Category Archives: news
House Charities Week Highlights: Celebrating Sweet Success!
It is with great pleasure that we share the highlights of our recent House Charities Week at Ditcham Park School. This week was filled with fun, generosity, and a sense of community as we came together to support worthy causes.
One of the standout events of the week was the fabulous Bake-Off competition, where pupils from both the junior and senior schools showcased their baking talents. The delicious treats baked by our students were enjoyed on Wednesday afternoon, and due to popular demand, another sale took place during Thursday break time, much to the delight of our pupils!
The standard of entries in the Bake-Off was exceptional, making it a tough job for our judges to select winners. After much deliberation, we are pleased to announce the following winners:
Bake-Off Junior School Winners:
Theo, for his fantastic cake depicting the DPS logo, which was quickly snapped up by a generous staff member for donation.
Evie V, for her delightful ice-skating-themed cake, which won our Chef Chris’ heart.
Special mention goes to Mia for her Aston Villa cake, which impressed everyone with its creativity.
Bake-Off Senior School Winners:
- James H, for his delicious chocolate cake.
- Sophie S, for her excellent brownies.
- Jude S also deserves special mention for his chocolate and raspberry cake, which was simply irresistible.
Sponge The Teacher!
Another highlight of the week was Sponge the Teacher, a beloved DPS tradition where brave staff members lined up for the pupils to take their annual revenge. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all staff who volunteered for this entertaining event.
Charity Fete
On Thursday, tutor groups from across the senior school ran a charity fete, offering various activities for all pupils to enjoy. Special mentions go to Mrs. Browning’s tutor group 9D for their fantastic ‘mocktails’ and Mrs. Baker’s 10C for their lively auction of Grease production memorabilia, led by the charismatic Kian S.
Throughout the week, pupils ran a tuck shop at break and lunch times, offering a variety of favourites. We commend the entrepreneurial spirit, hard work, and commitment of Zac H in 10B and Elliott W in 9B for their contributions to this effort.
We extend our sincerest thanks to all staff and families from DPS for their support during Charities Week 2024. The Bursar’s office worked hard to count up all the cash and we are utterly delighted to say that we raised a massive £2, 751 for all of our deserving house charities! Well done everyone and thank you for your help and generosity.
Dan Leonard
From Crime Scene to Court Room – Year 10 Investigate! Year 10 pupils were recently treated to a fantastic criminology day as part of the core AQA RE/Philosophy curriculum. Based on a real-life murder case, pupils first took a 999 call, then examined a crime scene, investigated a murder, prepared their case and ended up presenting the evidence in a mock courtroom trial, all from within the comfort of Ditcham Park School and over the course of just one day.
This highly unique and interactive day brought fun, challenge and excitement into our week and was attended by Mrs Browning’s RE/ Philosophy GCSE class.
Indeed, as part of the AQA Examination Board the RE curriculum covers law, science, and crime across the world and how religions deal with morality.
During the day, students were introduced to a whole host of potential careers within the police, investigation agencies, forensic science and fingerprinting law and the wider criminal justice system. All culminating in a Crown Court Trial with the Prosecution, Defence, Barristers, Judge, Witnesses, the accused, a Detective Sergeant and Crime Scene Investigator. There were some excellent courtroom moments when the defence cross-examined the witness’s girlfriend (Izzy C), the CSI ( Alex P) and the DS (Ed Tr). Amelia G B and Edi H (such wonderful case notes and cold hard questioning) as prosecution lawyers pulling apart the forensic examinations. Lauren A joined forces as barrister for the defence with Fionn G pulling apart the girlfriend of the accused – Rachel, adeptly and convincingly played by Izzy C. The defendant Dale (Melissa A), who was a complex defendant with attitude and pizazz in the witness box and finally the Judge, a very serious(!) and dignified Charlie Wood and Head Jurywoman Eloise S. Everyone else was placed in the Jury box to find the defendant guilty or not guilty. After some deliberation and time to cogitate. The case was concluded, and a potential murderer was sentenced by the Senior Judge Charlie W with an 18-year sentence. Really superb work and wonderful behaviour from Year 10 who came up trumps.
I do hope that the day has inspired students and given them focus to puzzle out various situations – as well as confidence in presenting difficult issues alongside the real-life experienced detective: Simon Smith who provided inspiration from the world experience of criminal investigations. Thanks to all the Year 10 classes for making this a fascinating day and huge thanks to Simon for coming to Ditcham all the way from Lincolnshire to inspire our pupils.
Mrs Browning Head of RE/Philosophy and PSHE.