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

Tate Modern Trip

By npower • July 15, 2025
As a reward for their commitment to Art Club throughout the year, a group of Year 7 students enjoyed a fantastic visit to the Tate Modern. Pupils explored the gallery’s exhibitions with curiosity and creativity, representing the school with exemplary behaviour throughout. It was a wonderful celebration of their enthusiasm and dedication to the arts.

Year 9 Cricket

By npower • July 15, 2025
Yesterday the Yr 9's held their current status of Barking and Dagenham Champions three years in a row. These eight boys played some unique cricket with everyone playing their part. We had a heavy group stage with All Saints, Barking Abbey and Sydney Russell winning comfortably in all three games. In the other group stage Eastbury topped the group comfortably, in a tight innings Clack scored a fair but looming 52 runs. Vyasan having a strong part of this, Clack fielded and bowled with heart and passion clawing down to the last ball. Eastbury only needing 5 off of the and Waleed bowling left arm round in his usual form, Eastbury only gathered 1 run.

Parliament trip 2025

By npower • July 15, 2025
On Tuesday, 30 select members of the school council of the entirety of Robert Clack School were invited to The Houses of Parliament by our own MP Margaret Mullane after a request sent by Mrs Monk which was finally accepted after numerous rejections. Because of this, this may increase the likelihood of this opportunity opening again. The way that we got accepted for this trip is based on behavior, engagement with the school council and having an interest in politics. We left Gosfield Road at about 9:30, took the bus to Dagenham Heathway and took the District Line straight to Westminster. As soon as we arrived at the grand Palace of Westminster, and after a few scans of our items, we were shown around the ancient Westminster Hall, saw the New Dawn, which is an artistic masterpiece, lit up and controlled by the tide of the River Thames. This was made as a monument to the Women’s Suffrage Movement. Past that, we explored the Central Lobby, even seeing various news reporters practicing their reports. Later, we were split into two groups and were able to see a debate in the House of Commons between two politicians. Even if you weren’t interested in what they were discussing, you had to be in awe of the entire hall, being shown on TV countless times and finally seeing it in person. And finally before eating our lunch and heading home, we all got a group picture with our MP, Margaret Mullane, to wrap up the whole day. Brendan, Year 9

Geography Field Trip 2025

By npower • July 15, 2025
Our GCSE Geography students have just returned from 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 most days, the students were still able to collect enough data. The weather was glorious and we certainly made the most of the heatwave. Whilst battling through the traffic, with Gallows Corner being closed, we were able to belt out some songs on the minibuses and arrive in good time. The students' behaviour was excellent throughout the trips. They listened well and followed instructions carefully and were a credit to the school. I look forward to taking them all to Stratford in September for their Human Geography fieldwork.

Fighting Pride of Robert Clack

By npower • July 14, 2025
Congratulations to Maisy Kohl in year 9! This half term she won a regional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition. This was all the more impressive as she stepped up 3 divisions to do so and fought a girl 15kg heavier than herself. She won in an incredible 4 seconds, forcing her opponent to tap out from an arm bar.  Well done Maisy, we are all very proud of you!

Essex Athletics Championships 2025

By npower • July 14, 2025
On Saturday 15 th June 2025, Mr Vinda and Mr Goyette lead the Barking and Dagenham district team to compete in the County Championships at Melbourne park in Chelmsford. With Robert Clack winning so many events at the Barking and Dagenham Championships 2 weeks before, it was no surprise that Robert Clack athletes made up the majority of the team. There were over 20 athletes from Robert Clack between year 7-10 competing. All of our athletes showed a high level of skill, physical fitness and outstanding behaviour. They represented themselves and the school with honour. Special congratulations must go to the following athletes for excelling in their individual events and bring back a county medal. Joshua - Gold - Discus Keziah - Bronze - Hurdles Denzel - Silver - 200m Dre - Silver - Hurdles Well done to all who participated.

Josh B Athletics

By npower • July 14, 2025
Essex selection for National championships. Track and field athlete Josh B (year 9), has had the summer of his life with individual achievements and he's not finished yet. This year Josh was our highest point scorer in the English Schools athletics competitions, but his success does not stop there. Barking and Dagenham championships 100m - Gold Discus - Gold Relay - Gold Essex Championships Discus Gold Selection for Essex multi events team, competing in the national championships in Northampton in the following events; Hurdles, Long jump, high jump, shot-put, 800m. Reached national standard in both hurdles and long jump.  Will represent Essex in the hurdles for Essex in the National individual championships. Josh thoroughly deserves the plaudits he is receiving as he works so hard. In the gym before school, not missing a club after school and working hard at his club outside of school. Well done Josh! We are all very proud of you.

Athletics

By npower • July 14, 2025
29 Years and counting!  At the start of this half term, the Robert Clack Athletics squads (boys and girls, years 7-10) attended the Barking and Dagenham secondary school athletics championships. The events were held over 2 days at the Cricklefields stadium in Ilford. As defending champions we knew that the rest of the schools in the borough would be gunning for us and we would be in for a tough year. Our athletes once again stood up to plate and put in some magnificent individual and team performances to ensure that we came home with the title for an unprecedented 29 th year! With 12 competing schools the results make impressive reading and are testament to what our staff and students achieve with months of hard work and practise. Year 7 Boys - winners Girls - runners up Year8 Boys - winners Girls - winners Year 9 Boys - winners Girls - Runners up Year 10 Boys - winners Girls - winners

Year 1 News

By npower • July 14, 2025
It has been our pleasure and privilege to have been part of your child’s journey in Year One! We are so proud of their achievements and we have thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow into budding readers, writers, mathematicians, artists, scientists, explorers, athletes and so much more! Every day the children have amazed us with their determination to learn and grow and we have all been thoroughly charmed by each and every one of their unique personalities. As always, this term has been really busy with lots of fun learning. We started off our ‘Wild World’ topic with an exciting visit to Sea Life Aquarium! The children were fascinated learning about all the magnificent creatures that live in the ocean and how we can protect their natural habitat. In DT, we had lots of fun chopping fruit and making our very own fruit cocktail! In other news, it was amazing to see so many parents come to watch and cheer along in our school’s Sports Day. Your children certainly enjoyed taking part, showing great sportsmanship and teach spirit! Well done Year One!

Art Exhibition

By npower • July 14, 2025
On Thursday, 10th July, the Art Department held a vibrant and inspiring art exhibition at the Gosfield Road site. The event featured artwork created by students from the Art Club across all three school sites. Students have been working hard throughout the year to produce a wide range of creative pieces, and it was a fantastic opportunity for their efforts to be recognised and celebrated. The exhibition gave staff and fellow students the chance to view the incredible talent and dedication shown by our young artists.
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