I hope you and your families enjoyed a restful Half Term. February has certainly been a month full of trips and events. We welcomed back students and staff from the Year 9 skiing trip to the Austrian Alps last week; a fantastic week was had by all with many lasting memories being made. My thanks go out to Miss Bonwick and Mr Haynes for expertly leading this trip, as well as the other staff who gave up their half term holiday to provide our students with this memorable and valuable experience. After a last minute change to their return journey travel arrangements, the Year 12 and 13 Art and Photography trip to Amsterdam returned safely to school on the Friday before half term, having spent a superb four days visiting art galleries and soaking up the culture of this fascinating city.  Again, my thanks go out to those staff - Mrs Jarvis, Mrs Giles and Mr McKeown - who gave up their time so that our students could experience this memorable, educational opportunity. 

The Upper School Show ‘Her Naked Skin’ showcased the outstanding talent evident amongst our students; set during the Suffragette movement, the complex love story was powerfully and sensitively portrayed and had the audience captivated from start to finish. It was wonderful for the students to be able to tell this story of two women falling in love in the most difficult of circumstances, across social and cultural divides, when today, nearly a hundred years later, people are still experiencing hatred and prejudice, simply for expressing who they are and who they love. Thank you to Mrs May who expertly directed the show, along with the support from Mrs Ingleby and Miss Smart, as well as the many other members of staff involved who, without their dedication and hard work, would not have given the students this opportunity.

During the same week, two of our debating teams won through to the Regional finals in the English Speaking Union competition; both of our teams showcased an impressive repertoire of public speaking skills in what was a hugely successful evening which culminated with the judges being unanimous in their decision to award both of the SCD teams as winners. I am grateful to Ms George who has given up her time to support and prepare the students for this competition. The half term finished with the brilliant Gym and Dance Show; as in previous years I was very impressed with the level of talent showcased with a range of performances from contemporary dance to vaulting. Thank you to Miss Tucker and all those involved in organising this event.

As I’m sure many of you are aware, from reading the letter which I sent out at the end of last half term, as well as from the school’s website and from following us on our social media platforms, we have recently had unparalleled sporting success; the Year 11 Girls’ Netball team maintain their unbeaten run of wins through their entire school career, the U16 Girls’ Football team went through to the County semi-final, the Senior Girls’ Football reached the County final, the U15 Girls’ Football were in the last 32 teams in the National Cup and the Girls’ Swimming team are the District Gala winners. Today, the U14 Boys Football team travelled to Cheltenham for the National Cup quarter final - we wish them the best of luck, along with all our teams in District, County and National Cup competitions and, whatever the outcome, the way they have played and the way they have supported each other and maintained their sportsmanship, is a huge testament to their character and the values of kindness and dignity we cherish at St Clement Danes.

March promises to be an equally busy month; we look forward to welcoming the German exchange students on their visit to the UK, Year 9 students completing their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh training in preparation for their final expedition in the summer, Year 8 and Year 7 Parents’ Evenings on the 12th March and 20th March respectively and, to end the term on a musical note, the Spring Concert on the 26th March.