Menu
Back to News ListPreviousNext

Bold Voices

Miss Ramsbottom, Associate Assistant Headteacher and Personal Development Lead, organised talks to be delivered to Years 7, 9 and 12 this week by Bold Voices. We have worked with this organisation for a couple of years to help support our work on gender equality and tackle gender based violence. The team who lead the workshops are very articulate, approachable and knowledgeable; as well as exuding enthusiasm. 

Year 12 ambassadors are also receiving training to work with the Year 7s in March to explore these difficult topics in more depth. In the talks, Year 7 discussed  ‘What is Gender Inequality?’: The Basics’ to  enable them to recognise gendered stereotypes, gendered language and sexual harassment. While Year 9 also discussed consent and Year 12 had a more mature talk to prepare them for university and life after school.  

The school takes great strides in tackling misogyny but also seeks to empower our young people with knowledge, strategies and support. As well as case studies, students were encouraged to consider positive role models and think critically about information presented to them to make informed judgements.

These talks followed a thoughtful assembly delivered by Mr Sutherland where he discussed misogyny, the dangers of figures like Andrew Tate and the balance between freedom of speech and freedom from fear (Roosevelt). He drew on some of the horrific attacks on women including Emily Atack’s online abuse and David Carrick’s victims in a very challenging assembly. Many of our young people can all too easily be drawn into echo chambers and are not aware of the shocking statistics around sexual violence or how behaviour can escalate without challenge.

Culture does not change without discussion and awareness and these talks help provide forums for students to have these discussions and be informed. They also discussed the difficulties that boys can face, stereotyping and difficulties in navigating relationships. Hopefully, these talks will assist students in supporting each other and treating one another with kindness and dignity. 

Back to News ListPreviousNext

Categories

Category / All Articles

Archives

Also Featured

19th December

Charities Week 2025

The halls of St Clement Danes School have been buzzing with holiday cheer this week as the annual Charities Week is officially in full swing. As the Autumn Term draws to a close, pupils and staff have united to raise vital funds for three incredible causes: Endometriosis UK, Spread a Smile, and Herts Young Homeless. The school is alive with the spirit of giving, driven by a jam packed ‘Advent’ schedule designed to get everyone involved in the fundraising efforts. This year’s itinerary has been filled with exciting activities, ranging from pupil led lessons and a "Mystery Bucket" challenge to the competitive excitement of the "Elf Auction" and various competitions. Pupils have also enjoyed the classic "Sponge the Teacher" event and a visit to Santa’s Grotto, ensuring the festive atmosphere is matched only by the community’s generosity. Beyond the classroom activities, pupils have been sharing the festive spirit with the wider community. On 18th December, the SCD Senior Choir paid a special visit to Chorleywood Manor Care Home. The residents were treated to a beautiful selection of Christmas carols, featuring performances by members of the Chamber Choir, Evensong Choir, and the Barbershop Choir. Year 12 pupils Immy and Chrissie noted that "it was a very joyful occasion and it was lovely to see the residents joining in and looking so happy." The success of such a busy week relies heavily on pupil leadership, and the school extends a massive vote of thanks to Year 13 for their incredible hard work and dedication. Their enthusiasm have been the driving force behind this week's fundraising efforts. The week is set to conclude on Friday with the Grand Finale: the highly anticipated Sixth Form Revue, promising a spectacular end to a week of community, charity and celebration.