I’m pleased to announce the exciting news that DHSB is a key member of an initiative to promote oracy in Plymouth’s schools.

Dr Stears told me a bit more about this project.

She said, “This is a government-funded project involving both primary and secondary schools across the city and will run for two years. The aim is to promote talking and listening skills in the classroom so that school leavers will have the most valued skillset amongst employers: communication. Talking also promotes the thinking that underpins quality writing, an essential medium in excellent exam performance which is a key DHSB priority too. 7S is already experimenting with a ‘talking classroom’ in Classical Civilisation while Business and Enterprise KS3 students are learning how to make effective presentations in classes. Oracy is about to become an important part of teaching at DHSB as other subject areas are soon to be included in the project. Watch this space for further news and start talking the talk”.

Dr Karen Stears

Youth Speaks

Linked to our work on oracy, students competed last night at a Rotary event called ‘Youth Speaks’.

Mr Riggs said, “A fantastic performance by all our teams at Youth Speaks tonight. Congratulations to Sam, Euan and Liam who are through to the next round”.

Excellent Work

Our Excellent Work this week is from three students who came first, second and third in the Year 7 My Favourite Place Geography competition.

Mrs Green said that students were asked to choose their favourite place and describe the location including aspects of human and physical geography.

First Prize – Louis Perry 7P (London)

Second Prize – Sonny Perry 7E (Sospel)

Third Prize – Daniel Atkin 7W (Cameroon)

Whole School Assembly

Louis, Sonny and Daniel received recognition in our whole school assembly this week which was led by Mr Martin who spoke about Rights and Responsibilities and the DHSB community.

I have shared Mr Martin’s slides here so that you can see and read them at home.

Ten Tors Training

Thank you to Mr Clifford (parent) for sending me this report from last weekend’s Ten Tors training.

Mr Clifford said, “Not so much Gorillas in the Mist rather DHSB Ten Tors Teams in it for over six hours. The first training got underway with near perfect conditions – wind, rain and zero visibility for the majority of the day. Reduced visibility ensured all teams selected short legs and kept a watchful eye on any ridge line or other feature on the odd occasion the cloud base lifted. The weather and navigational challenges also reminded all team members that when the going gets tough resilience, leadership and a sense of humour all go a long way in maintaining team spirits and dynamics”.

Photos by Mrs Wills.

 45 mile team

55 mile team

And finally

Don’t forget to read Ms Moreton’s Blog on Monday where she posts a summary of all Information, Advice and Guidance, and Tutorial information each week.

Sports Update

Devon Schools Cross Country Championships

Last weekend a number of students represented the school at the Devon Schools Crosscountry Championships at Stover School.

Although we have not yet received the official results Mr Carpenter has confirmed that Jamie Williams 6KRB finished fifth and will progress to the South West Championships.

Harry Edwards 11W put in a strong performance to finish in 21st place.

 Jamie Williams

 Harry Edwards

Badminton

Congratulations to the U16 Badminton team who took gold this week at the county championships. They won the event without dropping a game and are through to the regional competition to be held in Bournemouth.

Devon School Games said, “Great sportsmanship in the finals of the KS4 boys between Clyst Vale and Devonport Boys”.

Hockey

Also in action at the Devon Championships this week was the U16 Hockey team.

After a very good day the team lost 1 – 0 in the final against Exeter School. In spite of the loss they have qualified for the regional finals next week.

Football

The Year 7 team played well in the Devon Cup game v Torquay Academy on Tuesday but eventually lost the match after it went to penalties.

The Year 8 team also played on Tuesday and finished with two wins at the central venue competition.

The Year 9 team is through to the quarter-final of the Devon Cup after beating Queen Elizabeth School 3 – 2. Well done all.

Mr Bunney said, “Well done to the Year 10 football team who beat Tor Bridge 2 – 1 in the Plymouth Cup. A really competitive game and a proper cup tie. 0 – 0 at HT, 1-0 to us, 1 – 1 with five mins to go, then we got the winner soon after and held on”.

Future Events

Thursday 1 February – Year 9 and Year 10 GCSE Maths and English Parent Information Event

Sunday 4 February – Ten Tors Training Walk 2

Thursday 8 February – Year 10 Parents Evening

Friday 9 February – Final day of Spring term one

Sunday 18 February – Ten Tors Training Walk 3

Monday 19 February – First day of Spring term two (B week)

Thursday 22 February – Parents Internet Safety Event