DHSB has been awarded champion school status by the National Citizen Service.

Very well done to Ms Moreton, our Information, Advice and Guidance Coordinator, and all students who have participated in this scheme.

The National Citizen Service said, “We have awarded ‘Champion School’ status to DHSB. The school has been recognised for its commitment to, and work with, the flagship youth programme. The award of champion school has been given to those schools that have exceeded expectations in promoting the programme as well as recruiting students to take part”

They added, “Open to all young people, regardless of circumstances or additional needs, NCS focuses on three core principles of social cohesion, social engagement and social mobility, all of which have benefits not just to the participants but to communities and society as a whole”.

On behalf of the school Ms Moreton received a plaque and a selection of books which were presented in recognition of the award.

This award was received as we came to the end of a very successful National Careers Week. You can read more about this in Ms Moreton’s own blog at this link.

Topic of the Week

Each week I share the theme which is being explored by staff and students in school to give an opportunity for you to discuss this at home as a family with your child.

This week we looked at the importance of charity with some houses taking the chance to talk about Comic Relief Day.

Mr Bunney and the Winstanley House Captains were delighted to announce that their recent Charity Week raised £176.16 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Mr Bunney said, “Thank you to all the captains and Mr Weymouth for coordinating the week and thanks to all students, staff and parents who helped out and contributed in some way”.

Last weekend was wet, windy and very busy for DHSB students with Ten Tors training taking place as well as a coach trip to see England play in the Six Nations Championship at Twickenham.

I was pleased to receive compliments from the public about the behaviour of our students (one example is copied here).

“Gaggle of your students waiting for bus in the rain on Union St this afternoon. All stood aside to allow adults to board first. Exemplary manners and a credit to both school and parents”.

Sports Update

Hockey

Well done to the U14 Hockey team who played at the regional finals this week.

Mr Carpenter said, “We avoided the worst of the weather today and the U14s gave a good account of themselves at the regional finals, just falling short of making the semi-finals”.

Football

The Year 11 football team beat Heles 3 – 0 in the Plymouth Cup quarter-final with some hard battles at times and in tough conditions. A clean sheet, goals and a good performance made for a good night all round. The team goes on to play Eggbuckland in the semi-finals.

The Year 8 team lost 2 – 1 to Stoke Damerel in the semi-final of the Plymouth competition. Mr Strang said this was “a close encounter”.

Rugby

Congratulations to Year 9 and Year 10 who made it through to the Devon 7s finals at Blundell’s School this week.

The Year 9 team played well but unfortunately didn’t reach the later stages of the competition. The team is pictured here earlier in the week at the local round.

The Year 10 team finished in joint third place after losing to the home side in the semi-finals. Congratulations to both teams!

Future Events

Friday 15 March

Year 7 student and parent/carer survey

Friday 22 March

Year 10 student and parent/carer survey

Friday 29 March

Year 11 student and parent/carer survey

Monday 1 April

PTFA Easter Raffle

Friday 5 April

Year 8 student and parent/carer survey

Friday 5 April

Final day of spring term two

Monday 22 April

Easter Monday (bank holiday)

Tuesday 23 April

First day of summer term one (B week)

Wednesday 24 April

eSafety talk for parents and carers (sign-up details available soon)