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DofE March Expeditions

178 Year 9 students undertook a two day expedition over the weekend of 10th - 13th March. The group was split in half and each group experience was different due to the challenging weather conditions.

All the students walked from school to Phasels Wood Scout Campsite near Apsley. On the first day they were accompanied by staff, parent volunteers and sixth formers who trained the group to read a map and use a compass to work out which direction they were travelling in. Students arrived at the camp site and were taught how to set up their tent and use a Trangia stove to cook their own hot evening meal and wash up afterwards. Due to extreme low temperatures the first group on Friday went home to sleep but returned to camp the following morning to resume their expedition back to school. This time they were unaccompanied but tracked and checked on by the staff and volunteers along the way. Navigational errors were made but the groups worked hard to locate themselves and get back on track. Whilst the second group did manage to camp on Sunday night they faced high winds and rain. They also managed the second day unaccompanied back to school. Tired, exhausted and very muddy the groups did all make it back to school, even if we had to pick them up in the minibus!

The students will go onto their qualifying expeditions in June, where hopefully they will have more favourable weather conditions.

A big thank you to all the parents and staff who volunteered their time to help out on a successful trip!

 

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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.