6 November 2026
As we approach Remembrance, our school community has paused to reflect, remember, and give thanks. Earlier this week, our Year 7 Charity Representatives joined together with our School Captain to help affix a striking collection of poppies to the wreath displayed at our main gates.
The display features red, white, and purple poppies, offering a thoughtful, inclusive tribute to fallen service personnel, civilian lives, and the animal victims of war. Each individual flower was lovingly handcrafted by our own wonderful Mrs Flack, whose care, craftsmanship, and generosity continue to enrich our school traditions. Seeing our newest Year 7 representatives working side-by-side with our School Captain to assemble this display was a moving demonstration of leadership, teamwork, and shared respect across year groups.
If you are passing through or by the front gates over the coming days, do take a quiet moment to admire their handiwork and reflect on the message of peace and remembrance it carries.
First House Board Judging
Our newly appointed House Captaincy team has been working exceptionally hard over the last few weeks, and the results of our first House Board judging are officially in! The C block corridor has been completely transformed with incredible creativity, fine craftsmanship, and clear attention to detail on display from every house team.
Our Headteacher took on the tough job of judging the initial designs, sharing high praise for everyone's efforts:
"The overall standard of the House Boards is exceptional, showcasing a brilliant blend of creativity, dedication, and school spirit. It is an absolute credit to these fantastic students, who have clearly poured their time, energy, and imagination into bringing their house identities to life so vibrantly in our C block corridor."
The Results
Attenborough – 1st Place
Johnson – 2nd Place
Turing & Leslie – Joint 3rd Place
Fleming – 5th Place
Scott & Windsor – Joint 6th Place
A huge congratulations to all our House Captains and Vice-Captains for putting on such a brilliant showcase. Make sure to walk down C block corridor to check them out in person!
From Plymouth to Mumbai:
Football, Chai, and Life-Changing Moments in the City of Dreams
Touchdown, Tropical Heat, and Winning on the Pitch
Our journey began at meeting Barney from Global Action at Heathrow and a night flight, carrying us across continents to the vibrant city of Mumbai. Stepping off the plane on Sunday morning, we were met with a warm Indian welcome from our wonderful hosts, Kumar and Poona, who immediately made us feel at home before guiding us to Cowie's Backpackers to drop our bags and settle in.
There was no time for jet lag—our Mumbai football adventure kicked off right away at The Cooperage Stadium. We headed into the stands to cheer on the OSCAR Foundation U14 team in the Global League. There are spaces in the Global League finals in Sweden up for grabs.
After the match, we experienced our first authentic Indian lunch—an incredible local curry that gave us a proper taste of Mumbai's rich flavours.
By mid-afternoon, the travel fatigue and tropical heat were starting to set in, but the excitement of playing our own match kept us going. We headed to GA Turf, an iconic pitch made famous by a visit from football legend Xavi Hernández. Taking the field alongside the talented young players from the OSCAR Foundation was an absolute highlight. Football instantly bridged every cultural gap—language didn't matter once the ball was rolling.
We wrapped up our second day with a relaxed dinner at a neighbourhood restaurant before heading back for a much-needed night's sleep.
Chai, Dharavi, and the Heart of the OSCAR Foundation
We started bright and early with breakfast at our hotel, followed by piping hot street-side Chai on our morning walk to Churchgate Station. The sweet, spiced tea provided the perfect boost for the day ahead.
At Churchgate, we met Sabina from Reality Tours, who guided us on a local train journey to Dharavi.
Visiting Dharavi was a deeply moving and eye-opening experience. Far from the typical stereotypes, we witnessed an extraordinarily industrious, close-knit economic community operating recycling industries, pottery kilns, and leather workshops. It gave all of us a profound sense of perspective on the daily reality, resilience, and spirit of millions living in Mumbai.
After taking the train back south, we stopped near the Mumbai High Court for a traditional Masala Dosa lunch—crispy, flavourful, and a big hit with everyone.
The afternoon was dedicated to deepening our connection with the OSCAR Foundation. We spent time at their headquarters hearing about their incredible mission: using football as a tool to keep children in school and empower under-resourced communities. Meeting the dedicated staff and receiving our official OSCAR Foundation shirts was a moment of genuine pride for the DHSB group.
Docks, Dosas, and Inspiring Communities
Tuesday kicked off early with a walk to Sassoon Dock, stepping headfirst into the raw, high-energy atmosphere of Mumbai’s historic fishing heart. It was a total sensory experience—pungent ocean air and vivid, eye-opening sights that showed us real life in action. We watched women navigating their workday alongside their young children, and fishermen sporting colourful boat "jerseys" as they prepped the day's catch. Beyond the bustling market scenes, it sparked important conversations for our group around marine sustainability, economic development, and how traditional communities adapt today.
After absorbing the docks, we refuelled with a well-earned Dosa breakfast at a great local spot.
Next, we walked over to the OSCAR Community Centre. We were incredibly fortunate to be invited into the family home of Ashok, the visionary founder of OSCAR. Hearing his story and seeing first-hand how grassroots leadership uses sports and education to empower local youth left a lasting impression. Our next stop was Dhobi Ghat, an iconic open-air laundry site. Stepping into the fresh, soapy-scented air was a memorable contrast to the fish docks from earlier! Watching the sheer scale and rhythmic coordination of the community taking care of laundry for the city was a masterclass in local organisation and hard work.
It was a day full of deep contrasts, inspiring human connections, and incredible food.
Leadership, Sacred Spaces, and South Indian Feasts
Wednesday began with a short walk to the YMCA, where our students teamed up with young leaders from the OSCAR Foundation for an interactive leadership workshop. Working side-by-side with their Indian counterparts, the students honed both their leadership and communication skills, discovering how quickly shared goals and mutual respect bridge any language barrier.
Theory turned into action at The GA Turf, where the group put their teamwork skills to the test with an energetic game of football. The pitch proved to be the ultimate equaliser—a place where dynamic communication, sport, and camaraderie came together effortlessly.
In the afternoon, we had the immense privilege of being welcomed into two distinct places of worship: the magnificent Shree Babulanath Mandir and ISKCON Chowpatty (a Hare Krishna center). Experiencing the peaceful atmosphere, intricate rituals, and genuine warmth of the worshipers offered our students a deeply reflective window into Mumbai's rich spiritual heart.
We capped off a full, inspiring day at the iconic Cafe Madras, savouring a delicious array of South Indian dishes while unwinding and reflecting on the day's experiences.
Sustainable Visions, Pitch Battles, and Transit Contrasts
Day 6 began at the OSCAR Foundation Headquarters with an insightful workshop led by Roshan D'Douza. The session challenged our students to think critically as they engaged in discussions around global sustainability goals, business strategies, and the real-world mechanics of community-based development work. It was an inspiring morning that highlighted how strategic planning and local action come together to drive meaningful social change.
After grabbing lunch at a neighbourhood cafe, we headed to Churchgate Station to catch a classic Mumbai local train up to the Xavier Institute of Engineering. There, our students reconnected on the pitch with the OSCAR players for another high-energy, competitive game of football.
To wrap up the afternoon, we walked back via Dharavi before boarding the city's new Metro system to head back down to Colaba. Experiencing the sleek, modern Metro after riding the iconic local train offered the group a fascinating, first-hand look at Mumbai's rapid infrastructure evolution and striking urban contrasts.
Ancient Caves, Classroom Fun, and Fond Farewells
Our final day in Mumbai began early with breakfast and the obligatory cup of hot chai before we walked to Churchgate Station to catch the train up to Borivali. Destination: the lush expanses of Sanjay Gandhi National Park to explore the extraordinary Kanheri Caves. Marvelling at these ancient Buddhist caves carved directly into the basalt mountain was incredible in itself, but the highlight was an impromptu singing session led by Mr. Alsop, taking full advantage of the incredible, echoing natural acoustics inside the stone chambers.
After our morning in the park, we headed back to Colaba for one last teaching session at the OSCAR Community Centre. It was the ultimate wrap-up to our time with OSCAR—a joyful afternoon filled with songs, interactive games, and laughter that proved once again how easily connection and joy bridge any language barrier.
We capped off our trip with a celebratory final meal at Mezban, which easily took the crown as the group's favourite restaurant of the entire journey. Full of amazing food, laughter, and lasting memories, it was the perfect end to an unforgettable week in India before heading to the airport for our journey home.
Our final morning began with an early start as we boarded the bus to the airport, bidding farewell to the heat and vibrant energy of Mumbai. As our flight touched down back in a distinctly stormy Plymouth, reality hit with a gentle bump—a stark contrast to the tropical sunshine we had left behind!
While it's good to be home, every student has returned with a wealth of unforgettable experiences, strengthened leadership skills, new global friendships, and memories that will stay with them for a lifetime.
Mrs Green and Mr Alsop
Toronto
Thirty-nine students from Devonport High School for Boys enjoyed an unforgettable five-day adventure in Toronto during October half-term, accompanied by Mr Scott, Mrs Weaver, Mrs Davidson and Mr Callicott.
The action-packed trip offered students the opportunity to explore one of Canada's most exciting cities, experience its famous landmarks and enjoy some truly memorable activities.
The group began with a guided walking tour of Downtown Toronto and the Old Town, discovering more about the city's history and culture. Highlights included a visit to the impressive Royal Ontario Museum, taking in the spectacular views from the top of the iconic CN Tower and exploring the Hockey Hall of Fame.
One of the biggest highlights was a full-day excursion to the world-famous Niagara Falls. Students experienced the incredible power of the falls from the Niagara City Cruises boat tour and got even closer with the Journey Behind the Falls experience. There was also time to enjoy the attractions, shops and entertainment of Clifton Hill.
For sports fans, the trip offered an especially exciting evening at Scotiabank Arena, watching the Toronto Raptors take on the Chicago Bulls in an NBA fixture. The atmosphere was fantastic, with the Raptors securing a brilliant 135-92 victory!
Alongside the sightseeing and activities, students enjoyed sampling Canadian food, shopping at the famous Eaton Centre and spending time together, making memories and experiencing everything this fantastic city has to offer.
It was a wonderful trip from start to finish, with fantastic experiences, plenty of laughter and some incredible memories for everyone involved, including the joy of Josh playing the piano in the airport lounge which was a treat for us and other waiting passengers!
Mr Scott and Mrs Davidson
Bletchley Park
Forty students from Devonport High School for Boys enjoyed a fascinating day exploring the history of computing with a visit to Bletchley Park and The National Museum of Computing on Thursday 29 October.
Accompanied by Mr Scott, Mrs Mintoft, Mr Evans and Mr Brown, students travelled to Buckinghamshire for a packed day discovering some of the most significant developments in the history of technology.
The morning was spent at Bletchley Park, the historic home of Britain's wartime codebreakers. Students explored the site, learned about the extraordinary work undertaken during the Second World War and discovered how Alan Turing and his colleagues helped crack the Enigma code. It was a fantastic opportunity to bring to life many of the topics covered in Computer Science lessons.
In the afternoon, the group headed to The National Museum of Computing, home to one of the world's largest collections of working historic computers. Students were able to see some incredible machines up close, including early computers that helped shape the technology we use today. Seeing the development of computing first-hand provided a brilliant insight into just how far the subject has progressed.
From wartime codebreaking and pioneering engineering to the evolution of modern technology, the visit offered a wonderful blend of Computer Science and History.
Despite the early start and long journey, students made the most of every moment, showing great enthusiasm and curiosity throughout the day.
A fantastic experience for everyone involved and a brilliant opportunity to bring computing history out of the classroom!
Mr Scott
Head of Computer Science
Sixth form Enrichment
Pictured are some of the Y13 Medics, Dentists and Vets who spent two hours during their enrichment periods on Monday tutorial and Enrichment time working with year 12 hopeful medics, practicing for a Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI).
The session was designed to help students build confidence, master rapid transitions, and significantly improve their performance across a circuit of independent assessment stations. Students were learning to structure their thoughts quickly under pressure without freezing. They gained a little "Fresh Start" Resiliency: Practicing multiple mock stations teaching them how to compartmentalise. If a role-play or ethical dilemma went poorly, practice helping them leave it behind and reset completely before stepping into the next station. This targeted practice sharpened their ability to articulate medical ethics, critical thinking, empathy, data interpretation, and teamwork in a natural, conversational way. We also believed that this experience prepared them for diverse scenarios. Running through mock circuits exposed the students to unpredictable formats including: role-plays, data/calculation tasks, knowledge of current affairs and moral dilemmas, so they learnt more about how to think on their feet rather than recite scripted answers.
The students who attended engaged fully and several had prepared well using the STAR (situation, task, action, result) interview practice material assigned to them before the October break.
Excerpt here:
Year 13 tutorials and assemblies in recent weeks have also focused on Interview skills and next steps through specific targeted resource materials with the Heads of year and tutors.
Year 12 students have been engaging with how to study independently, how to evidence their efforts in this and also how to take stock and manage their study programme as well as their wellbeing.
Our Sixth formers are exciting and busy and so many are taking advantage of the opportunities advertised in their year group virtual classroom. It’s hard to keep up but this is what makes our work with them such a pleasure. They are wonderful!
Mrs Davidson
Head of Sixth Form
Examples of Physics Independent Study
Mr Guy-Fierens, Teacher of Physics, shared that Year 13 students recently offered guidance to Year 12 on developing effective, meaningful study techniques. When asked, "What advice would you give a Year 12 student, knowing what you do after studying A Levels for a year?", they provided this distillation of wisdom and experience:
Be concise with your written work (no waffle). This allows you to distil your understanding.
Know what works for you. This means you need to try lots of different strategies as soon as possible.
Try different methods. Be inspired by what others are doing and look up effective strategies online.
Find willpower! Do what you can to avoid procrastination.
Do NOT be passive.
Check the markschemes of exam questions to see what the examiners are looking for.
Do things sooner than you think and do not leave them to the last minute before the deadline as you will rush it and not learn as much.
Be active: do questions and get them wrong, then go back and learn from your mistakes
Do not pretend that you know something, it will catch up with you.
Be uncomfortable with your learning. This means that you are always learning something.
You can view the presentation by following this link.
Year 7 were asked to write a Head's blog piece about firework safety. I liked this one by Andrew (7T)...
"There are numerous ways to keep safe outside while still enjoying a fireworks display. However there are some rules and regulations surrounding fireworks that we all need to follow.
The firework safety code is designed to keep us all safe on those special occasions when we let off fireworks. Some rules are blatantly obvious but some are less so. You should never throw fireworks and throwdown fireworks are illegal in public spaces, like parks. During bonfires, water should be used to extinguish the bonfire and everyone should stay behind a fence while watching the fire display.
Wear gloves while using sparklers, read instructions before setting off fireworks and all private fireworks should be set off in private space.
All individuals under 16 cannot purchase fireworks, and displays have to have a responsible adult present.
All usable fireworks should have the CE or UKCA label on, as these are licensed ones that are government approved. Keep fireworks in a closed box and all fireworks should be taken out one by one.
Keep safe and have fun!"
Mr Scott
Leader of Careers & PSHE
Head of Computer Science
Sharing Our Reading
This week’s reviewers are Mr Segan (Maths Department) and Jeremiah in Year 7. They have both chosen to review their recent reading and want to encourage others to share too. Interestingly, Mr Segan has chosen to write a review of a non fiction text in the field of psychology and social sciences which has been referred to as a ‘landmark in social thought’ by Mathew Syed. This is the also first non-fiction book review that we have had this year! I was personally thrilled to read Jeremiah’s review of ‘The Explorer’ as Rundell is one of my favourite authors; I especially love her comments that reading is not just about pleasure but about power too. Jeremiah has clearly engaged with the novel and its varied characters.
If you have read a book recently which has entertained, inspired or challenged you why not share this with others? Book reviews can be shared with Dr Downes - tracey.downes@DHSB.org.
The Explorer by Katherine Rundell
The Explorer by Katherine Rundell is an absolute masterpiece that will grip you from the very first page and refuse to let go. It is a thrilling, fast-paced survival story that perfectly balances danger with an incredible sense of wonder.
The plot kicks off with a bang when a small airplane crashes deep into the Amazon rainforest. With the pilot dead, four children Fred, Con, Lila, and her little brother Max are left completely stranded. They have no food, no map, and no one to save them. Instead of giving up, they have to learn how to make fire, hunt for food, and try not to get hunted. The story gets more thrilling when they discover a secret map that leads them to a ruined city hidden in the canopy. There, they encounter the Explorer, a man who holds the key to their survival, but refuses to help them escape.
The characters are brilliantly written and feel like real stereotypical humans. For example, Fred is a determined boy who dreams of being a legendary adventurer, while Con is sarcastic and guarded, acting as a great contrast to Fred's optimism. Lila is caring, fiercely protecting her vulnerable four-year-old brother, Max.
In my opinion, this book is really good because the description is really vivid. Rundell uses amazing imagery that makes you feel and picture the oppressive heat of the jungle and taste the bizarre things they have to eat (like tarantulas, which surprisingly tastes very savoury In real life!).
If you love wild adventures, complex mysteries, you need to read this book immediately. Once you start reading it your hands wont want to let go of the pages, now go read it for yourself.
Star rating: 5 out of 5
Jeremiah (year 7)
The WEIRDest People in the World by Joseph Henrich
Henrich's book looks at how people from WEIRD countries (Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich and Democratic) see themselves, their relationships and the world around them, and how differently most of humanity has done so throughout history. Much of what psychology has told us about "human nature", he argues, is really a description of one unusual slice of humanity.
What I liked most was how often the book made me stop and reflect. Every few pages, something I had taken for granted, such as time, morality or family, turned out to be far from universal. Henrich backs this up with rich examples from places including Papua New Guinea, Polynesia and Argentina, and they show again and again that WEIRD mentalities are not typical. The book is written for a general audience, yet it draws on anthropology, economics, biology and history, and the combination makes for a compelling argument.
It is not perfect. The weight of evidence occasionally felt repetitive, and some arguments are simplified, though the core claims remain convincing. I also wanted a broader range of non-WEIRD societies. Cultures differ from one another for their own historical reasons, and more variety would have shown that range.
This is a book about big ideas. If you enjoyed Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs and Steel or Yuval Noah Harari's Sapiens, I would recommend it. It is a little denser than both, but I found it just as readable, even if Harari writes better prose. All three scratch the same itch: understanding what makes the world the way it is today.
Mr Segan (Maths Department)
Happy Diwali!
Diwali will be celebrated in school on Monday 09th November. We will have amazing global food offerings from the wonderful team in Refuel, including curry and lovely sweets. There will be live music (of the gentle sort) from Dlanyl and Reuben and there will be lots of lights, of course!!
Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is a five-day-long festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists and observed around the world. It takes place every autumn between October and November, with the date changing every year. In 2026 Diwali falls on Sunday 8 November.
Diwali represents new beginnings and the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. It is the triumph of righteousness; knowledge in place of ignorance and it is likely that Diwali is a fusion of harvest festivals in India, dating back more than 2,500 years.
In the lead-up to Diwali, celebrants may prepare by cleaning and decorating temples, as well as their homes and workplaces. Places are brightly illuminated with candles and oil lamps, and devotional offers are made. People also often wash themselves with water and fragrant oils, or wear adornments and new, fine clothes. Families may organise feasts in which sweets and gifts are shared and in many cities, towns and villages fairs are held and fireworks are set off in the evening. However, the way Diwali is celebrated in the UK today may be very different depending on people's culture, heritage or religious faith.
You can greet someone for Diwali with a simple "Happy Diwali" or "Wishing you a bright Diwali", and the greeting is always well received and appreciated, even if you do not celebrate the festival yourself.
Happy Diwali!
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!
Year 11 student, Edward, has been selected for the British Sailing 29er Talent Academy.
The Talent Academy operated across three levels: Transition, Performance Development, and the British Youth Sailing Team. Having originally joined at the Transition level, Edward has recently been promoted to the Performance Development level!
As a committed member of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), this is a major milestone in the British Sailing Pathway. It reflects Edward’s outstanding performance, potential, and dedication, granting him access to top-tier support and guidance alongside England’s elite youth sailors.
The Talent Academies deliver high-quality, year-round training designed to nurture sailors with exceptional potential. Their holistic development approach covers technical, tactical, physical, and psycho-social skills to support effective transitions into top youth classes.
Congratulations on this brilliant achievement, Edward!
During the half term, year 8 student, Grayson, attained a distinction in Grade 4 Guitar with an almost perfect score!
Well Done Grayson!
Please join us if you can at our meeting on Wednesday in the Conference Room (directly behind the Visitor Reception). We’d love to meet you! Refreshments supplied. Please email ptfa@dhsb.org if you are thinking of joining us so we have an idea of numbers. Last minute attendees welcome too!
Mrs Kinsella
Alumni Engagement & Archives / PTFA Liaison
Sending birthday wishes to Mr Ted Attewell! 90 years young today! Ted taught maths at DHSB from 1960 until he retired in 2000. That’s a very long time! Ted was Senior Master for 20 of those years, Head of Upper School, Careers Officer, and looked after the school Scout Troop, among other responsibilities!
Ted’s memory is amazing and he is one of my ‘go-tos’ when I’m researching something!
Happy Birthday Ted from all at DHSB!
Mrs Kinsella
Alumni Engagement & Archives / PTFA Liaison
