Duke of Edinburgh's Award
The DofE was designed to challenge young people between the ages of 14 - 24 to attain standards of achievement and endeavour in a wide variety of active interests – to serve their communities, experience adventure and to develop and learn outside the classroom.
Here at DofE HDS we believe in young people, in their innate value and infinite potential. We help young people build life-long belief in themselves, supporting them to take on their own challenges, follow their passions, and discover talents they never knew they had.
Year 9 and Year 10 DofE Enrolling now!
We are running Year 9 Bronze and Year 10 Silver awards this year.
Documents
| Duke of Edinburgh's Award | Date | |
|---|---|---|
| Duke of Edinburgh's Award - Parent Information Booklet | 21st Sep 2023 | Download |
| HDS Expedition Guide | 21st Jan 2025 | Download |
Connect with us
Humphry Davy School
23 Jul 2026
The latest Newsletter is now available to view on our website. Have a great summer everyone! See you on Thursday 3rd September.
https://humphrydavy.reactfiles.co.uk/uploads/document/July-2026.pdf?t=1784813431?ts=1784813592
Humphry Davy School
23 Jul 2026
We are delighted to announce our new team of Senior Students and Prefects for the 2026-27 academic year.
The Senior Student selection process was highly competitive, with students completing a formal application and interview process. We were incredibly impressed by the professionalism, maturity and integrity demonstrated throughout. In particular, our prospective Senior Students took part in interviews with the Headteacher, Miss Kleiman (RSL for Year 10) and Mrs Shipman, representing the governors. The candidates showcased outstanding communication skills, thoughtful responses and a genuine commitment to supporting both their peers and the wider school community.
Our new Senior Students and Prefects have been appointed to the Student Leadership Team for their enthusiasm, confidence and desire to make a positive difference to school life. They are passionate about representing the student body, contributing to school improvement and helping to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all.
We are incredibly proud of all the students who applied and would like to congratulate those who have been appointed as Senior Students and Prefects. We look forward to seeing them develop in their roles and make a valuable contribution to the school over the coming year.
Well done to all involved and we wish our new student leadership team every success as they embark on this exciting opportunity.
Humphry Davy School
23 Jul 2026
There could not have been a better way to round off another fantastic year at HDS than with three days of fun-filled activities! The wonderful weather continued and students made the most of everything on offer while enjoying time with their friends and creating lasting memories.
With such a wide range of activities available, there really was something for everyone. From the excitement of coasteering and skateboarding to horse riding, fishing and football, students embraced every opportunity to challenge themselves and try something new. Others enjoyed swimming, exploring our local area and spending time at the beach, making the most of Cornwall’s stunning coastline in the summer sunshine.
Our Activity Days are always a highlight of the school calendar, giving students the chance to step outside of the classroom, discover new interests and develop confidence and independence in a fun and supportive environment. It has been wonderful to see so many smiling faces throughout and students should be incredibly proud of the enthusiasm they have shown.
What a fantastic way to end the Summer Term!
Humphry Davy School
21 Jul 2026
Over the past month, students have been putting their cycling skills to the test as part of a series of Bikeability Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 courses.
Throughout the programmes, they have demonstrated significant progress in developing their cycling skills, road awareness and confidence when riding on local roads.
All participants worked diligently to build their understanding of safe cycling practices, navigating a variety of local road environments. In addition to improving their practical cycling abilities, students developed their knowledge of road safety and learnt how to carry out essential pre-ride safety checks on their bicycles.
The commitment, enthusiasm and achievements shown by all participants has been commendable and they should be congratulated on their success. Well done to everyone who took part!
Further Bikeability courses will be available in September. Parents and carers who would like their child to take part are encouraged to register their interest by contacting Mrs Corin via email at rmatthews@humphry.cornwall.sch.uk.
Humphry Davy School
21 Jul 2026
Students gathered on the plinth during lunchtime last week to watch six Year 9 pop and rock bands battle it out! With relaxed school uniform helping to keep everyone cool, there was an incredible atmosphere as students performed their chosen songs.
Each band (or soloist!) took to the stage with confidence and was met with thunderous applause and cheers from the crowd. Well done to everyone who took part!
Humphry Davy School
20 Jul 2026
This year's Sports Day was, as always, was an amazing day and our students truly gave their all!
The day was jam-packed with a variety of activities. From rounders and high jump to netball and javelin, there was plenty for everyone to get involved in. The running races took place in the afternoon, with the whole school gathering on the field to cheer on their school house representatives. It was fantastic to see such a high level of enthusiasm and support from all our students. The cheering and celebrations could be heard all over the school site!
A big well done to everyone who took part. Your teamwork, sportsmanship and effort shone through in every event. It was a brilliant day!
Humphry Davy School
20 Jul 2026
Our Year 10 Hospitality and Catering students produced some incredible dishes for their mock practical exams!
Their menus included Cajun sticky honey chicken accompanied with coleslaw, homemade mayonnaise and chips. This was followed by a choice of meringue kisses, set cheesecake and reduced sugar mini gateaux. They all rose to the challenge and we are incredibly proud of them. Well done!
Humphry Davy School
17 Jul 2026
Summer Term is a wonderfully busy time for the HDS Music Department. Fresh off the back of their recital evening, the Music Scholars have embarked upon a three-day tour of local primary schools, inspiring the next generation of musicians and spreading joy throughout the community.
A great breadth of styles and genres were on display, from heavy metal to trumpet fanfare. Our Music Scholars have done a fantastic job and have definitely benefitted from the experience of a professional music tour.
With singing and dancing from students and teachers alike, it has been a lovely way to end the term.
Humphry Davy School
17 Jul 2026
A big thank you to the Penwith College Catering team for visiting our Year 10 Hospitality and Catering students ahead of their mock practical exams.
Students learnt a range of professional plating techniques and discovered how the same dishes can be presented in different ways. It is always a pleasure to welcome Dave back into our kitchens to share his incredible expertise and inspire our future chefs!
Humphry Davy School
17 Jul 2026
We were delighted to once again be invited to take part in the PZ LitFest outreach programme, with an exciting twist this year. As part of London’s Southbank Centre's 75th anniversary celebrations, the touring 'A Poet in Every Port' mobile National Poetry Library visited HDS, giving our students a unique opportunity to explore the world of poetry.
Year 7 students took part in a poetry writing workshop led by local writer Kate Neal, where they celebrated the words that make their communities special. Working together, they created and performed their own poems, with each group's work recorded for the Poetry Bus archive.
Students also had the chance to visit the mobile library, discovering an inspiring collection of poetry books, listening to spoken poetry and creating their own poems using magnetic words.
It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to develop their creativity and confidence whilst being part of a nationwide celebration of poetry. Well done to everyone who took part.
Humphry Davy School
16 Jul 2026
Students enjoyed a lovely sunny day at the Cornwall School Games Finals on Friday. Two teams took part: our mixed Year 8 cricket team and our Year 7/8 rounders team.
Both teams displayed the Cornwall School Games values throughout the tournament, demonstrating determination, teamwork, passion, honesty, self-belief and respect in all of their games. Their efforts resulted in a 1st place finish for the cricket team and 2nd place for the rounders team.
Well done to all who took part!
Humphry Davy School
16 Jul 2026
As the sun shone over St Ives Bay, our Year 11 students gathered at the beautiful Tregenna Castle to celebrate the end of their school journey at this year's Leavers' Ball.
The evening got off to a spectacular start as students arrived in style. From impressive sports cars and a convoy of motorbikes to a tractor that certainly turned heads, every arrival reflected the personalities of the students and added to the excitement of the occasion. They looked wonderful in their stunning gowns and smart suits.
The students enjoyed making the most of the stunning castle grounds, capturing memories with friends against the breathtaking backdrop before heading inside for the celebrations. The ballroom had been beautifully decorated for the evening, where students enjoyed a delicious meal.
The ball was the perfect opportunity for our students to celebrate the end of their exams and recognise the hard work, determination and achievements that had brought them to this milestone. It was a wonderful evening of celebration, laughter and reflection; a fitting way to mark the end of one chapter and wish our Year 11 students every success as they begin the next.
Lots of photos here but even more can be found on our website!
https://www.humphry-davy.cornwall.sch.uk/2331/news/post/1967/leavers-ball-2026
Humphry Davy School
14 Jul 2026
Congratulations to two of our talented students who recently travelled to Stoke with Penzance Gymnastics Club to compete in a National Dance Championship.
The students performed in both Lyrical and Hip Hop routines, delivering outstanding performances against strong competition. Their hard work, commitment and teamwork were rewarded with impressive 4th and 5th place finishes, achieving exceptionally high scores from the judges.
Competing at this level is a fantastic achievement. Well done to you both!
Humphry Davy School
13 Jul 2026
On Saturday 4th July, under blazing sunshine and beautiful blue skies, the HDS Music Scholars gathered on Penzance Prom to provide the soundtrack for thousands of vintage car enthusiasts! Students teamed up with the local Rotary Club for a fantastic afternoon of performances.
Our students were amazing and put on a real show. Their confidence shone through as they entertained an impressive crowd.
Our Music Scholars programme is a unique opportunity for students in Years 7–11, giving them access to a range of additional musical experiences alongside the curriculum. Throughout the year, they build confidence, develop new skills, learn new techniques and instruments and, most importantly, have the chance to explore who they are as artists.
We are incredibly proud of our scholars and everything they have achieved this year.
Humphry Davy School
13 Jul 2026
Congratulations to students Charlie and Toby who are part of this wonderful crew! What a fantastic achievement! Well done!
Humphry Davy School
10 Jul 2026
The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Expeditions are now well underway!
After a term of training and learning all the skills needed to complete their expeditions, students were finally put to the test last weekend, with another group heading out this weekend.
The practice expeditions give students the chance to experience the entire expedition process, from preparation, planning and packing to walking, camping, cooking and looking after themselves and each other on the trail.
The first group set a high bar with an excellent practice expedition last weekend, finishing with an overnight stay at Garris Farm Campsite. Good luck to our second set of students who are out today!
Well done to everyone involved!
Humphry Davy School
9 Jul 2026
We are excited to be running the Time2Move Holiday Programme again this summer. Packed full of fun physical activities, games and wider activities, plus a hot meal for all children at lunchtime.
Activities will be taking place across the School Holidays and are available to all children aged 7 to 16 years. Places are limited to 80 per day so booking is essential.
During the sessions, children will be able to take part in a variety of activities such as:
- Football
- Basketball
- Soft Archery & Nerf Guns
- Badminton
- Netball
- Dodgeball
- Karaoke
- Crossbow & Laser Tag
- Dodgeball/Benchball & Kinball
Sessions run from 10am to 2pm.
Each day the fantastic team in the Humphry Davy School Kitchen will be providing lunch and fruit for all children that attend. Please make sure you write on the registration forms if your child has any special dietary requirements and we will liaise with the team to make sure they can still enjoy a hot meal. If you would prefer to send your child with a packed lunch that is absolutely fine.
Book your child's space today!
https://playwaze.com/discover/result?item=PhysicalEventSeries/131046-B&type=Activities&communityids=4r399obbm919xd
Humphry Davy School
8 Jul 2026
In English lessons, Year 8 students have been exploring new ways to create their own poetry. They’ve been trying their hand at Blackout Poetry, a form of removal poetry created by taking an existing text and blacking out sections to reveal a brand-new poem.
Using one of our set texts as inspiration, students were given a page from a book and the creative freedom to transform it into their own unique piece of poetry. We absolutely loved what they produced! Well done Year 8!
Humphry Davy School
8 Jul 2026
This term, the Music Department has been hard at work championing brass and woodwind instruments as part of the Hall for Cornwall Music Hub Instrumental Progression Project.
Under the expert guidance of Mr Chinn (Trombone) and Mr Truin (Saxophone), students have been learning several fun tunes. Along the way, they have discovered the resilience and perseverance needed to learn a new instrument and have stepped outside their comfort zones to try something completely new. Most importantly, they've had so much fun!
We're delighted that several students have already signed up for further lessons, and two students from last year's project will be joining our Jazz Band from September.
Well done, everyone!
37
54
6
32
53
Contact Us
Headteacher William Marshall
Humphry Davy School, Coombe Road, Penzance,Cornwall, TR18 2TG
- 01736 363 559
- Email Us
How to Find Us
Get Directions