Dear Parents
A huge thank you for all the words of support we have had this week as we had our visit from the Independent Schools Inspectorate. For three days we had five school inspectors looking closely at every element of school life, from the compliance with the various school standards, to the quality of our education, our safeguarding, and the progress of our pupils. It is a very thorough process - and fairly stressful at times!
Whilst I am not yet allowed to share the final outcomes, I delighted to share that it went exceptionally well. The inspectors were particularly impressed by our positive school culture and ethos, as well as our approach to character education through The Dumpton Way. They recognised the dedication and quality of our staff, the strength of our curriculum and academic progress, and the rich variety of opportunities available to pupils both inside and outside the classroom.
But most importantly, the inspectors were blown away by our pupils. Their kindness, their aspiration, and their confidence and self esteem were all particularly evident – from our Nursery children to our Y8 Leaders. They could not have given a better impression to the Inspection Team of life at Dumpton School. While we will now need to await the publication of the final report early on in the Summer Term, it goes without saying that we’re feeling incredibly proud of the school.
A special thank you to all those of you who completed the parent survey – over 200 of you. It painted Dumpton in a wonderful light. I’d also like to personally thank the school staff team – from the leadership team, to the teaching staff, to all our varied support staff – for pulling together so well and shining so brightly. What a fabulous staff team they are.
Global Citizenship Day
The 7th virtue of The Dumpton Way is Global Citizenship – and we hope every child at Dumpton will go off into their futures in a position to make a positive impact on the world. We planted over 500 trees today at sites around Dorset (thank you to the Taylors, the Atkinsons and the Staceys!), and Mrs Cox shared with the children this afternoon that this will absorb 450,000Kg of CO2 from the earth’s atmosphere – the same amount as a jet plane would emit if it travelled round the earth’s equator over 200 times! An amazing example of how small acts can make a big difference to our planet.
Last Netball and Hockey Fixtures (please see attached reports)
The hockey and netball season have come to an end. It has been amazing to watch the progress of the pupils across the season. These match reports capture brilliantly how much the pupils learn from their sport at Dumpton – not just the sport itself, but about themselves. True character education in action!
Year 5 BCS Maths Superstars Challenge - from Mr Smith, Head of Maths
Congratulations to Olivia B, Mia D, Jayden L and Elizabeth X who won the inaugural BCS challenge, against ten other teams from the independent and state sectors. All rounds were timed and comprised of solving problems one at a time in order, ‘countdown’ style number puzzles, competing against all teams to be the first to solve each problem posed and finally 12 problems to solve in any order. Each round involved fast paced solutions, collaboration, and strategic planning to gain as many points as possible. Well done to all four pupils, it was great to witness their determination and willingness to work effectively together.
Science Poster Competition
We have already received some wonderful poster entries for the British Science Week poster competition, and there is still time to get your posters in: 'Change and Adapt' themed entries for the younger pupils, and the UCL 'Improve the health of the air in our buildings' posters for the older pupils. You can find more details here. All entries must be handed in to Mrs Catton or your science teacher by the end of term. A reminder that the top 5 entries will be entered into the national competition, with prizes awarded to the best entries in the country.
Prep School Cross Country (Wednesday 26 March) - from Mr Randle
Parents of Prep School children should have received an email yesterday. Just to summarise you are invited to watch our Prep School House Cross Country on Wednesday 26 March. Year 3 and 4 will be joining in too, having swapped their academic lessons to Tuesday and matchday to Wednesday. Please see attached document for full information including race times and a course map. The course conditions are very good at the moment, and it's expected to run as normal. However, in the unlikely event that we need to cancel, the children will do a games session instead during Wednesday afternoon.
Music Vacancies
We are seeking two passionate and experienced self-employed music teachers to join our thriving department of music professionals. We are looking for a Piano Teacher and a 'Cello Teacher to deliver high-quality, inspiring lessons to pupils of various abilities aged 7-13. If you know anyone that may be interested, please direct them to our websitewww.dumpton.com/vacancies
A Message from Dumpton Friends
Dumpton Friends are looking forward to a busy final week of the Spring Term. Thank you to all those who have purchased the Mothering Sunday Surprise. We will be getting together with your children next week to create something special for them to bring home to you - we hope you or whoever the gift is for love it! We are also running Easter Fun Activities on Friday 28 March for all the children from Nursery to Year 5 during the day. Y6-8 won’t miss out as they will get an Easter Treat to take away too. We will send out more information about the Smartie Challenge next Friday: a fun way for the children to fundraise for DF over the holiday.
End of Term
Please note the end of term arrangements for next week. Though there will be no Prep School hobbies on Friday, Stay Late will be available until 5.45pm.
With best wishes
Christian Saenger
Headmaster
Key Events W/B 24.3.25
WEEK A
WEEK 11: Theme of the Week: Easter
Monday 24 March
14.30-16.00 Senior Production of Blues Brothers (Cast 1 – 6C & 7C)
15.00-15.30 Pre-Prep PSHE Assembly (KW)
17.00-18.30 Senior Production of Blues Brothers (Cast 2 – 6J & 7T)
Tuesday 25 March
14.30-16.00 Senior Production of Blues Brothers (Cast 2 – 6J & 7T)
17.00-18.30 Senior Production of Blues Brothers (Cast 1 – 6C & 7C)
Wednesday 26 March
14:00 Prep School House Cross Country
15.00-15.30 Pre-Prep Class Assembly (1F)
Thursday 27 March
16.15-17.15 Final DECA of the term
16.30-19.00 Y5 Parents’ Evening – all subjects (in person)
Friday 28 March
All Day Dumpton Friends Easter Egg Hunts
7.30-8.15 Final Early Morning Tennis of the term
10.45-11.15 Headmasters’ Book Club
15.15-16.15 Y8 Performance to Parents
15.30 Pre-Prep Term Ends. Buses and After School Club as usual
17.45 Prep School Term Ends (lessons end at 16.15 - supervision available until 17.45). Buses as usual