Each week I share the theme which is being explored by staff and students in school to give an opportunity for you to discuss this at home as a family with your child.
This week our theme is ‘developing a growth mindset’.
Additional topics were explored in student-led House assemblies on Wednesday. Well done to all students who prepared and delivered presentations.
Campbell
Mr Huq said there were excellent presentations by students from Year 7 to Year 10 on air pollution and climate change, species extinction, soil degradation and deforestation.
Edison
Mr Strang said the Edison students presented on healthy, active lifestyles.
Newton
In the Newton assembly 9N led a presentation on the future and what it may look like.
Priestley
For Priestley, Year 7 and 8 students delivered an assembly on inspirational leaders.
Smeaton
Mr Anderson, Head of Smeaton, said that 8S gave a presentation on teamwork.
Winstanley
The Winstanley student-led assemblies will take place after half term.
Widening Horizons
Year 5 pupils and their teachers from High Street Primary School came to visit DHSB on Wednesday to discover more about jobs that adults do in schools, other than being a teacher, as part of the Widening Horizons programme run by Millfields Inspired.
The pupils met Mr Higgins in Refuel, found out what Science Technicians do from Mrs Farnaby and Mr Hamlyn, as well as spotting our painter and decorator and the cleaning team in action whilst on a tour led by Year 9 students.
After a drink and biscuit in the Learning Commons, our visitors discovered more about the role of a PA from Mrs Nicholson, what a Family Support Advisor does from Ms Taylor, and the various things Mrs Buckler does as Director of the Learning Commons.
They all wanted to meet ‘the boss’ Mr Roberts and then Mrs Moreton challenged the Year 5 and Year 9 to work as a team to solve the problem of the farmer crossing the river with his dog, a chicken and some grain.
It was a busy and interesting morning and our Year 9 students were put to the test to be patient and responsible as well as using their very best communication skills.
We hope to see more of our neighbours at High Street Primary School very soon.
Ms Nally Fair Access and Partnership Coordinator
Excellent Work
Ms Boon has sent me a photo of Year 9’s fruity tray bakes. She says there are some excellent ideas and skills demonstrated.
Star Chef was awarded to Joseph Bright 9W.
London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
Congratulations to the following two students on their excellent exam results.
Stavya Dubey – Grade 1 Solo Acting (pass with distinction) Anunt Dhulkotia – Grade 3 Public Speaking (pass with distinction)
Alumni News
Mr Macleod shared with me this link to an article written by Jon Allsop, former School Captain.
You can read more about Jon on his Where Are They Now webpage.
In May 2017 he graduated in the top four of his year at Columbia Journalism School and spent time in New York working as a Dow Jones interactive editing intern at BuzzFeed and a Delacorte fellow at The Columbia Journalism Review. Jon is now a freelance journalist based in the UK.
If you are a former student with a story to tell then we would love to hear from you. Please contact my PA, Sarah Nicholson, at the school.
6-a-side Charity Tournament
Mrs Green has asked me to help publicise the forthcoming charity football tournament which is in memory of Simon Gerry with the proceeds going to St Luke’s Hospice
The tournament will be held here on the school site on 15 June 2019. Registrations will be from 9.00am with the tournament starting at 10.00am. Team entries will cost £30 and hot food, snacks and hot and cold drinks will be available.
All players (U16+) and supporters are welcome and donations will be greatly appreciated for a fantastic charity.
Enquiries to footballtournament@dhsb.org
Sports Update
Badminton
Well done to William Freer 6JD who has recently returned from his first senior international badminton tournament in Bonn, Germany.
William produced a strong performance throughout, eventually losing out to a Danish international player in the singles event and German team players in the doubles and mixed events.
The tournament was most enjoyable and provided lots of lessons for the future.
Cricket
The U15 team is through to the Devon Cup quarter finals after beating Plymstock School by 39 runs. Ethan Carlisle had another fantastic afternoon with 77 runs and four wickets.
The U13 team had two fixtures this week. The team bowed out of the Devon Cup after losing to Okehampton by 58 runs but will continue in the plate competition.
Later in the week they secured wins against Plymstock School and Hele’s School.
Mr Orkney said it was a good night for the U12 team who beat Coombe Dean School and Plymstock School U13 team but lost to Hele’s School.
And finally
Thank you to Mr Orkney and Mr Huq who delivered lots of old sports kits to KitAid in Lincolnshire last weekend.
KitAid is a charity that recycles and distributes sports kit to underprivileged children and adults in some of the world’s poorest countries.
Future Dates
Friday 24 May
Final Day of Summer Term One
Monday 3 June
First Day of Summer Term Two (A week)
Monday 3 June – Friday 7 June
Year 7 Exams Week