Dear Parents
Sport is part of the fabric of life at Dumpton. It’s something we believe is truly ‘for all’, not only because of the obvious physical and mental health benefits it provides, but for the rich character education opportunities and the sense of fun, fulfilment and enjoyment that sport – when done the right way – can provide children.
Our very youngest Nursery pupils begin with weekly swimming and PE sessions, and plenty of gross motor skill development and collaboration in the outdoors. In the Pre-Prep, children continue to have swimming and PE weekly, but then begin learning the basics of team sports with Mr Morgan at lunchtimes, as well as having the option to sign up for a host of sport-based hobbies from football, to netball, rugby tots and cricket. And then, in the Prep School, our sporting programme steps forward yet again in ambition – a daily hour of sport on the timetable (including Football, Rugby, Netball, Hockey, Athletics, Tennis and Cricket), all pupils representing Dumpton across a range of sports each week in matches, and the chance to join Swim Squads, X-Country Teams, and even this year, our Triathlon Squad.
Mr Randle, Mrs Clemmitt, and the brilliant games staff who play their role deserve great credit here – without them we could not put on such a varied, fulfilling and inclusive sporting programme. I have never worked with a group of such talented and committed coaches, who seem to get such genuine enjoyment from spending time with the children and helping them grow as a team, and as individuals.
The outcomes of our commitment to sport continue to impress. The fact that little old Dumpton often wins tournaments and competes so regularly on the Regional and National scene is a source of considerable pride for us. But far more important to us is the pupils’ approach – their effort and determination, the resilience they shown, the support and empathy for teammates, and the sportsmanship we always expect them to display. They all do this brilliantly, and make us proud each week. This, more than winning and losing, is what sport is all about.
A final thank you to the parents who support us. Dumpton parents are rarely outnumbered!! Your support means a lot to the pupils, and to us all too, so we really do appreciate it.
I will leave you to enjoy Mr Randle’s summary of our very special sporting week.
An Incredible Week of Sport – From Mr Randle
What an incredible week of sport! Dumpton teams showcased impressive skill and teamwork across a range of sports. The U13 girls' cricket team triumphed over Sherborne Girls in an ECB indoor competition, posting 65 runs and defending confidently to win by 29 runs. We wish them all the very best in the next round, on the quest to reach the finals at Lords! In cross country, standout performances included Lola G's 8th place, securing a spot at the South West Schools Championship. On the hockey field, the U9 boys impressed in a triangular with West Hill Park and KES, while the U11s excelled as tournament winners, at the Embley Park Hockey Festival, with Grayson S earning accolades for his penalty saves. The U13A boys competed hard in the In2 Hockey Regionals finishing third, with standout performances from Digby H, Jacob W, and Kitto S. In netball, the U13 girls showed dominance at Bryanston, finishing 3rd overall after a strong tournament performance, while the U11 girls claimed the Plate at their tournament. The U9 girls had a very strong start to their netball season at Westhill Park, and the U8 girls impressed in their first netball fixture, supporting one another on the court and scoring numerous goals. Despite facing tough opposition, the U10A girls at the Canford Tournament demonstrated resilience, with notable performances from Coco W and Lyra. Throughout, Dumpton's teams displayed exceptional sportsmanship , setting a high standard for the season ahead. Thank you for all the parental support this week and the massive effort from all the staff team too.
Dumpton Talks Week
After great success last year, with over 150 parents attending a range of speakers across the week, we’re delighted to announce the Dumpton Talks week is back. Our purpose is to bring schools and parents closer together, sparking conversations about how best to bring up our children in an increasingly complex and challenging modern world. With a range of topics and some brilliant speakers across the week, we hope there will be something of interest to all parents – and this year we are excited to extend our invite to parents from other schools and members of our local community, so thank you for spreading the word! This is a free event, but please RSVP to secure a place https://www.dumpton.com/dumpton-talks
Easter Club (and holiday provision in general)
Please look out for the Easter Holiday Club Booking form which will be emailed to all parents with children in Reception to Y8 next week. We have also been working hard to increase the opportunities for children to take part in high quality holiday activities here at Dumpton to support you as parents, so we’ll be sharing a list of all the upcoming holiday clubs very soon too. We hope it helps parents plan ahead for those school holiday periods.
4B Bake Sale
Year 4 recently visited Monkey World and were impressed by the number of monkeys and apes that they have rescued and care for. Since returning, they have decided to try to raise enough money to adopt one of the primates, to support its care moving forward. Next week, they will be baking 'Chunky Monkey' cookies and selling them at pick up on Thursday 30th January to raise the money for this project. It will be cash only – so if you could bring a small amount on the day that would be great!
Future Schools Booklet
I emailed this to parents in Y4 to Y7 this week, including an important very quick questionnaire which I hope most parents have managed to complete, but I thought all parents might be interested to have a flick through our Future Schools Guide, even if it is some way off for many of you! Y5 parents have the chance to express their interest in some additional preparation for independent school or grammar school preparation sessions – to build on all the other support and preparation that we have in place.
Staff News
Sometimes all good things have to come to an end! After 30 years of dedicated service to the school, Mrs Nikki Williams will be retiring from teaching at Dumpton. We will have the chance to thank Nikki for her great service to the school at Speech Day later this year. In addition, Mrs Alice Fisher, who has taught Y2 and Y1 at Dumpton since 2022, leaves us at the end of this year to pursue an exciting opportunity in the Cayman Islands with her husband – as sad as we are to see her go, we are all so excited that she gets to embark on this special adventure. Again, we will all say our goodbyes properly at Speech Day.
Staff Recruitment
With two teachers leaving at the end of the year, we are beginning our search for two outstanding teachers to replace them for September 2025. Adverts for a ‘Key Stage 1 Teacher’, and a ‘Key Stage 2 and Outdoor Learning Teacher’, have gone live today. We are always excited to recruit new staff to join the staff team, and I will keep parents up to date on any appointments we make.
Next year's STAs - From Mrs Shaw
We are looking for replacements for our wonderful Student Teaching Assistants Miss Ashworth and Miss Shephard as they move into further education in Clinical Psychology and teacher training respectively. If you know a student (either GAP year or recent graduate) who is full of energy, smiles and enthusiasm, is good with children (and adults!), and would like to work for the Academic Year 2025-2026, please do tell them to get in touch with Mrs Shaw on h.shaw@dumpton.com. An interest in Sport and the Outdoors, as well as the desire to work alongside children in academic lessons, is a must.
Sports Kit - From the Matron Team
There has been an increase in pupils borrowing forgotten items - swimming kits, tracksuit bottoms, hoodies, coats etc. We are also giving out a number of mouth guards. Whilst we are more than happy to lend all of these things it really should only be in an emergency. Thank you for supporting your children with having the right kit - we know the washing never ends!
With best wishes for a lovely weekend.
Christian Saenger
Headmaster
Key Events W/B 27.01.25
WEEK B
Week 4: Theme of the Week – Charity
Monday 27 January
Canford Music Scholarships
Clayesmore Sports Scholarships
Bryanston Sports Scholarships
16.30 - 18.30 Y8 Scholars’ Parents’ Evening – all subjects (in person)
Tuesday 28 January
Canford Music Scholarships
Clayesmore Music, DT, Art, Drama and All Rounder Scholarships
Bryanston Music Scholarships
14.15 – 16.15 Sports Fixtures (Y3-Y4) – please see Dumpton Sports site for full details
16.30 - 18.30 Y8 (non-scholars) Parents’ Evening – all subjects (in person)
Wednesday 29 January
Clayesmore Academic Scholarships
Bryanston Music Scholarships, Art, Computer Science & DT Scholarships
14.15 – 16.15 Sports Fixtures (Y5-Y8) – please see Dumpton Sports site for full details
Thursday 30 January
Bryanston Performing Arts Scholarships
Pick Up Times Y4 Bake Sale
Friday 31 January
Whole School Charity Non-Uniform Day
Canford Sports Scholarships (boys)
U11 Boys at IAPS Hockey Tournament at Kings Bruton – please see Dumpton Sports site for full details
15.15- 16.45 Dumpton Friends Disco – Reception, Y1 & Y2 (No hobbies, after school club as normal)
16.30 - 17.15 Dumpton Friends Disco – Y3, Y4 & Y5 (No Junior Hobbies)