Well done and thank you to our new House Captains who led their first house assemblies today.
The House Captains introduced themselves and gave an update on the house competition and charity collections as well as leading a feature on Children in Need.
This term we are supporting the Oasis Project, the Gift of Hope and Plymouth Argyle 35 charities.
Children in Need
Students and staff in Refuel at lunchtime enjoyed an open-mic session which raised funds for today's Children in Need appeal. Congratulations to all involved.
Staff News
Well done also to Ms Davarian and Mrs Boaden who arranged a staff cake sale today which raised over £150 for two local charities, Bowel Cancer West and the Primrose Foundation.
Lots of staff baked cakes which were enjoyed with a cup of coffee at morning break today.
Excellent Work
Thank you to Mrs Pyle for sharing these examples of Excellent Work by students in her Year 7 Digital Enterprise class.
Mrs Pyle said, “Year 7 students have enjoyed completing their first project in Digital Enterprise by working in small groups to complete a presentation based on three entrepreneurs of their choice. The students had to pick two global entrepreneurs and one local entrepreneur. Within the presentation they had to focus on the enterprise skills of the entrepreneurs and how they have adapted and changed over time to suit different situations”.
PSHEE Activities
This week is UK Parliament Week and both Year 7 and Year 8 have been learning about the ways in which Parliament works, with several options for further research on, for instance PMQs and a virtual tour of the Houses.
If you are interested this is a link to an assembly video about the week:
Year 9 students have been preparing for their employer challenge visits, which will take place during Curriculum Challenge Week. Classes are working with a group of local employers to find out more about the workplace, meet some of the employees and to be set a challenge which they will then fulfil back in school over a couple of lessons. The employers will come in on 9 December to watch, give some feedback and award a winning group from each class. This year we are working with Plymouth Argyle, Citybus, Bailey Partnership, Babcock and Princess Yachts. This is an invaluable insight into the world of work.
Year 10 students are continuing with their tutor carousel of topics and activities - when I popped into Mr Scott's class the students were busy concocting ‘fake news’ pictures as part of his talk on photography and digital manipulation.
Year 11 students have of course now started their mock GCSE exams.
It’s Curriculum Challenge Week next week and my Head’s Blog piece will feature the careers elements of this. Good luck to everyone organising and taking part in all the wonderful activities on offer.
Ms Moreton
Sixth Form Enrichment and Tutorial
During their tutorial on Wednesday, Year 12 students explored what it means to be part of a community, and the attributes we value and support that we offer each other through our actions in strong communities.
This was enhanced further through House assemblies led by the new Sixth Form House Captains.
On Friday, Year 13 students gained more invaluable insight from Ms Wilkinson and Mr Burt (as well as alumni students) in the second guidance session about online interviews. We are hearing of students being called for interviews already as a result of their UCAS applications to higher education.
During the second period on Friday, the first of the Year 12 tutor groups gained additional input from Summerhouse services who gave a generic and holistic training session around the relationship people have with eating and food in our culture and society.
Feedback from our students on the sessions provided by Penny and her team throughout last year was overwhelmingly positive. The company runs sessions which offer guidance and tools to enhance mental wellbeing that are well received by our students.
Summerhouse services have been successful in their application to the Coop Community Local Cause Fund and, for the next 12 months anyone in the country can support them, if they are a Coop member (it costs £1 to become one!) when they shop there and buy certain items within the offer.
It would be brilliant if you could support this local charitable company. Anyone with this link can do this so maybe spread the word too please!
Curriculum Challenge Week
We’re all looking forward to Curriculum Challenge Week as weeks like this provide students and staff with a real opportunity to go beyond the normal curriculum in lessons.
Please check our special Twitter hashtag each day to see the variety of subjects and activities we are covering.
We’ll also bring you some of the best photos in the Head’s Blog next Friday. P{ictured are students involved in a food activity in 2021.
Sports Update
Rugby
Congratulations to the DHSB 1st XV who played Exeter College fourth team on Wednesday, taking the match 17 - 15.
Also well done to the U14 team who came first in the Plymouth Schools Tournament today by winning all of their games.
Football
Mr Strang reports that the Year 7 football team will progress to round five of the national cup following a 2 - 0 win against Redruth School this afternoon. Well done all.
Well done also to the Year 10 football team who played a hard game, in tricky conditions against a tough Clyst Vale team.
The team won 3 - 0 and progressed to round five in the national cup where a trip to Somerset awaits.
Mr Campbell said it was a hard fought but well earned 2 - 0 win in the Plymouth Cup for the U14 football team on Wednesday in, at times, horrendous conditions. On to the next round.
Congratulations to the Year 11 team, through to the fourth round of the National Cup after beating Tavistock 3 - 1.
Mr Manley said, “We now face Torquay Academy on Wednesday 30th November”.
Badminton
Well done to the U19 and U16 badminton teams, pictured here.
The teams took part in the central venue competition against Hele’s and Stoke Damerel after school on Tuesday.
