News

16 Oct 2020

Derby High Announces Their First Greenpower Team

Eleven aspiring Engineers at Derby High School have joined together to form the school’s very first Greenpower team. The students, all currently in the Lower Sixth in the Sixth Form, are planning to build their very own electric car this academic year. The design is currently underway and is being led by student Alex Hill, currently studying A levels in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. Alex is designing the car as part of his Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Alex said “this is a fantastic opportunity for me to demonstrate my leadership skills. Ever since I was a young boy I’ve wanted to build and race a car. Having Greenpower on my CV when I apply to university will help me stand out and is something to be immensely proud of”.

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12 Oct 2020

Primary High Notes 9th October

Our first full half term with all pupils back in the building is going well and your children have been a credit to you – as per usual! We have been very impressed by a consistently high attendance rate of over 96% in each of the last six weeks. I am sure that you are aware that a number of local schools have had to close bubbles due to confirmed cases. Thankfully, we have not had to do this so far, but I wanted to reiterate the process we would use should it happen.

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12 Oct 2020

Senior High Notes 9th October

Our first full half term with all pupils back in the building is going well and your children have been a credit to you – as per usual! We have been very impressed by a consistently high attendance rate of over 96% in each of the last six weeks. I am sure that you are aware that a number of local schools have had to close bubbles due to confirmed cases. Thankfully, we have not had to do this so far, but I wanted to reiterate the process we would use should it happen.

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05 Oct 2020

Senior High Notes 2nd October

This week has seen the first group of U6 students ready to complete their applications for University in 2021. I enjoy meeting with each student to discuss their final choices and reading their very impressive personal statements, which go into depth on their reasons for applying for a specific course and outline their many skills and interests. These are amazing young people with exciting futures ahead. At the other end of the age spectrum, Year 1 pupils visited me in my office this week, having the opportunity to ask their own questions about Derby High, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

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05 Oct 2020

Primary High Notes 2nd October

This week has seen the first group of U6 students ready to complete their applications for University in 2021. I enjoy meeting with each student to discuss their final choices and reading their very impressive personal statements, which go into depth on their reasons for applying for a specific course and outline their many skills and interests. These are amazing young people with exciting futures ahead. At the other end of the age spectrum, Year 1 pupils visited me in my office this week, having the opportunity to ask their own questions about Derby High, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

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25 Sep 2020

Primary High Notes 25th September

This week all primary children have been creating doves to mark Peace One Day on 21st September 2020. In his assembly on Monday, Mr Harper looked at what peace means to us. The ideas ranged from the sense of tranquillity in our lives when you are not disturbed by anyone or anything, to peace-time between countries at war. Mr Harper encouraged the children to reflect on the value of feeling a sense of peace and to support the aim of seeking and maintaining peace in our world. This culminated in every child creating a dove of peace, be that in 2 dimensions or from origami. Our dove trail is displayed around the infant and junior buildings.

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25 Sep 2020

Senior High Notes 25th September

Lunchtime clubs and activities are such an important part of our school week. They give our students opportunities to delve into all kinds of interests. Our clubs and activities connect our school community through shared interests, allow students to take on leadership roles, develop new skills or hone existing ones. But most importantly, students have fun. Lunchtime clubs cover a range of interests and talents, including History Film Club, Football, Netball, Hockey, Current Affairs and Cypher Club. A brand new club this year, starting this week, is Handbells. U3 enjoyed the opportunity to be the first group to try this exciting venture, having a go at ringing bells that have been in use for over 100 years

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18 Sep 2020

Primary High Notes 18th September

We started our assembly on Thursday listening to “When you’re smiling” sung by Michael Bublé. A lovely start to any day but more importantly I asked the children to think about this particular line in the song, “When you're smiling, when you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you”. I talked about how our own individual behaviour and actions can influence others. We looked at the scenario of a banana skin left on the tennis court. Impressively all of our children said they would either put it in the bin, or in the compost and no one said they would put it in their pocket or leave it on the floor. A group of behavioural scientists in 2008 tested a theory about when people drop litter. They found that far less litter was dropped when there was little evidence of litter or graffiti around, when there was lots of litter already, people were more likely to drop litter. We’re influenced by the behaviour of those around us. But if we look at it another way, we can see we have the potential to lead and inspire others with our actions. I asked our pupils to reflect upon the values they want to show and influence others with. As Mahatma Gandhi famously said “Be the change you want to see in the world”.

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