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Record-breaking success for St Clement Danes Gold Award students

Congratulations to the 19 current and former students of St Clement Danes School who have successfully completed their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award since May last year:

Simran-Lily M, Nicole L, Clementine O, Wendy V, Aydin A, Charlotte B, Sienna B, Phillip D, Oliver G, Oliver H, Esme J, Thomas K, Charlotte M, Milly O, Scarlett P, Olivia S, Ben S, Jessica S and Barnaby H.

This represents an unprecedented number of Gold Awards for our school, with three more students awaiting final approval and five others nearing completion.

On Monday 12th May, a number of our Gold Award students attended a special celebration Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was in attendance to honour the achievements of these exceptional young people. Fourteen of our students were able to attend the event this year, with the remaining students expected to be invited next year.

The palace gardens were a fitting backdrop for the occasion, beautiful and filled with like-minded young people who had embraced the challenge of the Gold Award. Inspirational speeches were delivered from a satellite stage, and guests enjoyed tea, cake, and the opportunity to explore the stunning surroundings.

Completing the Gold Award is a remarkable achievement, requiring dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Participants must complete five demanding sections, and for many, this marks the culmination of their DofE journey, having previously completed the Bronze and Silver levels.

This year’s Year 13 cohort was our largest yet, with 23 students undertaking their Gold expedition in Norway and six choosing a kayaking expedition. The Gold Award offers flexibility in terms of activities, level of challenge, and time commitments. Direct entrants must commit to at least 18 months, while those progressing from Silver must dedicate a minimum of 12 months. All Gold participants are required to complete at least 12 months of volunteering within their local community.

Two current students, Thomas and Sienna, have gone above and beyond by becoming DofE Young Leaders. Their dedication has had a lasting impact on our school, as they have supported training for new participants, guided students through the eDofE system, and assisted with navigation training on expeditions.

Congratulations to all our Gold Award achievers and wish them every success in their next adventures.

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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.