I am delighted to announce the name of the DHSB School Captain for the coming year.
This morning Harrison Bryan (Harry) accepted the post and I am sure he will be very successful in his new leadership role.
Henry will provide support in a handover period over the next few weeks and later this term there will be time to thank him for his extensive contribution to the life of the school.
In other news this week, we were pleased to see many families represented at our Year 7 tea parties on Monday and Tuesday. Parents and carers had the chance to meet key members of staff and to hear about our priorities for the year including our focus on Excellent Work.
This week I’m able to share a piece of writing by Henry Jenkins 7S from his Classical Civilisations class.
Dr Stears said, “The class were asked to investigate the myth of Theseus and Ariadne and the concomitant myths eg Minos, Pasiphae, Daedalus and Icarus (between one and two sides). Henry asked me if he could write more as he enjoyed myths so I agreed. I was impressed not only by the depth of his research, but also his independence of learning (can I write more please?) and his excellent use of English and neat presentation”.
London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
Also demonstrating excellence are the following three students who have passed their recent LAMDA exams.
Lalit Kathiresan – Grade 4 Solo Acting – Pass with Distinction Preet Pradeep – Grade 6 (Bronze Medal) Solo Acting – Pass with Distinction Henry Spencer – Grade 7 (Silver Medal) Public Speaking – Pass with Distinction
Individual Windsurfing Success
Well done to Josie Spencer who competed at the National Windsurfing Championships at Grafham Water in September.
Over 180 windsurfers of all ages took part and Josie was delighted to finish third in the youth female category. As a result she has been selected into the RS:X Youth Squad and will be representing team GB at international level. Josie is one of only ten youth/women in the current Olympic pathway so this is a huge achievement for her. We are very grateful for all the help and support which the school gives to her
Josie is pictured on the starting line (sail number 3114).
Abbot’s Way Challenge
Last weekend the 55th annual Abbot’s Way Challenge Walk took place. There were 410 walkers trekking the 23 miles from Buckfast Abbey to Tavistock.
DHSB 45 and 55 mile Ten Tors teams were there to start their training. Despite thick mist and rain all day the teams finished in second and third places.
Pictured at the start outside Buckfast Abbey are Mr Ames, Tom Scott, Josh Moyse, Angus Dixon, Joe Mackey, Michael Moore, Sam Burston, Jacob Woodbridge-Harris, Jamie Williams, Peter Clifford, Eve Kettlewell, Luke Goldstone and Mr Clifford.
Will Coulson also took part.
Thanks to Mr Ames who walked with the 45 mile team and Mr Clifford who walked with the 55 mile team. Also thanks to Ms Davidson who drove the minibus and provided valuable safety cover.
School of Rock
We will be staging School of Rock, the musical, from 1 – 3 November in the Edgcumbe Theatre. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to see this show so please download this order form and return with your payment for tickets.
We’ll bring you some photos of the cast as soon as can!
Erasmus Project
Mr Berryman and MrCarpenter have travelled to Spain this week to plan the final year’s activities for our Erasmus project with our partners from Spain, Lithuania, Sweden and France.
I’m looking forward to hearing about their plans when they return to school on Monday.
Sports Update
A weekly round-up of the DHSB sports fixtures.
Last Friday (too late to be included in the Head’s Blog) there was a good 6 – 4 win for the U13 football team in the first round of the National Cup v Plymstock. They face Callington in the next round.
Monday
Congratulations to the U15 team who beat Eggbuckland 60 – 0 in round one of the NatWest Cup.
Tuesday
Mr Bunney reports wins for the U13 rugby team v Stoke Damerel and Plymstock but a 20 – 15 loss to Tavistock after being 15 – 5 up at half term. He said there are “lessons to learn”.
Wednesday
Wednesday was a busy day for DHSB sport. Mr Orkney said, “Wins for U16 and U14 rugby and the 1st XI. Narrow defeat for 1st XV in NatWest Cup”.
Mr Manley added, “The 1st XI are through to the next round of the George Lang Cup after an 8 – 0 victory over Plymouth Dukes ‘B’ team”.
Thursday
The Year 7 rugby team competed at the central venue competition. Mr Burt said, “Another great performance by the team”.
Future Events
12 October at 18.00 – Choices Evening for Parents (Ms Moreton)
17 October at 17.45 – Strategies for Success Evening (Mr Martin)
19 October – Final day of autumn term one
20 October – Non pupil day
30 October – First day of autumn term two
1 November at 18.00 – Drinks Reception and PTFA AGM
1 – 3 November School Production – School of Rock