This has been a truly inspirational week at DHSB which culminated this morning when Ben McBean was with us to talk to our Year 11 students.
Ben introduces himself by saying, “When I stepped on an IED I thought my life was over. Thankfully it wasn’t and whilst I will never get used to having only one arm and one leg, my injuries have not defined me, they have just changed my life”
Ben has a big personality and displays huge courage. During his talk, which combined pathos and humour, he encouraged our boys to overcome setbacks and to keep things in perspective.
My Blog this week is full of inspirational stories, not just Ben’s.
From Ten Tors to Triple A and beyond, there is so much to be proud of at this school; I hope you enjoy reading about the achievements and adventures of students and staff this week.
Future Scholars
Five Year 9 students travelled to Cardiff University on Wednesday this week to take part in the Future Scholars programme.
The intention of the day was to give students an opportunity to attend taster lectures and seminars, and to provide a real life experience of what studying at university is like.
Ms Moreton who attended with the boys said the day was “Interesting, enjoyable, informative and hopefully inspiring.”
Holocaust Survivor
Year 9 students also had the privilege this week of hearing eye witness testimony from Holocaust survivor Joanna Millan.
This is what they said.
Best of British to our three Ten Tors teams this weekend as they put their preparation into action for their adventure. Thanks to all the staff who have supported them so ably.
I have a Blog recommendation for you this week – our own DHSB Teaching blog which carries the strapline Inspire, Engage, Education – well worth a read!
Well done and thank you to Mr & Mrs Higgins, Mr Macleod, Mr McConnell and all who supported a brilliant Year 13 evening last night. There was a big turn-out for the inaugural ‘Curry and ‘Quiz’ night.
Pictured is the winning team.
Inspired by Music
We said goodbye to Lucy Luxmoore this week. Lucy has been leading and directing the DHSB Choir and in his vote of thanks Henry Spencer reminded the choir of their performances at Speech Day and the Summer Festival.
Triple A had a fantastic experience at the BBC Radio Devon studios when they were interviewed for the Saturday evening ‘Introducing’ show last night.
Student Tom Adams had this to say, “A huge THANK YOU to all of you who voted for us to open the main stage at Lemonfest on 31st May.
“Triple A has just spent the evening recording songs live and being interviewed for Radio Devon’s ‘Introducing’ programme which will be broadcast on Saturday evening between 8.00pm and 10.00pm. It was fun and a great opportunity to get our name out there. The programme will be on iPlayer for the following week.”
Running, Rowing and Swimming
Many congratulations to students who competed at the West Devon athletics championships earlier in the week.
Mr Strang said, “The most notable results are Lewis Andrews, first place in 100m and 200m, Jude White, first place in 300m and Will Potter who won the triple jump. Well done all.”
Jude added, “The event took place at Brickfields. I came first in the 300m with a time of 4.27. This is a new personal best.”
Jude White
Will Potter
Alex Sells had a good weekend when he became British U14 Epee Fencing Champion at the British Youth Fencing Championships in Sheffield. Well done Alex.
Also in action last weekend was Lloyd Barron-Robinson who competed at the National Junior Inter-Regional Regatta.
Lloyd came fifth in his category and is hoping to qualify for GB trials in the autumn.
Lloyd said, “I was selected for the Western Region at the trials held in February. In my heats I was placed fourth overall and finished fifth in the final.”
Also doing well is Nick Glasson who competed at the SW region swimming championships winning the 100m and 200m breaststroke, and taking silver in the 50m breaststroke.
Nick said, “I am currently ranked first in England and Wales and looking forward to competing in the national championships in July.”
