Very well done to students who have recently gained their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.
Mr Huq and Mrs Huq, who lead the DofE Award at DHSB, were invited to attend this week's presentation at Buckingham Palace, along with 17 former students.
Pictured are Ruby Westhead and Josh Moyse with their families. We extend our warmest congratulations to them and to all who have gained their Gold Award, this is a fantastic achievement.
Gold Award Holders
Ruby Westhead, Preet Pradeep, Tom Payne, Isobel Ambler, Finn Coleman, Katy Gaston, Molly Gath, James Heard, Thomas Hughes, Freya Moxham, Tobias Leung, Isaac Lee, Joshua Moyse, Ben Payne, Victoria Salter, Catherine Zhang, Oscar Wooding.
Sixth Form
On Wednesday we said a collective farewell to our Year 13 students as they embarked upon their first and final formal exam period . We are so proud of the way this group of young people have risen to all the challenges they faced throughout their A level years and also the way they responded to support each other. They have been working hard to secure their next steps and we wish them luck in their exams and joy in their freedom when these are complete.
At their final assembly and brunch we were touched by the appreciation these wonderful young people showed their teachers, tutors, catering and office teams and the good will and positive spirit shining throughout.
Ms Davidson
Whole School Assembly
Thank you to Mr Macleod who led a special whole school assembly on Wednesday.
The assembly looked at the experience of refugees from conflicts throughout the world, particularly with the present situation in Ukraine, and how Plymouth and the South West has been able to provide a place of safety for people who in many cases have had to flee their homeland with no possessions leaving friends and family behind.
The assembly included personal testimonies and we listened to accounts from Ukrainian refugees arriving in the UK and meeting their support families for the first time.
We were also able to see the way the Red Cross helps refugees from across the world settle into a new life as well as hear about volunteers from Cornwall who are travelling the other way to work as translators on the Ukrainian border.
Student News
Very well done to Harry Bedford-Smith 7P pictured at the presentation evening where he was awarded Devonport Services Rugby Club U12 Coaches Player.
Harry’s coach said, “Harry has grown into the role of fullback. He has never dropped a catch under pressure and has developed his last man tackling down to a tee. Harry has been a fantastic role model for the team, and we look forward to what the future holds for him”.
Sixth Form Enrichment
This morning Ms Wilkinson covered the topic ‘post mocks - what now’ with Year 12 students and the year group also gathered in the theatre to hear about portfolios and creative industries from Andrew Wallis (Falmouth University).
Andrew gave a super presentation inspiring several students to consider careers in the Creative Industries and also degrees at Falmouth University. One of the attractive features of the courses is that they are assessed without exams (and also that it's a small university with a strong community feel in a beautiful part of the country)!
Ms Davidson
PSHEE Activities
Year 7 this week had a visit from Guy James of British Transport Police, who talked to students about safety on and around the railways. As we have a relatively high percentage of students commuting by train this is an annual presentation which ensures not only their own safety but also that of other rail users, as well as reminding them about rules and regulations for behaviour on the train.
The Year 8 lesson was all about resilience. We all at times get knocked down, but the important thing is getting back up again! Students talked about the importance of support, optimism, realism, flexibility, reflection and readiness in developing a resilient attitude, a character trait that will serve them well right into adulthood.
Year 9 students learned about gaming and gambling. With the advent of ‘add-ons’ and availability in many online games of ‘mystery bundles’ it is easy to cross the line between gaming and gambling and important to know the difference.
Year 10 students were introduced to their EtonX course for this year. As with Year 11 and Sixth Form students these certificated courses are normally paid for, but have been offered to state schools by Eton College free of charge again this year. Students have a year from the date they register to complete and earn their certificate. The Year 10 course this year is Entrepreneurship.
Year 11 students have now started their exam season, and all sat a Maths GCSE this morning. Good luck to all of them and of course good revising too!
Finally for this week I took a small group of Year 9 students to City College this morning for an event called Stemmasters, run in conjunction with the Heart of the SW Careers Hub, one of the many advantages for us in being part of the Hub.
The students (chosen at random as we were very over subscribed) moved around a series of activities connected with Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. These encompassed Forensic Science and Virtual Reality to name but two - a terrific morning both enjoyable and informative.
Only a week to go until half term - the weeks are flying by - more about our tutorial programme next week.
Ms Moreton
Plymouth History Festival
There is a walk taking place in the grounds of the school on Sunday 22 May as part of Plymouth History Festival. If you are interested in this please follow this link for more information.
Sports Update
Athletics
27 students from Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and the Sixth Form took part in the Plymouth Schools Athletics Championships on Wednesday.
Conditions were difficult but performances were excellent with quite a few students up for selection for the Devon Schools competition.
Cricket
Students competed at the Year 9 and Year 10 central venue cricket last night at Plymstock.
Both teams beat Plympton Academy and Year 10 also beat Lipson in their other game.
Well done to everyone involved,