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Debating Competition at the Houses of Parliament

 

On Friday 15th November St. Clement Danes School took a team to a Debating Competition at the Houses of Parliament. The competition was held in the debating rooms off Westminster Hall where official Parliamentary debates also take place, thus giving us a sense of grandeur but obviously adding to the nerves. The competition was being hosted by Gagan Mohindra MP, MP for the South West Hertfordshire constituency and so we were up against 6 other schools from the area including Parmiters, Merchant Taylor’s and Rickmansworth.

Our first round match was against Rickmansworth and we were taking the Opposition position to ‘This House would make entrepreneurship a school subject’. The debate was close but our team of Jonny, Louie, Lahari and Toby, ably assisted by Lani who analysed the debate and provided ongoing advice and feedback during it, narrowly lost out to the eventual winners, Rickmansworth. Unfortunately this meant that our second team of four, Nikita, Ali, Indy and Toby were unable to debate their ‘Government’ position on ‘This House would introduce a murder classification system like that in the USA’. 

Having stayed to watch the semi-finals we recognised the strengths of good parliamentary debating and the judges were impressed with the students' agility in their debating skills being able to present clear, evidenced arguments but respond to questions and timely interjections.

Whilst we were only able to take 8 students in the team, a special mention and thank you should go to the Year 12s and Year 13s who unsuccessfully tried out for the team but added so much to our preparation in advance. Every member of the team played a crucial role. Congratulations to one and all and better luck next year.

 

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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.