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St Clement Danes Attends the Livia Awards: A Powerful Message on Road Safety

On 12th November, staff and Head Prefects attended the deeply moving Livia Awards ceremony held at New Scotland Yard. The annual event, which holds a special significance for the school community, honours the Roads and Transport Policing Command of the Metropolitan Police Service for their outstanding investigative work into serious road incidents, as well as their compassionate support for affected families through crucial family liaison work.

The Livia Awards were established in the wake of a tragic incident involving former St Clement Danes pupil Livia Galli-Atkinson. Livia was tragically killed on 12th January 1998, when a driver mounted the pavement and struck her while she was on her way to ballet class. Created in her memory, the Livia Award for Professionalism and Service to Justice celebrates the commitment of police officers dedicated to bringing justice following such devastating events. The first award ceremony was held in 1999 and has continued annually ever since.

This year's ceremony was particularly meaningful as it saw Shayna P, a Year 13 prefect, take the podium. Highlighting the need for a shift in mindset among her peers, she addressed the attendees with these powerful words:

For many young people, driving represents independence, excitement, even a sense of status. But what’s often missed is the responsibility that comes with it, and it’s this that young drivers seem to forget. Many of us think, 'It won’t happen to me,' but the harsh reality is that it can happen to anyone. One careless decision can have life-changing consequences, for ourselves, our passengers, and pedestrians.

Young people often think driving fast or showing off can be 'cool,' but we need to understand there’s nothing cool about putting yourself, your friends, or other people in danger. Driving isn’t simply a right or a reward, it’s a responsibility. We need to remember that every choice when driving can affect lives.

 

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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.