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ELDP (formally TLDW) Educator Led Development Programme

The ELDP is a programme for professional development and leadership for both teachers and non-teachers. The programme involves supporting and coaching colleagues about how to lead an initiative: how to identify, implement and evaluate progress effectively, while fostering collaboration across schools nationally. This creates a strong foundation on which colleagues can confidently base their leadership of a process of innovation, evaluation and investigation that improves an aspect of teaching and learning or pastoral support. The concept of teacher/ non-teacher-led development work underpins the aims of the ELDP to enable participants to lead processes of innovation and change in their schools, which in turn has a significant impact on students.

In this challenging year, 5 members of staff at St Clement Danes, undertook a project for their professional development. The projects produced have been of a very high standard and have included work on curriculum design, challenge, developing grit, determination or support and recovery following lockdown. Our colleagues all approached the ELDP from different perspectives due to their range in roles at the school, and enjoyed the collaboration that ensued. The participants were: Mr Oulton, (Head of Geography), Mr Disley, (KS3 lead of Maths), Ms Lloyd-Adams, (technician for Art and Photography), Ms Whiteman, (Attendance and Welfare Officer) and Miss Sacks (REPS lead). Some of their work has featured in Headlines separately, such as Inspire 9.

During this process, Mrs Wheatley has also trained to be a facilitator of the ELDP using her coaching expertise. She has undertaken the role with great enthusiasm and professionalism; her drive and support have been invaluable to those involved and representatives of Herts Cam have commented on her outstanding delivery.

Some of the colleagues who have taken part in the ELDP have done so through our Associate Leadership Programme, which is designed to provide CPD for prospective future leaders at all levels in the school. This helps us to deliver the Danes Educational Trust pledge that, “We will nurture your talent, know your aspirations and provide you with rich, diverse and personalised Career Professional Development.” Our Associate Assistant Headteachers who took part in the two-year programme, also contributed significantly to the school: Ms Leonard has led literacy at both St Clement Danes and across the Danes Educational Trust, while Mrs Edwards has supported sixth form and led the Brilliant Club. We congratulate all the colleagues involved and thank them for their work.  

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20th March

Future engineers reach new heights at Cambridge physics experience

Members of the Year 7 and 8 Science Club recently swapped the classroom for the historic halls of the University of Cambridge, taking part in the prestigious Cambridge Physics Experience. The day began with an inspiring tour of Churchill College, where pupils gained a unique insight into the architectural and academic history of the site. This was followed by an engaging presentation on university life, highlighting the long-term benefits of higher education and offering the group a glimpse into the exciting opportunities that await them in the future. The afternoon shifted from theory to practical engineering as the pupils were tasked with a series of high-stakes Martian challenges. Working in competitive teams, they were charged with designing and building model Mars Rovers capable of navigating a simulated rocky and sandy Martian terrain. In addition to the rovers, the teams had to construct landing modules engineered to survive a precarious drop from a high balcony. The competition was fierce, but it was our very own team 'Dux' that claimed the title of overall winners. Their rover outperformed the field by traveling the furthest distance across the challenging surface. Furthermore, their meticulous approach to the mass and structural integrity of their landing module paid off, resulting in a perfectly soft landing that impressed the judges. It was a fantastic day of hands-on science that showcased the ingenuity and teamwork of our junior scientists.
20th March

Duke of Edinburgh update: A busy month for our pupils

It has been a landmark month for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at the school, with pupils across all year groups pushing their boundaries from the local landscape of Chorleywood Common to the rugged terrain of Scandinavia. The Gold Award cohort has seen an impressive 54 pupils sign up this year, many of whom recently gathered for a specialised food tasting session. This practical workshop allowed the Year 12s to trial various expedition rations, ensuring their packs are filled with both nutritious and palatable fuel ahead of their demanding practice trek through the Lake District this March. Preparation for the Gold Award reached a new peak on 1st March during a comprehensive training day led by Hepworth Adventures. The sheer scale of this year’s ambitions was evident as pupils mapped out diverse routes; 25 participants are currently preparing for the wilds of Otta in Norway, 13 are bound for Poland, and another 13 are focusing on UK-based expeditions, while one pupil prepares for a bespoke kayaking challenge. Under the guidance of Hepworth staff, these pupils fine-tuned their menu planning and equipment lists, ensuring they are fully equipped for the specific demands of the Gold environment and their upcoming qualifying aims in early summer. The spirit of the award is equally vibrant in the younger year groups, with 91 Year 10 pupils recently completing their Silver training day. Guided by a dedicated team of St Clement Danes staff and parent volunteers, the pupils took to Chorleywood Common to sharpen their navigational skills through a series of practical exercises. The day also involved intensive route planning for their qualifying expeditions in May and June, alongside sessions on the logistical challenges of group catering in the wilderness. Meanwhile, the Year 9 Bronze Award continues to see record engagement, with 182 pupils set to undergo their own training day on March 7th. Led by the School of Outdoor, this upcoming session will provide the foundation for their first expeditions, with photos and details of their progress expected to follow soon. Beyond the physical challenges of the trail, the school community recently gathered to celebrate the formal achievements of our participants. The Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire presided over a prestigious award presentation, during which he commended the pupils for their resilience and commitment. For those who missed the event, the full presentation slides and the keynote speech have been made available online, documenting a proud chapter in the school’s long-standing history with the DofE program.