The Duchess of Sussex celebrates International Women’s Day at Robert Clack School!

“Oh my god, that’s Meghan! I’m actually going to meet Meghan!” This was one student’s reaction as the Duchess of Sussex surprised students at Robert Clack’s upper site on Friday 6th March ahead of International Women’s Day.  

Excitement filled the air as Meghan got out of her car and was greeted by Ian Pittaway - Deputy Lieutenant for Barking and Dagenham and Co-chair of the Robert Clack Alumni Association. Many of the children were speechless, while others gasped as they set eyes on the Duchess who was stood before them. A few weeks earlier Ian had received an email asking if any local schools would like a visit from the Duchess. The theme of the event was International Women’s Day and, with Dagenham holding such an important place in the history of women’s rights following the Ford sewing machinists strike which was instrumental in passing the 1970 Equal Pay Act, Robert Clack were particularly keen to welcome such a special guest. 

 We were honoured to be selected and set about making plans for the day with the Duchess’s staff and security services. After being introduced to Head Teacher Russell Taylor and Senior Deputy Head Teacher Steve O’Brien, Meghan smiled broadly as she was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Year 7 students, Fiona A and Harvi S.  

Meghan was then invited to the Information Centre where she was welcomed by Assistant Head Izzy Eames and her Year 9 students who were working on a project about female poets. The students had researched a variety of female poets, studied an unseen poem, and were busy creating their own poems using their research as inspiration. The Duchess was very interested in their work and offered encouraging words when students shared their poems with her and the group. 

Meghan then met Assistant Head Emily Valentine and the Year 12 Debating Society. Robert Clack Debaters have rubbed shoulders with stars and politicians over the years - but never royalty! Miss Valentine shared her experiences of the day. She praised them for how articulate they were and that it was clear that the moral compasses they hold will enable them to become world leaders when they complete their education. A particular highlight of our time with the Duchess was when she was made an honourary member of the Debate Society and students Lily and Yesha presented her with her own debate jacket, she said that 'her husband would be very jealous'. It was an absolute honour for some of our Debate Society to meet such a warm, modern and personable member of the Royal Family. It was a day that we will never forget!”  

 “When Mr Taylor told me about the Royal Visit from the Duchess of Sussex there was no question about ensuring that our wonderful debaters got an opportunity to show off their skills, especially as the issues that the Duchess holds close to her heart are the same as those involved in the Debate Society. What struck me about the Duchess was that she was incredibly down to earth and keen to hear the views and aspirations of those taking part in the session. She remarked on the fact that they were able to discuss their future careers. One example was embarking on work in Gynaecology in the developing world, and how student Aeesha was able link science and debate effortlessly.  

She recognised that our students have the ability to change the world using their voices and encouraged them to continue to have their voices heard. Debater, Aeesah A added, “The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, is an inspirational person not just to young people from ethnic minorities and females, but to the general population. I believe she has this influence because she has already accomplished so many great achievements in her life whilst overcoming many difficulties thrown her way. To have her join our Debate Society has made all of us more proud of being part of the Robert Clack Debate Society. Meeting the Duchess of Sussex has given me personally more confidence and assurance that my ability to speak out can make positive changes and help improve the lives of people for the better. Her joining of our Debate Society has helped solidify the fact that young people can make a change in the world that we live in and that the steps that we are taking to do this are being noticed by many people from all around the world.”  

The Duchess made her final stop of the visit at the assembly hall where she was keen to take part in the Year 11 assembly which was themed around International Women’s Day. She was introduced to former student Miss Hasika Bhudia, teacher of mathematics and Head of Year 11, along with another honoured guest - former student Geraldine Dear, a retired Ford Machinist, who took part in the Equal Pay Strike. Students Rhyanna W and Renee P-D kick started the assembly by speaking eloquently about the global impact the female Dagenham Ford workers made on women’s rights. The first strike in 1968 was a trigger in passing the Equal Pay Act 1970. Geraldine was one of the ’13 rebels’ who took part in a further strike in 1984, in protest against the system that graded women as unskilled workers. Geraldine and her machinist colleagues went on strike for six weeks before Ford eventually agreed to their terms and they returned to work on an equal footing to the male skilled workers.  

Year 13 student Olivia C then made a heartfelt speech about her own experiences as a woman and reflected on where she thought life would take her. Olivia said, “This visit is certainly one I will remember, as the crucial celebration of women and female empowerment was recognised by a leading female figure in public British consciousness. As I am from a borough with issues surrounding gender equality and the empowerment of young people, I think that Meghan Markle recognising our area and our school as an important centre of change for gender in our society and the role and status of women is incredibly powerful.”  

The ‘Citizen of The Week’ award was then presented to student Charlotte Fleisher by Meghan. A very excited Charlotte said, “It was amazing to see Meghan in school. I couldn’t believe it when she congratulated me for receiving my award and shook my hand. This memory will stay with me forever!” The Duchess then addressed the assembly, urging the boys in particular, to value and appreciate the women in their lives whilst setting an example to other men who may not see things in the same way. “You have mothers, sisters, girlfriends, and friends in your lives. Protect them, make sure they are feeling valued and safe. Let’s just rally together to make sure International Women’s Day is something that is not just for one day but frankly feels like every day of the year.”  

She then went ‘off the cuff’ and asked for a male volunteer from the audience.Aker O was the lucky student to be chosen! Aker approached the stage to rapturous applause and cheers from his peers and, shaking Meghan’s hand, he said the words, “She really is beautiful innit!” which has become his tag line and gone viral on social media! Aker received a big hug from the giggling Duchess who was clearly amused by his reaction before speaking with confidence about his views on women’s rights. A very proud Miss Bhudia said “All in all, the speeches from our pupils filled us with nothing but pride on this special day. The voice from today’s women of Dagenham was held strong and we have every faith in them to keep the fight for equality alive through the generations to come. Well done to everyone who was involved and I am sure this will be a day nobody will forget!"  

This was certainly a day that will be etched in the minds of all staff and students at Robert Clack for many years to come. The atmosphere around the school was electric. Here are a few quotes from some of the students: “I never expected to have such an honour of meeting a royal, but there I was at Robert Clack School meeting one of the most special and important people today” Fabio Petraru “We were all waiting at our tables and then we saw Meghan Markle through a window the teachers forgot to cover! I was honestly so excited because I was getting this once in a lifetime opportunity” Ula Lapinskaite “It was amazing. We were all screaming and crying in excitement. Seeing Meghan Markle inspired me to try harder and be the best me I can be” Popina Brennan  

Head Teacher Russell Taylor reflected on the day saying, “The visit of The Duchess of Sussex was a truly great moment in the history of Robert Clack School. As I listened to the wonderful speeches given by Renee, Rhyanna, and Olivia during the assembly, I found myself feeling overcome with emotion. All I could think was: this is what Robert Clack School is about. This visit wasn’t about one individual; it was about us, all of us, working together as one for the benefit of all. I’m sure you have seen the media coverage of Meghan’s visit and I’m sure, like me, you cannot fail to have noticed the look of shock, exuberance, and unadulterated joy on our pupils’ faces. Meghan told our pupils - girls and boys - that they matter, that they have a voice and that they should use it. What a powerful message!  

And the response on social media has been nothing short of extraordinary, with so many people from all over the world commenting on our “amazing” pupils. I feel exceptionally proud and privileged to be a part of our community; I hope they all do too.”  

A huge thank you to everyone involved in the visit, especially our staff and wonderful students. Special mentions to our VIPs, Ian Pittaway, Geraldine Dear, the Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, Peter Chand and his wife Ginger, Chief Executive of LBBD, Chris Naylor, and Leader of the Council, Darren Rodwell. It was certainly a memorable day for us all! 

By npower April 3, 2025
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!
By npower April 3, 2025
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
By npower April 2, 2025
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!
By npower April 1, 2025
On Tuesday 25th March, our students had the privilege of welcoming back a former pupil who has forged an exciting career in aviation engineering. Callum Kelly shared his journey from GCSE studies at Robert Clack to his current role as an engineer, offering valuable insights and inspiration to the students. During his presentation, Callum covered a range of topics, including safety in aviation, quality checks in the industry, and the realities of working with clients. He also shed light on the educational pathways available, discussing the differences between university and apprenticeships, as well as the importance of core subjects such as Maths, English, and Science in forming the fundamentals of engineering. One of the highlights of the visit was a lively Q&A session where students eagerly asked about the mechanics of flight, how weight reduction affects aircraft performance, and even the potential future of aviation. The discussion also touched on the financial rewards of an engineering career and the skills required to succeed in the industry. Students particularly appreciated hearing first-hand accounts of the interviewing process and what it takes to become an aviation engineer. The visit not only provided practical knowledge but also served as a source of motivation for those considering a future in engineering. It was a truly inspiring session, and we are grateful to Callum for taking the time to return and share his experiences. We look forward to seeing more of our alumni return to inspire and guide the next generation of professionals.
By npower March 31, 2025
I am pleased to share that last week, Daniel (Lymington Fields) and Toluwani (Gosfield Road) represented our school with great pride at the borough-wide Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge finals, held at Eastbrook School. Mr Morrison and I had the privilege of attending to support the boys and they were a credit to both their families and our school community. Performing a speech on a topic of their choice in front of a panel of seven judges, including representatives from the council, Jack Petchey, Universities, national charities and an audience, takes immense courage. Daniel's speech was titled "Time to Step Out of the Box" and Toluwani's was called "Turning Failure into Success." The winner of the competition was from Sydney Russell and it was a well-deserved victory. However, I must admit, in my (perhaps slightly biased) opinion, Daniel’s use of vocabulary surpassed that of the other competitors. It was one of those evenings that truly reminded me why we do what we do in this profession—to give students the confidence and the voice to succeed! From every Form Time activity to English lessons to conversations in the playground, teachers and support staff make a difference. The event provided Daniel and Toluwani with a fantastic opportunity to develop their public speaking skills, and I'm confident that they will continue to shine.  The future is bright in the borough! Mr Carter
By npower March 30, 2025
A group of our students had the incredible opportunity to attend a prestigious Masterclass at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) as part of the Institute for Research in Schools' Big Data ATLAS Project. Throughout the day, students were immersed in the world of particle physics. They attended a fascinating lecture on the Standard Model delivered by a postdoc researcher from the University of Oxford, who explained how detectors at RAL work and gave a whirlwind 40-minute introduction to particle physics. One student reflected: "This trip was very fun to go on... This was very insightful because it gave everyone a different point of view on how to approach the data analysis for our project, and we all even learned new things—even Dr Shirazi!" Students also had the chance to work on their IRIS projects with the support of professional physicists, tour the RAL facilities, and participate in a careers panel discussion. They explored how different parts of the collider and its detectors work together, and saw first-hand how particle physics supports other disciplines. Another student commented: "I personally discovered that particle physics is not only linked to physics, but biology too. Particle physics can be used to analyse the structures of organic materials… These methods were even used to help create the vaccine for COVID-19!" The visit was both inspiring and educational, offering a glimpse into how the data gathered from large-scale research facilities like RAL and ISIS can contribute to solving real-world problems. "I really enjoyed the trip as I had the opportunity to explore possible career paths in particle physics and how all the logistics of an operation as big as ISIS can work and benefit future generations," shared another student. We are proud of our students for embracing this opportunity so enthusiastically. They returned full of excitement, new knowledge, and fresh perspectives on science and its future—an experience that will no doubt inspire their continued learning and aspirations in STEM. At the heart of the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source is a powerful particle accelerator, which begins by generating hydrogen ions (H+) and accelerating them through a series of specialized components. First, an injector and linear accelerator boost the ions to 37% of the speed of light. These then enter a circular synchrotron—a 163-metre ring of magnets—where the ions are stripped of their electrons, becoming protons. After nearly 10,000 revolutions, they reach speeds of 84% of the speed of light and are then directed toward the target station (on picture). There, the high-energy protons collide with a tungsten target, releasing neutrons through a process called spallation. These neutrons are slowed and guided to instruments that allow scientists to investigate materials at the atomic level—revealing how atoms are arranged and move, which is essential for developing new, advanced materials used in everything from medicines to electronics. Dr Shirazi
By npower March 30, 2025
U12 Girls Essex 7s Tournament Some of the u12 rugby girls had the Essex 7s tournament this term, which saw 2 Robert Clack teams versing 6 other schools in the fight to win the Essex 7s title. The B team had a few losses but was able to get 2 wins and a walkover putting them in 5th place. On the flip side, the A team were fantastic, with determination and hard work they won 5 games and drew against Castle View who were their top challengers this year; as a result the A team were overall final winners and are Essex County Schools Seven Aside U12 Winners 2025. To top it off, the weather was shining!
By npower March 30, 2025
Robert Clack School celebrated British Science Week in early March. Students across all school sites were able to take part in various lunchtime and after school activities including rocket launching, camouflage moths, making slime, tracking mammal footprints, and painting their own plant pots. For a second year in a row we had baby chicks hatching in our science classrooms that students were able to visit. All sessions had a fantastic turn-out, and our young scientists thoroughly enjoyed exploring science beyond the curriculum. Here are some of the pictures from the week.
By npower March 21, 2025
On Tuesday 18 th March our Jack Petchey recipients were recognised for their outstanding achievements. It was an excellent evening, celebrated with families and colleagues, with truly deserving award winners. The following students received awards Frankie (Year 9) Neriah (Faith) (Year 10) Daniel (Year 9) Jayden (Year 10) Anousha (Year 13) Rayanna (Year 13) Miriam (Year 9) Our Leadership Award recipient Julie Deacon. Julie has worked at Robert Clack for 30 years. She is a highly experienced and respected colleague who is incredibly valued. Julie has a strong affinity with the school and values and was commended for the outstanding leadership she has demonstrated, as well as the exceptional relationships she has fostered. She is an excellent member of staff who models great practice, setting high standards and supporting those around her to achieve excellent outcomes. Well done to all!
By npower March 21, 2025
Miss Whatmore, Mr Lutes and Mr McBride are excited to share some fantastic news about our Year 9 students who were involved in the JP Morgan final competition that took place Thursday 13 March. Sixteen of our students participated in this prestigious event, competing against 22 other teams from schools across London. The challenge focused on tackling important issues surrounding water, air, or food waste. The competition was scored out of 200 points: 100 for the presentation and 100 for the work done throughout the program, which began in October. Both of our teams performed exceptionally well, and their hard work made us incredibly proud to represent Robert Clack. Team Optimum, consisting of Safa, Milena, Kezia, Zoe, Domas, Roland, Malakia, and Jordan, made it to the top 3 and had the opportunity to present their ideas in front of all the JP Morgan mentors and other participating schools. They finished in second place and were awarded the prize for the best innovative idea. We are so proud of both teams and all their efforts, and they truly embodied the Robert Clack ethos.
More Posts
Share by: