Staff and Students have had a fantastic week leading and taking part in curriculum enriching trips and activities at home and away. The offer available to our students is truly amazing and the team behind the scenes putting everything together: organising transport, passports, obtaining dietary requirements and ensuring students have the right equipment and medication have done a fabulous job, as have the Trip Leaders who researched and liaised with the residential and activity providers to turn ideas into reality. 

The trips were an opportunity for students to have new experiences, learn new skills, overcome challenges, have fun and enjoy interactions with their peers. They have also had the opportunity to spend time away from home and take responsibility for themselves.

Local trips included a tour of the Plymouth Argyle stadium followed by workshops and football sessions led by Argyle Coaches; Bowling and Laser Tag at Tenpin Bowling; a DJ workshop at the Depo where students learnt how to use DJ decks, explored music genres and got behind the decks in a real studio environment; cycling along part of the Drake's Trail from Plymouth to Tavistock where they enjoyed lunch before cycling back; students took up the challenge at the Interactive Axe throwing Lanes at Timbervault, conquered the dizzying heights at Clip-n-Climb and tackled the courses and tumble tracks at Adrenalin. 

On site activities included stepping into the world of Bletchley Park and modern Cyber security as a Cyber Detective for the day; a Fencing workshop where students learnt to fence with real swords; and multi sports.

Harry Potter Studio Tour

Students visiting the Harry Potter Studio in London experienced a day of film making magic and stepped onto authentic sets and discovered the magic behind spellbinding special effects and explored the behind-the-scenes secrets of the Harry Potter film series. 

Surfing in Polzeath

Wednesday's surfing day trip to Polzeath was a welcome opportunity to spend a couple of hours cooling off in the water (although close to shore even the sea was very warm!). There were some small waves breaking as the tide came in, which gave opportunity for those new to surfing to make good progress and some were seen standing up for a while, just not when the photos were taken. There was also time for lunch on the beach and ice-creams before falling asleep in the minibus back to Plymouth.

Dr Colvile

A Day at Super Tramp

On Thursday, during Curriculum Enrichment Week, 63 of our students visited Super Tramp Plymouth for what turned out to be a lovely trip — and we couldn't be prouder of how they represented our school.

With outside temperatures hitting 32°C, conditions were challenging. The staff team took the forecast seriously, reviewed current UK Health Security Agency guidance on children and vigorous physical activity in hot weather, and ensured we arrived equipped with ample drinks to keep every student well hydrated throughout the session. Students responded well and finished off a 2 litre bottle of squash, 12 litres of bottled water and countless jugs of water.

Despite hot, humid conditions, the students' behaviour was outstanding. Super Tramp's manager, Gary, told our staff what a pleasure our students had been, how well they behaved, and that his day with DHSB students had been a real pleasure — joking that he hadn't quite anticipated how many hotdogs and pizzas they'd get through.

Students had a full day of trampolining, dodgeball, free jumping — full-on physical activity in a metal-framed building on one of the hottest days of the year and they were an absolute delight.

Days like this are exactly what Curriculum Enrichment Week is for — a reminder of why trips matter, why preparation matters, and above all, why these students and the staff who support them are something to be genuinely proud of.'

Ms Hicks

Golf

Spending three days in the shade with a cool air conditioned space to find rest from the heat, was certainly a relief for the students that went to the driving range at the China Fleet Club. In that short space of time, it was clear every single one of them improved their swing, often giving advice to each other, cheering each other on. To quote the PGA professional instructors words to one student: “your form is perfect, there is nothing you can do to get that ball any further except get bigger as you get older.” That’s quite the compliment! The cafe staff also said, “your students have been really polite, behaving brilliantly.” This was not just a chance to learn and develop new skills, but also an opportunity to demonstrate the collaboration, resilience and humble confidence that makes up half of DHSB’s core values, and they did the school proud.

Mr Gibson

Plunging into Success: A Phenomenal Week of Scuba Diving

As part of CEW 2026 this week, a group of our students traded the classroom for the coastline, embarking on an unforgettable scuba diving adventure. Under the expert guidance of the team at Sound Diving, our students spent five days exploring the underwater world, challenging themselves, and demonstrating exceptional character.

The week began with rigorous training, but the determination of the boys was nothing short of superb. Showing immense focus, resilience, and adaptability, every single student pushed through the challenges of the initial instruction. Thanks to their hard work—and the truly amazing, supportive instructors at Sound Diving—the boys achieved a massive milestone by becoming fully qualified divers by the end of Day 3!

Boat Diving and Wildlife

With their qualifications securely under their belts, Days 4 and 5 were all about reaping the rewards. The group took to the open water on the dive boat for two full days of fun diving, exploring some incredible local dive sites.

The weather this week bought incredible underwater visibility treating them to a spectacular show of local marine life. The boys caught glimpses of amazing wildlife, navigated unique underwater landscapes, and gained invaluable practical diving experience.

It has been a privilege to watch the boys grow in confidence this week. To go from learning the basics in a pool to confidently diving from a boat in open water in just a few days is a massive achievement.

A huge thank you goes to Sound Diving for their exceptional safety standards, patience, and enthusiasm, which made this week both safe and deeply inspiring.

Most of all, congratulations to the boys. They represented the school brilliantly, looked out for one another as true dive buddies, and have come away with memories—and a qualification—that will last a lifetime.

Mr Winstone

Bushcraft

174 Year 7 students travelled by coach to their camp in Badminton Woods, Gloucestershire. Students were encouraged to learn new skills and enjoyed the challenges they faced and friendships were made and consolidated over camp fires, whilst making fires and shelters, setting traps and cooking. They played games and learnt archery. Due to the weather, students also enjoyed water fights and plenty of ice lollies!

Dr Downes

Isle of Wight

We’ve been having a great week with students from Years 8, 9 & 10 at Manor Adventure on the Isle of Wight. Students have been trying new challenges whilst staying safe in the sun - you might have noticed that it’s been quite hot this week….!  Our amazing students, and even some of the staff, have tried a massive range of activities: Axe throwing, Archery, Abseiling, 3G Swing, Body Boarding, Jacob’s Ladder, Leap of Faith, Giant Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Zip wire and many, many more.  Everyone has tried out something new and has shown bravery, resilience,  and team work skills.  We are so proud of them all for embracing all the activities and the challenges that these presented. And,....BIG Shouts OUTs to the students for encouraging the staff to step out of their comfort zones: Ms Luing-Holmes and Mr Veale successfully negotiated Jacob’s Ladder, whilst Ms Blows and Mrs Lyons each made the Leap of Faith!!!

Mrs Lyons

Naples

Our trip to Naples has been an incredible success. We’ve packed so much into an unforgettable week under the warm Italian sun.

The boys have explored both Pompeii and Herculaneum, where the remains of these ancient cities offer a remarkable glimpse into life as it was nearly 2,000 years ago. They’ve climbed Mount Vesuvius and wandered through the vibrant streets of Naples, taking in its rich history and unique atmosphere.

The highlight of the trip so far has undoubtedly been our day on the stunning Amalfi Coast. Travelling by boat from Sorrento, via Capri, to the beautiful towns of Positano and Amalfi was an experience none of us will forget. What breathtaking places.

Today, we’ll be making authentic pizza and ice cream before visiting the Flavian Amphitheatre and the Naples Museum, tomorrow, ahead of our flight home.

Throughout the trip, the boys have been an absolute credit to the school. Their enthusiasm, behaviour and willingness to embrace every experience have made this a truly wonderful and memorable week for everyone involved.

Mr Weymouth

Salou

3 groups of 50 students from Year 8-10 and 15 staff headed off from Gatwick airport to the sunny Costa Dorada. Unexpectedly, a similar temperature to the UK this week!

All students were a pleasure to spend time with in an action packed week of fun in the sun. The groups were split across two hotels and each group rotated different activities on different days but we did manage to meet up as a big group of 165 every now and then to share stories and photos from the day.

Both hotels were excellent, friendly staff and everyone really enjoyed the food at breakfast and dinner. Perhaps the most popular themed evening was curry night (according to Mr Callicott and Mr Anderson)

The main day activities were making the most of the sunshine by cooling off at the Aqua park, then for adrenaline thrills we headed to the Port Adventura theme park and finally a day exploring the sights and sounds of Barcelona including sampling many tapas.

Special thanks to the trip leaders Mrs Pyle, Mrs Merren, Mrs Wilkinson and Mr Spencer who did a great job of getting us to everywhere on time and keeping us altogether.

All other staff on the trip enjoyed spending time with the boys, joining them on rollercoasters, swimming in the sea or on a donut on the lazy river. Thanks also to Mr Callicott, Mr Bunney, Mrs Green, Mr Roberts, Mr Anderson, Mr Norris, Me Watling, Mrs Pearson, Mrs Charlton, Mr Morris and Mr O’Hara.

Adios Salou!

Mr Roberts