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Posted on: 29/04/2021Old Dane publishes debut novel
Simon Elson, who studied at St Clement Danes from 2012 – 2019, has published his first book ‘Hades Forest’ which will be available to purchase on Amazon from 1st May.
Simon spoke to Rachel Brindley, our Trust Improvement Director and Simon’s English Literature A Level teacher about publishing the book:
“I chose to self-publish the book so I can keep a greater percentage of profits per sale. Self-publishing also means that I don’t have to sign a contract that forbids me from ever switching genre for the rest of my writing career. I was offered a contract by a few small and medium-sized traditional publishers, but I turned them down. We will see if that decision pays off!”
He told Rachel her teaching continues to inspire him after leaving St Clement Danes:
“Thank you so much for two amazing years of teaching. The more time passes since my SCD experience, the more I look back on it with a grin like a Cheshire cat. You really inspired in me a passion for writing and reading that I didn’t know I had, and as you can clearly see, that has had a lasting impact on me far beyond school. Whether my writing is a success or not, I still find immense enjoyment in literature, and that’s mainly because of you. Thank you!”
We wish Simon the very best of luck with the launch of ‘Hades Forest’. You can order a copy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3dEdFtz
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Blurb from ‘Hades Forest’
Five tribes fight to the death
Only one can survive
In a dark vision of the near future, the Holy State of Borea is indoctrinating its citizens. No one is allowed to speak out against the government.
But even a repressive state cannot obliterate desire for freedom - not for Perry Benson, at least. While his wife falls more and more in love with the state's regime, he searches for a way out.
His path forward becomes clear, and he escapes to a distant forest. The repressive state cannot find him here – yet he is not the only one living between the trees.
Perry must fight for his life, and unravel the government’s secrets… before he is killed by one of the five tribes of Hades Forest.
Posted on: 1/04/2021Elstree Screen Arts Academy joins Danes Educational Trust
On Thursday 1st April, Elstree Screen Arts Academy joined Danes Educational Trust – a multi-academy trust with schools in South and Mid Hertfordshire. The academy is excited about this strategic move and the increased scope and potential for collaboration it will bring.
Principal Chris Mitchell said “We are proud to be joining the Danes Educational Trust. As a leading, specialist creative academy for the culture industries, Elstree Screen Arts Academy can’t wait to bring our creative and technical zeal to this superb trust. We work with some of the best creative industry partners in the world and now we are joining an outstanding educational trust who believe in ‘making the difference together’. This is a defining moment in the brilliant Elstree Screen Arts Academy story.”
Students from the academy celebrated by recording this short video talking about their hopes for the future. You can watch the video here: - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnBfbs0sAHk
The Danes Educational Trust is committed to ensuring that all its learners benefit from being part of the Trust and the opportunities afforded by this closer relationship. Following the move, the academy will keep its existing identity, including its ethos, motto and name, but students and staff will reap the benefits of collaboration on staff recruitment, training and projects of both an educational and resourcing nature.
The Danes Educational Trust was formed when St Clement Danes School, an outstanding school in Chorleywood, was asked to open a second school in South West Hertfordshire – Croxley Danes School. The Trust now comprises of two further schools Chancellor’s School and Onslow St Audrey’s School and primary school De Havilland.
Its CEO, Dr Josephine Valentine OBE was Headteacher at St Clement Danes for 20 years and is thrilled to be welcoming ESA into the Trust. “Danes Educational Trust is delighted and excited that Elstree Screen Arts Academy has joined our family of schools. The addition of this vibrant and exciting Academy will further enhance the diversity, joy and creativity experienced by students and staff across Danes Educational Trust. Working in partnership with schools to improve educational outcomes and experience for all is at the heart of our commitment to our learners”.
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