I am very pleased to invite you to join the school community for an afternoon and evening of special events and fun on Saturday 9 July as we celebrate 120 years of DHSB.
The afternoon begins at 2.30pm with opportunities to tour the school, enjoy the grounds, and hear three fascinating lectures.
The early history of the school
The history of the building from its original purpose as a Napoleonic Military Hospital through to the current day
A celebration of trees in the urban environment
A buffet will be available from 5.30pm in Refuel and as we move into the evening we will be entertained by a live band who will help us dance the night away. There will also be an opportunity to sample one of our famous Refuel curries!
Registration is essential for this event.
Please click on this image to access more details and the sign-up form, and please share this invitation with your family and friends.
Where Are They Now
Speaking of the history of the school, I’m always pleased to publish new ‘Where Are They Now’ stories from our alumni.
This has become a very popular feature on our website. If you are a former student and would like to share what you’re doing now then please get in touch with my PA, Sarah Nicholson. We’d be very pleased to hear from you.
Recent updates include Jon Allsop and Cristina Criddle. Please click on these images to read their stories.
Jon Allsop
Cristina Criddle
Rocket Seeds
The project is over and the results have been sent off to the RHS. When all the results have been collated we will find out which packet of seeds, red or blue, went into space. Collectively the boys think the blue pack contained the Rocket Seeds going by the results.
Mrs Farnaby confirmed, “The RHS has said that the plants can now be planted out and we can eat the earth seeds but only after we find out the results”.
Well done Cameron Williams, Nicholas Maule, Thomas Hyndman, Hamish Noakes, Brodie Potter and George Teague and thanks to Mrs Farnaby for leading this project.
Teacher Exchange
During half term Mr Riggs had the privilege of joining a teacher exchange to Poland. He says, “This was a marvelous opportunity to be able to see the way in which education functioned in Poland and, from my perspective, to see the way in which history was taught in former communist country.
“The main focus of the trip was to see how the Polish education system dealt with the issue of social inclusion. In effect, this means having the right educational opportunities available for all students whatever their ability. We stayed in the city of Ostrow-Wielkopolski which is about two hours south of Poznan. The reason that we went to this particular area was that the Ostrow region has a particularly good reputation for its educational provision and attracts many students from outside its normal area.
“Before I went to Poland, I was worried that the teaching of history might mean the rote learning of an official national story as had been the case under communism. I was delighted to see that my fears were unfounded and that the students were engaged in examining and arguing about the meaning of sources and different interpretations of history. This was remarkably similar to the way in which history is taught here. I have to say that our party of 11 teachers (including three DHSB old boys) were treated like royalty”.
There will be more from Mr Riggs in the next edition of DHSB Today due to be published later this term.
Sports Update
Football
Congratulations to Owen King, Jasper White and Xavier Carter who won the Scott Cup with their football team, the Railway Beacon U13s.
The three boys along with their team mates were awarded the cup in a presentation on Saturday evening.
In addition Owen received the Sportsman Award, Jasper was named the Players’ Player and Xavier was presented with the Top Scorer Award (with 22 goals this season).
Cricket
In other sports news this week Mr Bunney reports an excellent win for the Year 9 cricket team in a tight game against Ivybridge in the Devon Cup quarter-final.
News just in from Mr Burt on Twitter.
‘Well done DHSB U15 cricket. Victory against South Dartmoor in Bowl off! 2 wickets to nil. Gareth Edwards and Ethan Hunt’.
Athletics
We’re very excited that old boy Dave King has recently run a personal best and achieved the Olympics qualifying time (110m hurdles).
However, Dave has one final hurdle to overcome as it will be only the top two at the British Championships (24-25 June) who will be guaranteed a place in the team for Rio 2016. We wish him all the best.
Events Update
Monday 13 June – Friday 17 June
Year 8 Exam Week
Monday 20 June from 18.15 to 20.00
Understanding your Teenager Staying connected, identity, communication and conflict
Click on this image to access more details and the booking form
Wednesday 22 June
PTFA Meeting at 6.00pm