Anish Vara’s visit was an amazing experience for both the students he presented to, and to the others he didn’t, as he created a conversation during lunchtime.

Being a former student to Robert Clack School and not being much older than me, it really opened my eyes to how life can change with the right choices. 


Anish spent extra time during lunchtime to catch up with individuals he knew when he was in school. This brought together students across the current Year 13 to catch up with how things have been for him alongside discussing nostalgic moments that took place at the lower site years ago. 

 

I was lucky enough to be on the receiving end of his presentation where he gave a detailed explanation on his own experience at Robert Clack School discussing both his high and low points. Additionally, Anish spoke about how he went from a student on the brink of failing to pulling himself back and getting distinctions in his Double ICT course. A course that I too am studying. Anish's journey in life also opened my eyes to all of the preparation he did to be where he is now, plus the fact that he is always stretching himself to achieve in a variety of areas.


Anish went on to explain a degree apprenticeship, specifically the apprenticeship that he has currently taken on at Ernst & Young. He then briefly explained his position at Ernst & Young as an FAAS (Financial Accounting Advisor Server). Anish had the room roaring with surprise and excitement when he opened the eyes of almost each student once he explained his job role and what he does and the potential pay/career options across the years, with salaries ranging from at 20K up to 150K+, when taking on the role of a director or others. 

 

Anish ended his presentation by talking about the benefits you may receive while on the job where you can have invitations to festivals, parties or just being gifted on a regular basis. Anish’s visit had a positive impact on many students, including me. Hearing that Anish wasn’t in the best position to complete his coursework but was still able to bring himself back up inspired me to do the same. I personally have always been afraid to take on the role of an apprentice due to the lack of knowledge I have. However, his detailed explanation on how an apprenticeship works has made me consider taking on the role of an apprentice as an alternative to University with a clearer mind. Overall, the experience was outstanding and I would love for other students to have the opportunity I had in order to either take away a better understanding of what an apprenticeship offers or the message that there is still a possibility of succeeding even when the odds are against you.


H Thomas Year Y13

By Nick Power • October 27, 2026
On Monday 5th October, our Year 12 and 13 Beauty Therapy students enjoyed an exciting and inspiring visit to the Professional Beauty Show at ExCeL London , accompanied by their teachers, Mrs Rose and Ms Wallis. The event provided students with a fantastic opportunity to explore the latest trends, innovative treatments and exciting new product launches within the beauty industry. Throughout the day, students were able to experience professional products, observe live treatment demonstrations and engage with industry experts, gaining valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of beauty therapy. The visit was an excellent opportunity to broaden students' industry knowledge, develop their understanding of emerging technologies and treatments, and discover potential future career pathways. A fantastic day of learning, inspiration and professional development , helping our aspiring beauty therapists take another step towards their future careers in the beauty industry!
By Nick Power • October 27, 2026
Across all three school sites, 150 Year 11 students experienced a Taster Day at Barking and Dagenham College, Rush Green Campus. This provided them with the opportunity to experience college life, try out different subjects and explore potential career pathways. Throughout the day, students took part in hands-on sessions across a range of curriculum areas and got a feel for what it's like to learn at the college. Our students got stuck into new experiences and began thinking about what their next steps could look like. Mr Hamill
By Nick Power • October 27, 2026
The Year 9 boys played in their first National Cup game against Saffron Walden last week. The boys had a fantastic start, with the whole team working together through their set pieces and plays. A big contribution to their defensive only conceding 1 try through the match. A proud moment, scoring a rain of tries to finish the game at 44-7. The boys worked extremely well seeing them through against Southend High School in the next round at home.
By Nick Power • October 27, 2026
To celebrate National Poetry Day on Thursday 1st October 2026, our English, Science and Geography departments created a lesson linked with their subject that explored this year's theme of 'Wonder' around a poem called 'Who's The Boss'. Lessons were taught to Year 7 and 8 students, and provided the opportunity to explore discussion and oracy based skills with students. Mrs Crowther-Green
By Nick Power • October 27, 2026
On Monday 5 th October to Friday 9 th October 2026, 36 of our Year 13 A-level Biology students visited Trewern Outdoor Education Centre in Hereford, Hay-on-Wye, to participate in a 5-day long residential field trip. During the trip, students showcased excellent biological understanding, traversing many different ecological habitats (including stream/river systems and rocky shores) to expertly sample populations of plant and animal species. Pupils not only developed excellent fieldwork skills, but they also demonstrated fantastic levels of communication and teamwork. Our Year 13 pupils left such a fantastic impression at Trewern Outdoor Education Centre that they were even invited back to participate in work experience! We are incredibly proud of the excellent attitude and sense of community our A-level Biology students showed on this trip, and sincerely hope the memories they now have of this trip are lifelong.
By mhooper • October 23, 2026
As part of Year 9 PSHE this year, representatives from Project Guardian as part of Transport for London delivered sessions about Safety on Public Transport to all Year 9 pupils across the three sites. Pupils were given clear information about how to keep themselves and others safe, including how to report an incident as well as what pupils should do if they need support. Year 9 pupils were actively engaged throughout each session and made very valuable contributions towards the various discussions surrounding safety on public transport. The representatives from Transport for London were very impressed with the maturity shown by our pupils and the excellent behaviour displayed on each site. They not only provided our pupils with very important information, but also provided pupils with the tools to keep themselves and others safe on public transport. We look forward to booking the sessions again next year.
By mhooper • October 23, 2026
A massive congratulations to Elijah A , who has officially signed for Queens Park Rangers Football Club. This is a fantastic achievement and a very proud moment, and we wish Elijah every success in this exciting next chapter of his football journey!
By mhooper • October 23, 2026
An unforgettable NFL experience at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. What an incredible opportunity for our pupils! As the No. 2 ranked NFL Flag team in the UK , our pupils were recently given the fantastic opportunity to attend an NFL game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — and what made the experience even more special was that it was their first ever live NFL game! On Sunday 4th October, the pupils travelled to London to watch the Indianapolis Colts take on the Washington Commanders in front of a packed crowd at the spectacular Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.  Having worked so hard on the NFL Flag field and established themselves as one of the leading teams in the country, receiving free tickets to an NFL game was a fantastic reward and a brilliant way for the pupils to see the sport they love being played at the highest level. For many of the pupils, stepping into the stadium was an experience in itself. The atmosphere, the noise of the crowd, the music, the entertainment and the sheer scale of an NFL game made it a day they are unlikely to forget. The excitement continued once the game got underway, as the pupils were able to watch professional NFL players up close and see many of the skills, tactics and techniques that they have been developing through their own NFL Flag sessions. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to experience the speed, intensity and atmosphere of American Football at the highest level. The Colts went on to defeat the Commanders 30–13, but for our pupils, the final score was almost secondary. The real highlight was being there, experiencing their first live NFL game together and seeing the sport they enjoy brought to life on such a huge stage. The trip was a fantastic celebration of the pupils' achievements and a memorable experience that they will hopefully look back on for many years to come. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this opportunity possible. Experiences like this not only inspire our pupils to continue developing as players, but also show them where their passion for NFL Flag could potentially take them in the future. No. 2 in the UK, first NFL game, and one unforgettable day!
By Nick Power • October 21, 2026
On Monday 12th October several of our Year 9 students attended the annual School’s Day at New Scientist Live at the Excel in London. At the event they got to see the Ministry of Science Live where they learned about vortexes, saw a fire hurricane and tried their best to get Mr Skeels on stage (luckily the hosts saw how terrified he looked and didn’t choose him!) Students also attended a talk titled ‘Are we alone in the Universe’ where they heard about all the amazing planets outside of our solar system and saw some evidence of life on Mars! Along with this, they toured the expo area, meeting industry professionals and scientists. They were able to enter a giant helicopter, watch robots walking around the zones, and got their hands on a few freebies as well (including some water bottles and T-shirt!)  Our students behaved brilliantly on the day and represented Robert Clack with pride. Coming back, they reported on the success of the day and their renewed interest in Science! Well done to all who attended!
By Nick Power • October 21, 2026
In June, our GCSE Geography students enjoyed an excellent trip to Walton-on-the-Naze. The purpose of the trip was to investigate whether the sea defences at Walton were effective at preventing erosion and flooding. Although we had some problems with being able to complete all our fieldwork with high tides some days, the students were still able to collect enough data. The weather was hot with a ferocious heatwave, closing the school early, but it we enjoyed refreshing sea breezes in Walton. During September, the same students attended the trip to Stratford, where they were investigating the regeneration of Stratford and seeing if this improved people's quality of life. The students were fantastic during this trip and were able to speak to members of the public, along with collecting some great fieldwork. This will really help them with their exams in June. The students' behaviour was excellent throughout the trips. They listened well and followed instructions carefully and were a credit to the school.'