Welcome back! A new year at DHSB for our staff and students in Year 7 and Year 12 began today.
There was a feeling of excitement as we set out our high expectations and ambition for the year ahead.
In my welcome to our new Year 7 I put emphasis on the importance of making the most of being at our wonderful school. I encouraged students to not only embrace every existing opportunity but to grow in confidence and create their own opportunities for success.
Finally I reminded them of the importance of looking after each other and everyone in our community.
Thank you to our team of Peer Mentors for supporting our new students today.
Pictured are Year 7 students taking part in today’s activities.
Year 12
We are delighted to welcome so many of our boys back into the Sixth Form to continue their learning with us and we’re looking forward to the valuable contributions they will make to our school community.
We also welcomed our new Year 12 students who are just starting their journey with us. They are a fantastic group of young people who I know will make a positive impact during their time here.
Mr Burt reports that 6W2 won today’s team building photo frenzy competition by recreating the Beatles Abbey Road crossing.
A reminder that the first day of term for all other year groups is Monday 7 September.
New Staff
I was also pleased to welcome our new members of staff and, despite national recruitment challenges, we have a full team of high calibre subject specialists to lead our learning at DHSB.
Pictured are Ms Taff (Refuel), Mrs Edwards (Assistant Head), Mrs Fletcher (Maths and Science), Mrs Hughes (RE), Mrs Osmaston (Geography), Miss Cunningham (Maths), Mr Carpenter (School Sports Coordinator) and Mr Le Reuz (Physics).
Also joining us are Mrs Marks (D&T Food), Ms Johns (English), Ms Redmore (English), Miss Ray (Teaching Assistant) and Mrs McGowan (Teaching Assistant).
The Olford Bequest
I attended a civic ceremony with the Lord Mayor last week when two of our students, Wade Dyer and Ben Carter, received the Olford Bequest.
The £750 award is made, following a competitive application and interview process, to enable selected Plymouth students to fund their hobbies and interests while at university.
Well done Wade and Ben!
We received lots of positive media coverage over the summer and I’d like to share all the links again here.