We’re back in school after half term and this week saw two special events for parents and students.

Last evening’s internet safety information session, arranged by Amanda Moore and led by Ken Corish, was attended by approximately 50 families.

Mr Corish is the Online Safety Manager at the South West Grid for Learning and UK Safer Internet Centre and during the session he advised parents on how to apply their parenting skills to their child’s online world.

The Royal Society for Public Health and the Young Health Movement have published a new report, called #StatusofMind which examines the positive and negative effects of social media on young people’s health.

Ken recommends reading the report which can be found and downloaded at this link.

Also this week, each year group had a short assembly this week led by PC Debbie Benwell who is our local neighbourhood officer from Devonport Police Station.

PC Benwell explained in detail what constitutes a public order offence and how this can be dealt with through the law. She particularly focussed on fighting, and being present when a fight is taking place as part of a crowd.

The key message in the assembly was that there will always be consequences for poor choices, some of which you may have to live with for the rest of your life and that could affect your future.

Excellent Work

Mrs Hughes has shared three pieces of excellent work this week, all from her RS classes. Mateo Andaluz-Gilbert 7P produced a handmade cushion to commemorate the work of Martin Luther King for a recent homework project based on Inspirational Leaders.

Daniel Atkin 7W produced this model to commemorate the work of Oscar Romero (also for the homework project on Inspirational Leaders) . He covered his model in images and slogans linked to Romero’s work against oppression in El Salvador.

Callum Pender 8W produced a model of a William Paley’s watch to show his understanding of the ‘Design Argument’ in relation to our philosophy unit and arguments for the existence of God.

Fundraising

Ms Moreton has thanked everyone who helped to raise £336.89 for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

She said, “This was a great effort by Year 8 students and the House Charity Captains” and added that the total is enough for the school to sponsor three puppies through training. Pictured is a guide dog in training on a recent visit to Year 8 at DHSB.

Alumni News

Congratulations to former student David King who has been selected by Team GB to take part at the World Indoor Championships in March.

Ten Tors Training Report

There was no relaxing during the holidays for the schools three Ten Tors teams. Weather conditions and visibility were good although the entire moors remain saturated and water logged.

All teams set off from Postbridge and headed north to Chagford Common and beyond. This was by far the most physically demanding training day the teams have undertaken this year and all teams rose to the challenge.

All three teams continue to become more confident and competent, pushing themselves individually and collectively. Overall a great performance.

Sports Update

Mixed fortunes this week for our sports teams.

The U16s won their Devon Cup match 5 – 0 to progress to the next round but the U15 team lost their match against West Exe and are out of the competition.

We also suffered a couple of defeats in this week’s basketball tournaments.

It was better news at the Devon Athletics Championships where we fielded two Year 7 & Year 8 teams (jointly with DHSG).

The A team finished in second place (out of 16 teams).

Future Events

Wednesday 28 February – Year 12 Parents Evening

Friday 2 March – Year 9 Vaccinations

Sunday 4 March – Ten Tors Training Walk 4

Wednesday 14 March – PTFA meeting