

Reported by Mr van Dyk, Subject Leader Physics.

 

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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.