Dr Kajal Ruparell (class of 2015) met with Glen, a Year 12 student, to offer advice about applying to study Medicine. Glen had lots of questions about the application process and university experience. Dr Ruparell explained that universities are looking for well-rounded individuals who can demonstrate empathy and resilience. She also spoke about how students from state schools can sometimes face stigma when applying for Medicine and that university can feel very different from the supportive, community-based environment at Clack, which can come as a culture shock. Dr Ruparell advised that Glen’s main priority at present should be focusing on his academic studies to ensure he achieves the grades required for entry into Medicine. She also recommended gaining relevant experience through volunteering in a care home or hospital setting. Glen was Head Boy in Year 11 and has been heavily involved in the School Council throughout his time at Clack. He has also supported younger students through the school’s peer mentoring programme. Dr Ruparell encouraged him to reflect on the skills and experiences he has gained from these roles and to include them in his application. She also discussed the importance of resilience, explaining that setbacks are inevitable and that the key is to learn from them, overcome challenges, and move forward positively.  Going forward, Dr Ruparell has kindly offered to mentor Glen throughout the application process, which we are extremely grateful for. They will meet again before the summer holidays to continue discussing his progress and next steps. We would like to thank Dr Ruparell for her generous offer of time, guidance, and support.

Ex-pupil Yasin spoke to Year 9 students about his journey from school to his current role in construction. He talked students through the choices he made along the way, including the GCSE Options he selected and the A Levels he studied, explaining how these helped shape his future pathway. Interested in construction from an early stage, Yasin also took part in the Construction Youth Trust programme during Sixth Form. Although he was initially unsure exactly what he wanted to do, and had received university offers, he decided to accept a five-year degree apprenticeship with The Hill Group. He is now working on a variety of projects, including a development in Dagenham. Yasin encouraged students to remember that early decisions do not tie you down permanently, and that it is possible to change direction and explore different pathways as your interests develop.  Thank you to Yasin, for giving up his time to speak with our students.

We were delighted to welcome former pupil Ayomide Sadare, a Structural Engineer at Curtins , to speak with our Year 9 students at Lymington Fields about his journey into engineering and what a career in the industry really looks like. Ayo shared his educational pathway, from studying French, History, Music and Food at GCSE, to Maths, Physics and Chemistry at A-Level, before completing both his Civil Engineering degree and Master’s at University of Bristol. Students were fascinated to learn about the difference between Civil and Structural Engineering, with Ayo explaining how his role focuses on designing safe buildings and collaborating closely with architects and contractors across a wide range of projects — from community developments and new builds to skyscrapers. He also gave students an insight into the day-to-day reality of the role, from carrying out site inspections and regulatory checks to using industry software such as AutoCAD and TEDDS for analysis and design. Sharing his screen helped bring the technical side of engineering to life for our pupils.  Students asked some excellent questions, including: 🔹 Do employers look more at GCSEs or A-Levels during interviews? 🔹 What is the hardest type of engineering? 🔹 What hobbies or clubs can help prepare you for a career in engineering? Ayo highlighted the importance of using qualifications as stepping stones throughout your journey, while also developing wider skills such as communication, teamwork and confidence collaborating with different people. He encouraged students to challenge themselves socially, build computing knowledge, and develop skills in coding and Excel to strengthen future applications. A huge thank you to Ayo for giving our students such valuable insight and inspiration into the world of engineering.

The Geography department are delighted to share some exciting news from this year’s Polar Network Antarctica Day Competition. Three of our students' flag were submitted to take part in this inspiring international initiative, celebrating creativity, science, and global collaboration. As part of the competition, students were invited to design flags representing their ideas about Antarctica, its environment, and its importance to our planet. We are incredibly proud to announce that all three of our students’ entries were photographed in Antarctica (at Cappe Geddes, near Signy Research Station) by Laura Wilkie Johnson, a PhD student. The pictures were taken aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough. Seeing our students’ work represented in such a remote and important part of the world is a remarkable achievement and a testament to their creativity and enthusiasm. This opportunity has helped highlight the importance of polar research and environmental awareness, while also allowing our students to feel connected to real-world scientific exploration. We warmly congratulate our three participants: Lara 8GD, James 8LB and Maya 8LC for their fantastic contributions and for representing our school on a global stage. We look forward to seeing even more students get involved in future opportunities like this.

We are delighted to congratulate the nine students who have been accepted onto the prestigious Imperial College London STEM Potential Programme. This is a fantastic achievement, especially considering that we had 22 applications; having nine students accepted is absolutely incredible. The STEM Potential Programme is a highly competitive initiative designed to support and inspire talented students with a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through the programme, students will take part in a range of enriching activities, including academic workshops, mentoring, campus visits, and insight into university life at Imperial College London. This opportunity will allow our students to develop their subject knowledge, build confidence, and gain a deeper understanding of future pathways in STEM fields. We are extremely proud of their success and look forward to seeing them thrive throughout the programme.

This year’s British Science Week was a huge success across all three sites, with students and staff taking part in a wide range of exciting activities designed to celebrate curiosity, creativity and scientific thinking. Throughout the week, students enjoyed a variety of lunchtime and after-school science sessions, including practical challenges, STEM activities, and investigations led by members of the science department. Activities ranged from making hand creams and exploring melting points to engineering challenges such as windmill blade design and marble runs, giving students the chance to experience science in a fun and hands-on way. One of the highlights of the week was the arrival of our baby chicks, which hatched live in the science labs. Students (and teachers!) visited the chicks during break and lunch, and for the first time ever we live streamed the chicks hatching on the Robert Clack website – it was brilliant to hear how many students were tuning in at home, making this a memorable experience for everyone involved. We also had the science department’s resident pet turtles, Phineas and Ferb, take part in a race – Phineas won despite his small size! This year’s British Science Week poster competition was also a great success, where over 70 students created thoughtful and creative posters exploring the theme of a positive childhood. The quality of entries was outstanding, with students combining scientific ideas, creativity and personal reflection to produce some truly impressive work. Finalists’ posters showed excellent effort, originality and attention to detail, and it was great to see so many students engaging with the theme. Across Lymington, Gosfield and Green Lane, the enthusiasm shown by students was fantastic, and it was great to see so many taking part in activities beyond the classroom. Events like these highlight how science can be creative and enjoyable for everyone. A big thank you to all staff who helped organise activities, run sessions and support students throughout the week — and well done to all students who took part and made British Science Week 2026 such a success!

This week, our school production of Aladdin lit up the stage with two fantastic evening performances on Tuesday and Wednesday. Students from across year groups came together to deliver a vibrant, energetic, and thoroughly entertaining show that showcased not only their musical talents, but also their dedication and teamwork. From the colourful costumes and creative staging to the confident acting and lively musical numbers, the production was a true celebration of the performing arts. Our cast brought the well-loved characters to life with humour and charm, while the ensemble numbers filled the stage with energy and excitement. A huge congratulations goes to all of the students involved—both on stage and behind the scenes—for their hard work and commitment over many weeks of rehearsals. Their efforts truly paid off, and they should be incredibly proud of what they achieved.  We would also like to thank staff and families for their continued support, as well as everyone who attended the performances. Your encouragement helped make the shows such a memorable success. Well done to everyone involved in making Aladdin such a magical experience!

Between the 6th and 8th of March, 24 Year 10 students took part in an exciting residential trip to PGL Bawdsey Manor in Suffolk. Over the three days, students challenged themselves with a wide range of adventurous activities including climbing, Jacob’s Ladder, the challenge course, archery, aeroball, the giant swing and zip lining. The trip provided plenty of opportunities for students to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence and support one another as they tackled each activity. One of the highlights of the weekend was the silent disco on the Saturday night, where students danced the night away and enjoyed a well-earned evening of fun after a busy day of activities. A special thank you goes to Mr Cook, who generously gave up time on his Friday and Sunday to help drop off and collect some of the students from Suffolk. Trips like this create memories that students will cherish for years to come. The residential was not only about physical activity and adventure, but also about building friendships, developing independence and creating shared experiences that make school life so special.  Miss Robbins

On the 11th of March, our year 7 rugby girls competed in the Essex 7s tournament, putting in fantastic performances throughout the day. Both the A and B teams showed great determination, teamwork and resilience against strong opposition from across the county. The highlight of the tournament was an outstanding performance from the A team, who went on to win the entire competition and secure the Essex 7s title. Their attacking play, defensive effort and teamwork were exceptional, making it a well-deserved victory and a proud moment for the school. The B team also performed brilliantly, showing great spirit and continuing to improve with every match. Their effort and commitment contributed to a very successful day for the whole squad. Special recognition goes to our “Women of Steel” — Cheriah, Khadijat, Lateefat, Anjola, Nathaya, Amelia and Kelsey — whose hard work, determination and positive attitude helped drive the teams forward throughout the tournament.  Overall, it was a fantastic day of rugby and a great achievement for everyone involved. Congratulations to all the players who represented the school so well and brought home the Essex title. Miss Robbins