On Wednesday, 14 May, Alumni Development Officer Ellen Monk and Alumni Trustee and Communications Lead Teri Webster had the extraordinary honour of attending the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. This truly unforgettable occasion was made possible courtesy of Alumni Co-Chair and Trustee Ian Pittaway. As well as their alumni work, Ellen is our Learning Resources Manager and Teri is a Learning Mentor on the Green Lane site – between them they have over 45 years’ service to Robert Clack School. From the moment they arrived at the Palace gates, the atmosphere was electric with excitement. Guests, dressed in their finest attire, had gathered from across the United Kingdom—each with their own story and reason for being invited. It was a special privilege to be among them, walking the immaculate gravel paths and soaking in the grandeur of the Palace gardens—a hidden gem in the heart of London. The event was a stunning showcase of British pageantry. Military bands played timeless tunes as attendees mingled and enjoyed a quintessentially British afternoon tea, complete with dainty sandwiches and exquisite pastries. The beautifully kept lawns, stately trees, and vibrant flowerbeds created a picturesque setting for a truly memorable day. The presence of Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla added a sense of occasion and delight. Their entrance was marked by a formal procession of Beefeaters and the playing of the National Anthem as they appeared on the steps overlooking the thousands of guests. Excitement rippled through the crowd as the royal couple made their way down to greet attendees. To everyone’s delight, His Majesty made his way toward Ellen and Teri, warmly engaging with those nearby. Teri even had the honour of shaking the King’s hand—a moment she described as both humbling and exhilarating - a memory she will treasure forever. This particular Garden Party held special significance, celebrating individuals who have made notable contributions to the fields of education and skills. Both Ellen and Teri said they were deeply inspired by the many fellow guests they met—individuals from all walks of life who had been recognised for their dedication, service, and positive impact on society. As they left the Palace grounds, still glowing from the day’s experiences, Ellen and Teri expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to represent the alumni community and the school at such a prestigious and heart-warming event. It was, without question, a day they will never forget.

Today, the Year 8 Vision & Voices group embarked on their third visit to the National Gallery this academic year. This trip focused on developing students’ oracy skills, with a particular emphasis on presentational speaking. The highlight of the session was an in-depth exploration of Paolo Uccello’s Saint George and the Dragon. Students engaged in thoughtful discussion, deepening their understanding of the artwork while exploring a range of interesting and thought-provoking themes. Here are some pictures from the trip Miss O'Neill

Robert Clack School is participating in the VE Mail initiative, an inspiring program that connects students with World War II veterans to foster understanding and reflection on the past. As part of this project, the school has received a letter from Colonel Joe Peterburs, an American fighter pilot who was shot down just outside Berlin in April 1945. In his letter, Colonel Peterburs shares his personal experiences and imparts a powerful message of hope to future generations. He encourages students to show kindness, compassion, and resilience in the face of challenges, emphasising the importance of unity and empathy in shaping a better world. In response, students at Robert Clack School are tasked with writing heartfelt replies, reflecting on his words and contemplating the lessons of history to ensure that his message of peace and understanding continues to resonate for years to come.

We are thrilled to announce that Paul Cook, a dedicated member of the Robert Clack community, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his outstanding contribution to local sports and community engagement. Paul’s remarkable dedication to coaching and mentoring our students has made a lasting impact, and this prestigious recognition is a testament to his hard work and commitment. Paul first joined Robert Clack in 2002, initially taking on part-time coaching roles before becoming a full-time member of staff in 2013. Since then, he has been an integral part of the school’s sporting community, volunteering his time to coach and support students in cricket, rugby, and gym sessions. His passion for sport extends beyond the school gates, as Paul also dedicates his weekends to umpiring, coaching at Dagenham Rugby Club, and organising cricket sessions on Friday evenings. Paul’s tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2016, he received a Chance to Shine special recognition award for his contributions to cricket, and in 2022, he was honoured with the Essex RFU Unsung Hero award. Now, his hard work has been recognized at the highest level with the British Empire Medal. On Friday, 4th April, Paul and his wife Maggie were invited to the Tower of London, where Paul was presented with the British Empire Medal by Dr. Kenneth Olisa OBE, the Lord Lieutenant of London.  The ceremony was a memorable experience, with Paul having the opportunity to speak briefly with Dr Olisa, who shared that he had visited Robert Clack himself. After the ceremony, Paul and Maggie celebrated this significant achievement at the Dickens Inn in St Katharine’s Dock. Paul’s commitment to supporting the students of Robert Clack and his contributions to local sport have made him a true hero in our community. His passion for helping others, whether on the cricket pitch or rugby field, continues to inspire all who know him. Please join us in congratulating Paul on this well-deserved honour!

We were delighted to welcome back two former students of Robert Clack School— Tendayi Hove (Medical student) and Laiba Tanveer (Dentistry student)—who delivered an insightful and engaging session for our Year 12s on applying to Medicine and Dentistry. Tendayi and Laiba began by sharing their personal journeys from Robert Clack to university, providing a relatable and motivational foundation for the session. They gave students an honest and detailed overview of what it's like to apply for Medicine and Dentistry, covering key aspects such as: Preparing for entrance exams (UCAT/BMAT) Navigating the application timeline Succeeding at interviews and assessment days Managing work experience and personal statements Their practical tips and first-hand experiences gave our students clarity and confidence as they consider their future career paths. As strong advocates for widening participation , Tendayi and Laiba spoke passionately about the importance of representation in healthcare and the power of returning to support their former school. It was inspiring to see them give back in such a meaningful way. To close the session, students took part in a hands-on activity, role-playing as doctors and patients in mock consultations. These real-life case studies helped bring medical history-taking and diagnosis skills to life, sparking lively discussion and enthusiastic participation. The workshop was a valuable experience, full of relevant guidance and inspiration. We would like to thank Tendayi and Laiba for their time, generosity, and commitment to supporting the next generation. We look forward to working with them again in the future. 

Yesterday marked the grand finale of our Entrepreneur Academy, and what an incredible experience it was! The energy in the room was electric as our talented students took the stage to present their final ideas. We were thrilled to be joined by an esteemed panel of judges—Jamie Mason, Jordan Smith, Tina Dulieu, and Dean Franklin—who each brought their unique expertise and perspectives to the table. Jamie, Tina and Dean are all ex pupils and alumni members.  As always, our students did not disappoint. The level of creativity and professionalism in the presentations was truly outstanding, leaving everyone in awe. We saw some groundbreaking ideas, and the future of entrepreneurship is certainly in good hands! And the winners are... The winners of the Entrepreneur Academy final were celebrated for their innovative idea of an anti-spiking straw. This concept addresses a significant issue in the hospitality industry and could help protect people from the dangers of drink spiking. It’s an idea that blends practicality with social impact—an impressive achievement from our talented students. Meanwhile, our runners-up presented an exciting app that pairs players with available football pitches. This simple yet powerful idea has the potential to streamline the way people access sports facilities, making it easier for players to find the right venue and play the game they love. A big thank you to our judges A heartfelt thank you to our incredible panel of judges for taking the time to evaluate our students' hard work. Your feedback and guidance were invaluable, and we’re grateful for your support in making this event a success. Shoutout to Dean Franklin! A special mention has to go to Dean Franklin, one of our judges, who reached the final five on last night’s episode of The Apprentice! We couldn’t be more proud of Dean and are all cheering for you as you continue your journey. Your success is an inspiration to us all, and we’re excited to see where your entrepreneurial path leads! To our students, we say... Finally, a massive thank you to all of our students. You were absolutely amazing—your dedication, creativity, and passion for entrepreneurship were evident in every presentation. You’ve all shown incredible potential, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish in the future. We’re so proud of each and every one of you. Keep dreaming big and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. You are the future of innovation!

On a gorgeous day in March, HEATS students temporarily became official Mudlarkers, hunting for treasures on the foreshores of the Thames in Greenwich. Through an organisation called the Thames Explorer Trust, we spent the morning sifting through this unique archaeological site, as the exposed riverbed at low tide revealed a wealth of historical objects.  Mudlarking is a practice that has grown from a means of survival in the 18th and 19th centuries to a popular hobby today – but you can’t get involved without a permit! With the help of our registered guide, students uncovered Tudor pottery, shards of 17th century beer jugs, countless Victorian pipe stems, and some very impressive animal bones! One student found a strip of leather which had been preserved in the Thames since before the Industrial Revolution. Afterwards, our guide gave us an archeological workshop. Our students sorted through various objects and learned about their provenance, how to identify them, and how they worked together to tell us the story of the layers of London’s rich history. The students did us proud, as always. Our guide commented on how bright and engaged they were and said they were one of the best groups he’d taught. It was so wonderful to see them enjoying their city from a whole new angle. Thank you, as always, to the staff at Clack who supported this trip, whether it was with cover, or finance, or uploading pictures – we couldn’t do it without you!

Our Year 7 pupils recently had an exciting and rewarding trip to the Kingswood Adventure and Activity Centre. 130 pupils from all three sites, stayed at Kingswood for 2 nights in March, where they participated in a range of challenging activities, including abseiling, rock climbing, fencing and buggy building. Throughout the trip, their behaviour was exceptional, and they truly embodied the values of our school, acting as outstanding ambassadors. Many students faced their fears head-on, especially during the abseiling and rock-climbing sessions, showing incredible bravery and determination. What was even more impressive was the support they showed for one another, cheering each other on and offering encouragement at every step. It was wonderful to see the pupils not only push their own limits but also help their peers succeed. The Kingswood staff were particularly impressed with how maturely the pupils conducted themselves. They remarked that they had never seen such a large group show such excellent behaviour. They were truly a credit to the school and to their parents. This trip was a fantastic opportunity for personal growth and teamwork, and we couldn’t be prouder of the resilience and positivity demonstrated by our Year 7s. They represented the school with pride, and we look forward to seeing how these experiences inspire them in the future. A big thank you to the 12 members of staff that gave up their time for the trip. We look forward to organising more of these opportunities. Miss Fernando

As part of the Into Film Spring Film Festival we took our keen and loyal Robert Clack Film Clubbers to see a film adaptation of Harold and the Purple Crayon (2024) at the Vue in Dagenham. Harold and the Purple Crayon was originally a children’s book written by Crockett Johnson in the 1960s. It’s a hugely popular book for younger readers and has even influenced many popular authors producing titles for young people today! Did you know Dav Pilkey named a character called Harold Hutchins from his Captain Underpants book after his love of Harold and his purple pencil! Students had lots of fun experiencing everything that comes with going to the cinema, including a healthy dose of popcorn! We look forward to the next Film Club cinema trip later in the year!