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Musical feast served up at the Summer Concert

Last night saw our Summer Concert, with various ensembles raising the roof of the Barbirolli Hall once again. Kicking off proceedings, the First Orchestra played Habenara and Toreador’s song from Carmen which set the tone for an evening of high-quality performances in a range of styles. The Jazz Band, Gospel Choir, Junior Choir and both orchestras were on top form, interspersed with excellent performances from smaller ensembles and soloists and excerpts from the recent Lower School production of 'Annie'. Outside the hall, a natural sculpture was on display, designed and created by Year 8 and 9 Art Master Class students.

The first half of the concert concluded with a tribute to David Bowie: a performance of 'Life on Mars' by the Rock Band, ably assisted on lead vocals by a special guest. Mr Turner bore an uncanny resemblance to the late star in his blue nylon suit, face paint and orange wig. And yes, there is photographic evidence which can be found below.

Special mention must also go to Gaetan Buisson, Year 8, who stepped in to replace the Boys’ Choir who were unable to perform because of illness, and wowed the audience with his version of the famous guitar solo, Parisienne Walkways by Gary Moore. At the end of the evening, Miss Stevens broke the exciting news that on July 8th 2017, the school will be performing the Verdi Requiem at the Watford Colosseum, perhaps the largest musical project ever embarked upon in the school’s history. Many thanks, as ever, to the performers and staff who put on another superb evening’s entertainment.

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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.