Houses @DHSB

A message from our School Captain, Joshua Daniel...

From the moment I joined this school, I have been inspired and motivated by the leaders and officials of our school, who guide with boldness and authority, whilst caring with kindness and respect. Now, to stand in such an honour of leading the student community, I hope to reproduce the excellent authority that has brought our school to where it is today.

In the next year, I aim to speak in front of large audiences, both internal and external of DHSB, in order to inspire, develop and represent what DHSB has meant to me during my time at the school. I have reaped the benefits of being a student at DHSB, enjoying the kindness of staff, the vast array of extracurricular activities and the outstanding quality of education. By spending time and effort in this role, I hope to give back to DHSB, a token of gratitude, for the school that has moulded me into the person I am today.

My aim as School Captain is to improve the social, physical and mental health of our young people and staff, building well rounded members of society, that will go on and create a lasting positive impact to the wider world. This can only be achieved through the help of the school community, which is why it is imperative that as a school, we work together for the forward progression of DHSB.

Whilst I know the next year will incur many challenges, with the school community behind me, I am confident that this role will be fulfilled to its full potential.

Legacy School Captains

Will Henwood

2024/25

2023/24

2022/23

2021/22

2020/21

2019/20

2018/19

Eden Hingston

Mackenzie Pike

Ellis Foale

Thomas Hyndman

Joseph Watkinson

Toby Leung

Read on to find out more about the inspirational people behind our Houses...

Sir David Attenborough

Sir David Attenborough is a renowned British broadcaster, natural historian, and author, celebrated for his extensive work in nature documentaries.

Born on May 8, 1926, Attenborough has dedicated over seven decades to exploring and documenting the natural world. His illustrious career with the BBC began in the 1950s, and he became a household name with his groundbreaking series "Life on Earth" in 1979. Attenborough's distinctive voice and engaging storytelling have brought the wonders of the natural world into millions of homes, raising awareness about the beauty and fragility of our planet.

His contributions to wildlife filmmaking have earned him numerous awards and accolades, including knighthood in 1985. Attenborough continues to inspire generations to protect and cherish the environment through his passionate advocacy for conservation and sustainability.

Alexander Fleming

Alexander Fleming was a Scottish bacteriologist and pharmacologist, most renowned for his discovery of the antibiotic substance penicillin in 1928. Born on August 6, 1881, in Lochfield, Scotland, Fleming's groundbreaking work revolutionised the field of medicine.

While working at St. Mary's Hospital in London, he observed that a mould called Penicillium notatum had killed a surrounding colony of bacteria. This accidental discovery led to the development of penicillin, the world’s first true antibiotic, which has saved countless lives by effectively treating bacterial infections. Fleming’s pioneering research earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945, shared with Howard Florey and Ernst Boris Chain, who furthered his initial work to make penicillin widely available.

Fleming’s contributions laid the foundation for modern antibiotics and transformed medical practice, making previously fatal infections treatable.

Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson was an American mathematician whose calculations were critical to the success of the United States' space missions. Johnson displayed exceptional mathematical abilities from a young age, graduating from West Virginia State College at 18 and later joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which would become NASA.

Her work included calculating the trajectories for the Mercury and Apollo missions, most notably John Glenn's orbital flight in 1962, where Glenn specifically requested that Johnson verify the computer's calculations. Despite working in a segregated environment, Johnson's contributions were crucial to the success of America's space exploration efforts.

Her story gained widespread recognition with the 2016 film "Hidden Figures," which highlighted her and her colleagues' roles in NASA's achievements. Johnson's legacy as a pioneering African-American woman in STEM continues to inspire future generations.

Jack Leslie

Jack Leslie was an English footballer whose remarkable career is often overshadowed by the racial discrimination he faced. Born on August 17, 1901, in Canning Town, London, Leslie was a talented forward who played for Plymouth Argyle from 1921 to 1934. During his time with the club, he made over 400 appearances and scored 137 goals, becoming one of their most prolific scorers.

Leslie's skill on the pitch earned him a call-up to the England national team in 1925, which would have made him the first black player to represent England. However, the selection was controversially rescinded, allegedly due to the colour of his skin, highlighting the racial prejudices of the time. Despite this setback, Leslie continued to excel at club level, earning respect and admiration from teammates and fans alike.

His legacy is remembered not only for his footballing prowess but also for the barriers he faced and the resilience he showed in the face of racial discrimination; a legacy that continues to inspire discussions about race and equality in sports.

Robert Falcon Scott

Captain Robert Falcon Scott was a British Royal Navy officer and explorer, best known for leading two expeditions to Antarctica in the early 20th century. Born on June 6, 1868, in Devonport, England, Scott first ventured to the Antarctic as leader of the Discovery Expedition from 1901 to 1904, which significantly advanced scientific knowledge of the region. However, it was his second expedition, the ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition from 1910 to 1913, that cemented his legacy.

Scott and his team reached the South Pole on January 17, 1912, only to discover that Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen had beaten them by 34 days. Tragically, Scott and his four companions perished on their return journey due to harsh weather, exhaustion, and lack of supplies. Despite their fate, Scott's detailed journals provided invaluable scientific data and insights into the challenges of polar exploration. His courage and determination in the face of extreme adversity have made him a symbol of perseverance and sacrifice.

Alan Turing

Alan Turing was a brilliant mathematician, logician, and cryptanalyst who made groundbreaking contributions to the fields of mathematics, computer science, and artificial intelligence.

Born on June 23, 1912, in London, Turing's early work laid the theoretical foundation for modern computing. During World War II, he played a pivotal role in breaking the German Enigma code, a feat that significantly aided the Allied war effort. Post-war, Turing continued to advance the field of computer science, proposing the concept of the Turing machine, a theoretical model of computation that laid the groundwork for the digital computer.

Despite his groundbreaking contributions, Turing faced persecution for his homosexuality, which was illegal in Britain at the time. He was prosecuted in 1952, underwent chemical castration, and tragically died of cyanide poisoning in 1954, deemed a suicide. In 2013, he received a posthumous royal pardon from Queen Elizabeth II.

Turing's profound impact on computing, cryptography, and artificial intelligence continues to influence technological advancements and inspire generations of scientists and innovators.

Queen Elizabeth II - Windsor

Queen Elizabeth II, who ascended the throne in 1952 and reigned for 70 years until her passing in 2022, was a true embodiment of British history. Thrust into the role of monarch at the young age of 25, she witnessed a period of immense social change, from the dismantling of the British Empire to the dawn of a rapidly modernising world.

Throughout her reign, she remained a steadfast symbol of stability and unity, not just for the United Kingdom but also for the Commonwealth, a sprawling network of nations bound by historical ties. Devoted to a life of service, she undertook countless public engagements, meeting with world leaders and forging connections with her citizens. Her unwavering commitment to duty and her quiet strength earned her immense respect. She skillfully navigated the monarchy through a rapidly changing world, fostering a sense of tradition and continuity.

Her reign will be forever remembered as a remarkable era, and she leaves behind a legacy of dedication, resilience, and unwavering service to her country and the Commonwealth.

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