Yesterday I wrote to parents and carers with the new Covid-19 guidance and measures for schools.
It was important to me that in the letter I also thanked our staff who are working incredibly hard to do the best for students, as they have done throughout the last two years.
I am incredibly proud of their dedication and commitment to minimise any impact on the quality of our provision.
Since September we have been working strategically to mitigate any Covid-19 risks and return back to normal as quickly as we can. We understand and know our young people and a return to normal is ultimately what they need to improve their wellbeing and to move forward positively from the challenging two years they have experienced.
I would also like to once again highlight how brilliant our students have been in supporting the school and each other with the ever changing measures and in overcoming the challenges they have faced during this difficult time.
Finally, thank you to all parents, carers and families who have provided great support to staff and children at the school.
In our assemblies on Wednesday Mr Manley delivered key messages about re-establishing standards in school with the following updates and reminders. His presentation is copied below for your information.
An update on uniform expectations from Monday 4 April.
A reminder of the mobile phone/headphones and smartwatch rules that were introduced in March 2020.
A reminder of behaviour expectations and responsibilities.
Easter Holiday Club
A reminder that we are running a Holiday Club from 11 - 14 April.
There will be fantastic activities on offer and more information about how to book is available at this link.
DofE Silver Cycling Expedition
Very well done to the following students who completed their DofE silver cycling expedition last weekend.
Archie Forgan and Yaseen Khatwa from 10E and Samuel Chapman, Isaac Dent, Joseph Marples and Fin Parkin-Hughes all from 10N.
The group started in Barnstaple and took the Tarka Trail to Instow before going through Bideford and Torrington and then camping in Meeth. On the second day they cycled to Harford Bridge via Haverly and Okehampton before taking the granite way to Tavistock and camping for their second night. On the final day they cycled to Princetown before picking up the old railway line back to DHSB.
They group cycled about 50km each day and had great weather for it. Their assessor said the group’s approach and attitude was extremely positive.They all worked and bonded as a team during the three days and made the most of the expedition in so many ways.
Congratulations!
Maths Feast
Thank you to Miss Cunningham who took two teams of Year 10 students to the AMSP Maths Feast, hosted by Ivybridge Community College.
Miss Cunningham said, “ This was a welcome return to a team maths competition, the first since before lockdown 1. Students competed in four varied but equally challenging rounds where they had to work as a team to problem solve and do the maths! It was a successful day for both teams, winning three out of four rounds. More importantly, it was great to see such a fabulous display of team work and problem solving skills from all who competed.”
Congratulations to Sean Bautista 10N, Stavya Dubey 10C, Talha Durrani 10W, Orlan Hartley 10N, Tyler Harvey 10S, Alex Knobloch 10N, Lucas McBride 10W and Hari Somakumar 10E.
Student News
Well done to George Shaw 7E who performed as the Beast in Beauty and the Beast last weekend.
The performance was originally planned for 2019 but due to the pandemic and many other delays it finally took place last weekend (also George's 12th birthday).
Young Writers
Thanks to Mr Richards for sharing this news.
Mr Richards said, “Nine entries from Poetry Society will be published in a national anthology as part of a Young Writers competition. The school will receive a free copy next term and the anthology will also be available for the public at the British Library”.
Thank you to Daniel Bott 7P, Rudi Gibbs 11C, Henry Gilmore 7E, Elliott Mair 9C, Otto Malm 9S, Jake Parsons 9N, Hamish Bailey 7P, Jack Cox 9W and Tarka Liddle 9N for sharing your work. Fabulous.
Excellent Work
Mr Anderson has submitted this example of Excellent Work from his Year 7 Geography class.
The class was set a homework task about the ‘urban heat island'. Students had to find out what this is and apply to a case study of London.
The work by Malik Bhumi 7S shows really great understanding and presentation of a GCSE concept.
Sixth Form Enrichment and Tutorial
This week I’m highlighting the Sixth Form’s focus on citizenship which includes learning about sexual harassment and violence against women.
Ms Davidson, Assistant Head Post-16, and Ms Wilkinson, Deputy Head of Sixth Form, have received awards from Devon Charity Trevi for their commitment to this and DHSB was praised by Trevi for its efforts in educating young men.
Ms Davidson took students to view the recent installation at the Guildhall, which used shoes to create a powerful and poignant tribute to 108 women murdered by men in the UK during 2020.
Ms Davidson said the exhibition alerted the students to what was happening to women, be they mothers, sisters or friends, with regard to domestic or on the street violence.
She added, “ There is a feeling that what is needed is a cultural change and conversations in school are vital to help achieve that. Students in Year 12 are not just being taught about sexual harassment, but also encouraged to look at what they can do to encourage change in young men's attitudes”.
Ms Wilkinson is pictured receiving her award from Ms Davidson and with Daniel Sturge 12SDO and Alana Whitta 12RNC who attended the exhibition along with Olivia Yates 12SDO.
