Today our school got involved in Odd Socks Day, marking the start of Anti-Bullying Week!

Odd Socks Day is all about celebrating individuality and spreading kindness. It’s a simple but powerful reminder that we’re all different — and that’s something to be proud of.

All students (and staff!) were invited to come to school wearing odd or mismatched socks. The wilder, brighter, or sillier, the better! There was no need to donate money — it was just a chance to have some fun and share an important message about being yourself and respecting others.

We had some brilliant odd socks and we had fun as a school community. Pupils and staff left feeling valued and included.

We are very proud of the 14 pupils we have selected to take part in The Scholars Programme.

The Scholars Programme gives students in secondary school the opportunity to explore higher education and build key skills to help them succeed in the next stages of their education.   

Students take part in a series of seven university-style tutorials, delivered in-school by a PhD tutor throughout the course of an academic term. The tutorials are based on the tutor’s area of research expertise, so pupils explore an inspiring, supra-curricular topic whilst developing key academic skills that support their attainment across the curriculum. Students receive feedback and support from their PhD tutor to write a final assignment of 1,500-2000 words, demonstrating the subject knowledge, written communication and critical thinking skills they have developed throughout the programme.  

On completion of the programme, students visit a university for a Graduation Event to celebrate their achievements and build their understanding of higher education, helping them make informed choices in the future and believe that they can succeed in university-style learning. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to enriching students’ learning experiences beyond the classroom, we were delighted to host the Royal Navy for a special STEM-focused outreach day with our Year 8 and 9 pupils. The event was designed to inspire curiosity, promote teamwork, and show how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics play a vital role in modern careers - particularly within the Royal Navy.

Throughout the day, students took part in a range of hands-on challenges and interactive demonstrations, all led by experienced Royal Navy personnel. Activities focused on practical applications of physics, engineering principles, and problem-solving, giving students the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in school to real-world scenarios.

Highlights included team-based engineering tasks, where pupils had to build and test structures under time pressure, as well as sessions exploring how navigation, communication, and design rely on scientific thinking. The visiting team also shared fascinating insights into life in the Navy, discussing how STEM skills are essential not only in engineering roles, but across a wide variety of naval careers.

The response from students was overwhelmingly positive. Many found the activities both exciting and eye-opening, gaining a new appreciation for how science can be applied in unexpected ways. One Year 8 student remarked, “I didn’t know science could be used like that—being an engineer could be a fun job to have!” Another said, “It made me think differently about what I might want to do in the future.”

Events like this are a valuable reminder of how powerful real-world engagement can be in shaping students’ aspirations. Through connecting the curriculum to tangible career pathways, we aim to help every student see the relevance of what they learn - and imagine themselves in roles they might not have considered before.

We extend our thanks to the Royal Navy for delivering such an inspiring and energetic day, and we look forward to continuing to offer similar opportunities that bring learning to life.

On 14th October, DEC took part in powerful assemblies delivered through Crimestoppers' Project Fearless, a national initiative designed to empower young people to speak out about crime and make safe, informed choices.

The assemblies, held across various year groups, focused on the importance of speaking up without fear, challenging harmful behaviours, and understanding the impact of crime on individuals and communities. Delivered in a relatable, age-appropriate way, the sessions were both informative and inspiring.

Key themes included:

• How to report crime anonymously through Crimestoppers
• Recognising and challenging peer pressure
• The importance of looking out for one another
• Building confidence to make the right choices—even when it’s not easy

Students learned that they have a voice—and that their actions can help create a safer school and community. The session also highlighted the unique and anonymous reporting service that Crimestoppers offers, giving young people a safe space to share concerns without fear of retaliation or judgment.

“The assembly made me realise that I don’t have to stay silent if I see something wrong,” said a Year 9 student. “Knowing there’s a safe way to speak up really matters.”

Project Fearless aligns closely with our school’s ongoing work on safeguarding, personal development, and community responsibility. We are proud to work in partnership with organisations like Crimestoppers to ensure that our students not only feel safe—but are equipped to help keep others safe too.

Further resources and discussions will continue in tutor time and PSHE lessons over the coming weeks.

This week we’re marking World Mental Health Day (10th October)
At DEC, we believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. We will be learning about how to keep ourselves mentally healthy through assemblies this week. 

On Friday 10^th October we have a number of things to support our pupils with their wellbeing:

• Wellbeing team drop-in at break time in the meeting room opposite hall​
• Mindfulness colouring at break – hall​
• Tea/Toast and Talk – 8.25am in canteen

Let’s take time to check in with ourselves and each other — a kind word, a smile, or simply asking “Are you okay?” can make a real difference.

Remember: It’s okay to ask for help. You are never alone. 
#WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthMatters #BeKindToYourMind

Thank you to all Year 7 parents and carers for attending our Macmillan Coffee Morning on 23rd September 2025. It was lovely to see so many of you, and thanks to your support, we helped raise close to £100! Your generosity means a lot and will make a real difference.

Staying connected with our community is a top priority, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to stay in the loop. While our website continues to be a hub for important news and detailed updates, we also recognize that many parents and families prefer to receive information quickly and conveniently. That’s why we are very active on our social media channels, where we share reminders, highlights, and behind-the-scenes moments from our programs and events. By following us online, you’ll have instant access to announcements, upcoming opportunities, and celebrations of our students’ successes—all in one convenient place. We encourage you to join our growing online community and stay connected with everything happening here by clicking the links below.

Facebook - @DameElizabethCadbury

Instagram - @dameelizabethcadbury

Twitter - @FollowDECTC

At Dame Elizabeth Cadbury, we are committed to building partnerships with our parents and doing all we can to keep them informed and help them to support their child’s learning at home.  We are delighted to announce a range of sessions, both virtually and face to face, for the Autumn Term to support parents and carers.

2024

Previous Workshops

June 2023 Careers Update

Parental Session - Reading and Supporting Literacy

Creating a safe learning environment for your child

Take your child to work - Year 9

Take your child to work - Year 10

How to support your child at home - Maths GCSE