“Changing lives and communities for the better”

As it is National Volunteers Week, we would like to take the opportunity to celebrate our DofE students who have spent an amazing 3107 hours between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, serving their community.

We’re delighted to share with you a certificate we received from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to celebrate our students' volunteering and impact for 2024/25.

To do their DofE, young people aged 14-24 volunteer for a cause of their choice. The Social Value certificate recognises the fantastic work DofE participants do and the amazing impact they have, both in and for their communities. It gives a monetary value to their overall efforts towards the Volunteering section of their DofE.

In May, the DofE announced that a record-breaking 342,000 young people had started a DofE programme in 2024-25 – the highest since the charity was founded almost 70 years ago. During the same period, participants have contributed an astonishing 5.2 million hours of volunteering in communities all over the UK – with an estimated total value of £33.4 million. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is the largest facilitator of youth volunteering in the UK thanks to its incredible network of organisations delivering DofE.

Ruth Marvel OBE, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to see the impact that young people at DHSB have made through their DofE volunteering. Volunteering is a great way for young people to build confidence, develop work-related skills and use their passions and talents to benefit others. It changes lives and communities for the better – that's why it’s an integral part of the DofE programme. We’re so proud of all the young people at DHSB who have dedicated their time and energy to helping others in their communities.”

To our fabulous DofE students, thank you for giving your time to help others and to their parents and carers, thank you for the support you give them in helping them to achieve their DofE award. Your time and encouragement make a real difference.

Roll up, roll up!

DHSB was proud to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8th. A wide range of events were held across the school which were designed to educate and inform students about World War II and what victory meant for people in Europe. From a history lecture and assemblies on the topic to 1940s live music and a tea party experience there was something for everyone. The school's paper 'The Spectator' also worked on creating a special edition to mark the occasion with 7J making a special creative contribution from their English lesson on VE Day 80. 

You can read this special edition of The Spectator by following this link.

Cut your speed - 20mph speed limit in Stoke

“A 20mph speed limit will be introduced in parts of Stoke on Thursday 12 June as part of a scheme to make it safer for children travelling to school.

The scheme also includes a new pedestrian and cycle crossing on Mill Bridge, which is expected to open in the next couple of weeks.

Signs for the new 20mph zone include artwork designed by pupils at Stuart Road Primary Academy, which recently introduced the city’s first permanent Safer School Streets scheme.

Read more by following this link”

(Above taken from Plymouth City Council Facebook page)

Excellent Work

Thank you, David

Miss Pyle shared that “During Digital Enterprise this week, David Avram from 7S brought in his own power supply from his personally-built computer at home. It was a great opportunity for the class to see the part up close and were very interested in asking questions about the part. At the moment in Digital Enterprise we are learning about the history of computers with a focus on CPUs, Memory and Storage. Thank you David!”

Well done, Josiah

Josiah Gallagher (7S) took part in The Big Row - a 12 hour sponsored row in aid of Shekinah. From 6am until 6pm, participants took it in turns to row, swapping out every 10 minutes to beat fatigue. In total they rowed 194.2km and so far have raised £647.22!

Sparx Maths and Sparx Reader

Each week we celebrate our highest performers in both Sparx Maths and Sparx Reader, two of our core homework platforms. We are proud of all of our students who complete their homework each week to such a high standard but these students deserve a special mention.

Congratulations!

Fantasy Football 24/25 Results

As another exciting football season draws to a close it is time to celebrate the champions of the school fantasy football league. There have been many twists and turns this season with disappointing results for some of the so-called big clubs in English football. Managers have had to pivot away from the old guard of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City in favour of progressive mid table clubs playing attractive, fast flowing football. Haaland had a shocker and Salah emerged as King.

Two managers have made it to the end of the season head and shoulders above the rest. A big congratulations to Jake Rhodes on winning the School League and Mr Campbell for winning the Staff League. The competition was fierce with over 200 teams competing. 

All eyes will now be focused on the transfer market as managers seek to find glory next season. 

Thank you for organising this popular competition Mr Webb.

PTFA News

Come and join us

We have our final meeting of the year next Wednesday, please join us if you can - we’d love to meet you.  It starts at 6.30pm in the Conference Room, which is directly behind the Visitor Reception.  Refreshments supplied!

Years 7-9 Summer Disco

The PTFA are excited to share that the Summer Disco for years 7, 8 & 9 takes place on 6 July at Fever Nightclub - full details and tickets by following this link.

Sports News and Results

Super 8 Athletics Tuesday, 3 June at The Hub at Foulston Park

Mr Carpenter shared that "eight of our year 7’s joined up with DHSG to take part in the super 8 championships at Brickfields on Tuesday. There were lots of great performances from our students which saw them finish in first place as overall winners - well done all!"