It’s been a very busy half term at DHSB and I’m pleased to have so much news to share with you today.
Mr Berryman led our whole school assembly on Wednesday with a key message.
He summarised, “My assembly was about caring for others. Not making the one-off big gesture but being consistent in doing the small things that matter. Be polite, think of other people and be considerate of others. Think before you act as your actions affect other people”.
Strategies for Success
Mr Berryman also contributed to our Year 11 Strategies for Success evening alongside Mr Martin, Ms Davidson and Mrs Edwards.
Mr Martin explained, “Just under 200 parents, carers and Year 11 students attended the Strategies for Success workshop on Tuesday. The event offered support for students and parents in their preparation for GCSE examinations next summer. Year 12 students, Liam Ward and James O’Sullivan, shared their experiences from last year and gave excellent advice on how to revise successfully. Almost 50 students signed up for two revision workshops and additional events will be published in due course to further support the Year 11 students. The key message communicated throughout the evening was that good planning will have a positive impact upon future cholces”.
The Strategies for Success presentations can be found in the Year 11 letters and documents folder.
Fundraising
Congratulations to Ellis Foale 8E who completed the gruelling and very muddy 52km ‘Tour de Moor’ last weekend.
Ellis is to be commended as he took this to be an opportunity for fundraising and has donated £150 to St Luke’s Hospice.
Excellent Work
Our example of excellent work this week is from Thomas Hyndman 9E.
Ms Welton said, “As part of an independent enquiry task, Year 9 students are encouraged to showcase their history skills by presenting a topic of their choice. Thomas eloquently explained the nature of presidential elections in USA, the two-party system and how outsiders threatened the main contenders from the 1900’s onward. When supporting his point by giving specific examples, he demonstrated an excellent knowledge of the geography of USA and the traditional political stance of individual states”.
She added that Tom’s confident delivery and demonstration of critical thinking are proof of a hardworking and mature student who is inspiring other students to excel.
Creative Writing
Well done to Daniel Tout who entered a competition with the DHSB Creative Writing Club. Dan was asked to write one hundred words about a fantasy place and based his creative piece of work on a tourism advert.
Daniel’s work has been published in a book called Welcome to Wonderland.
Information and Guidance
Ms Moreton’s provision of information, advice and guidance continued this week with an opportunity for students to work with the Royal Marine Visibility Team. The team led sessions indoors and in the school grounds.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme
Also taking up a special opportunity were students who completed their Silver DofE practice expedition, seen here on Dartmoor.
School of Rock
Rehearsals are going well and this is going to be a show which you won’t want to miss!
School of Rock will be staged in the Edgcumbe Theatre at 7.30pm from 1 – 3 November.
Sports Update
Football
Mixed results this week as the first team made it four wins in a row with a 3 – 1 victory over Plymouth Dukes in the Devon Wednesday League.
However, it was a tough afternoon last Friday for the U15 football team who suffered a 2 – 1 defeat to Hele’s in the national cup. Mr Bunney said, “It’s time to move on to County Cup action.”
A member of the Hele’s team added, “We haven’t won [at DHSB] for a few years so tonight was a special victory for this group of U15 boys”.
The Year 9 team are also out of the national cup after losing 3 – 2 to a team from Tavistock.
Rugby
Mr Orkney was pleased with an impressive 72 – 7 win for the DHSB U15 team v Fowey River Academy in round 2 of the NatWest Vase.
Future Events
19 October – Final day of autumn term one
20 October – Non pupil day
30 October – First day of autumn term two
1 November at 18.00 – Drinks Reception and PTFA AGM
1 – 3 November School Production – School of Rock
9 November – Parenting Teenagers with Care for the Family (details from Amanda Moore)