Lower School Guide Book
Sporting
Beyond academic studies
William Dauntsey Award
The Lower School community
Learning in a digital world
What’s next?
Dauntsey’s Lower School
When pupils arrive into Lower School at Dauntsey’s they will be part of a cohort of around 80 children who have come from more than 60 different schools, state and prep, local and overseas. This is fundamental to the friendly and unpretentious atmosphere that is ever-present at Dauntsey’s. All pupils arrive ready to make new friends and make the most of the experiences that lie in front of them.
Within the first few weeks, pupils head off on a one-night residential trip. The trip provides an opportunity to further strengthen those friendships in the early days and gives them grounding for their future of an adventurous education.
The Lower School is very much part of main school, and many events and activities will involve pupils from across the whole school. First Form pupils are also mentored by a Sixth Form prefect who they meet with once a week, giving them additional connections in the Upper School. That said, we are fortunate to have our own base, The Lower School Centre, where pupils spend a great deal of time.
The Lower School is a special and memorable time in the life of a Dauntsey’s pupil. In the space of three short years, we fit in a plethora of activities and events, ensuring that pupils are mentally, physically and emotionally ready to take on life in the Upper School when the time comes.
Eleni Conidaris Deputy Head (Lower School)
Academic life
The Lower School curriculum offers a very broad, varied programme, providing interest and challenge for pupils and delivering the essential background for the I/GCSE courses studied in later years.
Subjects are taught by specialist teachers in modern, well-equipped departmental areas, with an average class size of 20. Pupils are set according to ability in Maths from the First Form. These sets are initially determined based on performance in the entrance assessments, however pupils can and will be moved between sets, as and when needed. Prior to starting, pupils select two of the following languages to study - French, German, Spanish and/or Classics. At the end of the Second Form they can either choose to continue with those languages or swap one of their options for a different language, starting at beginner level. The three sciences are taught as separate disciplines and there is a purpose built Design and Technology block where weekly DT lessons take place.
PERFORMING ARTS
All First and Second Form pupils have timetabled Drama classes and Dance classes. There are numerous opportunities for pupils to take to the stage, be that in the whole school musical or smaller showcases. A highlight of the year is the Lower School Dance Show, an opportunity for experienced and novice dancers to show all they have learnt.
MUSIC
In the Lower School pupils explore a wide variety of music through listening, composing and performing. Lessons are approached in a creative and practical way so that pupils learn through direct experience as well as an introduction to the developments of Western “Classical” Music from the middle ages up to the present day, and selected World Music.
ART AND DESIGN
All pupils study art for their first three years at Dauntsey’s when the foundations of visual literacy and awareness and technical competence are laid. Pupils cover a wide ranging programme including drawing and painting, printmaking, sculpture and ceramics, and digital design. History of Art is taught as an integral part of the course throughout all year groups and its influence is reflected in pupils’ work at every stage.
COMPLEMENTARY CURRICULUM
All pupils in the Lower School receive weekly lessons devoted to our Complementary Curriculum programme. The topics covered vary depending on the year group, but address issues such as friendships, charity, puberty, bullying, resilience, emotional health and coping mechanisms for exam stress and revision.
ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT
Throughout the year, there are numerous opportunities for all pupils to further extend their learning, be that through optional competitions and challenges, external lectures and workshops, or specific departmental programmes, such as the AWS (Amazon Web Services) GetIT Programme, a Second Form programme designed to inspire the next generation to consider a future in STEM.
Our Scholars’ Programme aims to provide our most able students with a range of opportunities designed to stretch and challenge them. We do recognise that children develop at different paces though and therefore pupils may be invited to become Academic, Creative Arts or Sports Scholars on an honorary basis at any point during their time with us.
Third Form pupils are given the opportunity to bring together the skills and techniques they have learnt in Lower School with the Third Form Project Prize. The competition requires pupils to present a project on a given theme, such as ‘Duty’ - this is an entirely independent piece of work and will be judged on the pupil’s ability to plan, research and communicate their project, in whatever form they choose.
LEARNING SUPPORT
The Learning Support Department is committed to helping pupils achieve their potential and supporting pupils in overcoming possible barriers to learning. Whilst Dauntsey’s is a selective school, we recognise that every pupil has their own individual needs.
Within mainstream lessons, pupils are supported through differentiation and adjustments to teaching. For pupils who need a little extra support, the department has specialist teachers who offer individual lessons to supplement their learning. Learning Support lessons are once a week, lasting 35 minutes and on a one to one basis. The lessons are charged on the school bill and pupils do not miss any school lessons to attend them.
The aim of the specialist lessons is to provide strategies for learning and language development within a mainstream educational environment.
INDIVIDUAL LESSONS AND COACHING
In addition to the many clubs and activities that run every day for pupils which do not require pupils to sign up in advance, we also offer individual lessons and coaching for musical instruments and singing, Speech and Drama, tennis, squash and cricket.
More than 300 musical instrument lessons are currently scheduled each week on the full range of orchestral instruments, as well as piano, organ, classical guitar, electric guitars and singing. Instrumental lessons take place during the academic timetable and are scheduled on a rotating basis to avoid pupils missing one particular subject more than others. If more than one instrument is learnt, the second (or third) lesson will be fixed outside of academic times.
Lessons of Speech and Drama are offered, subject to availability, to pupils across the school. These lessons may be used to work toward graded exams at a pupil’s own pace, or to simply develop performance skills. Lessons are 35 minutes in length and delivered once a week, with the option to attend them alone, or with a peer completing the same syllabus and grade.
Sport coaching is run by qualified coaches in the relevant sport and takes part in Long Break, Prep or outside of school hours.
“The
best thing about Dauntsey’s is all the amazing opportunities you get. Also the new friends you make and all the new things you learn everyday!”
-First Form pupil
Sporting life
At Dauntsey’s we believe that sport plays an essential role in the development of character and should be an integral part of daily life at school. Sporting opportunities are everywhere and there really is something for everyone, from elite athletes to energetic all-rounders.
All pupils are encouraged to take an active part in sport and Lower School pupils have two sessions of games each week. First and Second Form pupils also have Physical Education (PE) and swimming throughout the year.
Pupils also have the opportunity to join one of the sports clubs running throughout the week, where they can either get in more practice on one of our core sports, or they can play football, fencing, girls’ rugby, table tennis, to name just a few.
Team selection is monitored throughout the term and team sheets change accordingly. Fixtures are arranged to ensure that as many pupils as possible have the opportunity to represent the school throughout their time at Dauntsey’s.
LOWER
MATCHES PLAYED EACH YEAR
HOLIDAY CAMPS
Members of the Sports Department run a number of different sports camps throughout the school holidays. These are often useful opportunities for pre-season training, but equally are a fun opportunity for children to come together in the holidays and mix with other children who have similar interests. These camps are open to pupils from outside of Dauntsey’s and are often open to children from the age of 10.
SPORTS CLUBS
Many Dauntsey’s pupils choose to continue playing for their local clubs after starting at the school and we do our best to support and encourage this where possible. Pupils are able to arrange to leave at the end of the academic day, prior to Prep and clubs, on days when they have outside training. We also have a very close relationship with Devizes Hockey Club who regularly use our facilities.
“Getting to represent my school out on the sports fields is a huge highlight of the week. There is a real sense of community amongst my team and I have huge amounts of fun with them.”
-Third Form pupil
Beyond academic studies
In Lower School we believe that participation and involvement in opportunities outside of the classroom is as important as achievements within the classroom, and therefore encourage all pupils to explore the different clubs and activities that are on offer.
Across the year there are over 80 different clubs for pupils to choose from, ranging from bee-keeping and climbing to RockSoc and Warhammer, alongside many sports clubs. The clubs take place during the school day, in either Long Break or Prep and the vast majority of clubs do not require pupils to sign up, allowing pupils to change their selection throughout the term.
Adventure plays an important role in the lives of Dauntsey’s pupils and this starts from day one. We describe our adventure education programmes in the Lower School as ‘accessible adventure’. These programmes consist of larger numbers of pupils having short experiences that serve as an introduction to adventure and to various activities. Not only are these important educational experiences in their own right, but they also act as a gateway to ‘high adventure’ for those that enjoy them and find them rewarding. Highlights include, an overnight stay at a local outdoor centre in the First Form, in Second
Form pupils take part in their Challenge Week, where they experience a paddle adventure, a forest adventure, a maritime adventure, a survival adventure and an expedition, and all Third Form pupils participate in the Moonrakers Programme.
There are also numerous additional opportunities for adventure, including the Second Form Arctic Adventure, the Mid-winter Adventure, the Lower School ski trip, Dingy Sailing trips, European language trips and a Classics trip to Greece.
MOONRAKERS
This is our bespoke programme of outdoor and adventurous activities run every Friday afternoon for all Third Form pupils. Activities include: outdoor cooking, kayaking, cycling, first aid, expedition skills, navigation, orienteering, indoor climbing, sailing, shooting, survival, river crossing, sub-aqua and archery. The programme comes to a close with a week-long Moonrakers Camp in Aberdovey, North Wales, when pupils put to the test all they have learnt throughout the year.
What happens outside of the classroom is as important as what happens within when it comes to creating well-rounded individuals. We want to make sure that all pupils make the most of their time at Dauntsey’s, that they take advantage of all the opportunities that are on offer to them and that they learn about the importance of giving back to the community.
The William Dauntsey Award, named after our founder, has been introduced to encourage and celebrate all that pupils do outside of the classroom to support themselves, their friends and their community.
The Award comprises of four different stands: Intellect, Creative, Service and Physical, and pupils can achieve up to three awards throughout their time at Dauntsey’s. First and Second Form work towards their Bronze Award, Third through Fifth Form work towards their Silver Award and the Sixth Form work towards their Gold Award. All pupils are automatically enrolled in the award programme. Pupils can gain points towards their awards through a wide variety of different activities and tutors and department staff are there to help guide and support with this.
The Lower School Community
The move into Senior School is a pivotal moment in a pupil’s educational journey; for many it comes as a natural progression, but for others the move can be more daunting. At Dauntsey’s, there is an abundance of staff at all stages of school life ensuring that the mental, physical and spiritual needs of pupils are met.
The house system is at the heart of the community, giving pupils a secure source of support and guidance on every aspect of life, as well as the chance to get together and have fun. All Lower School pupils join one of four co-educational houses and these houses are communicated to pupils in the summer before they join Dauntsey’s. Siblings follow suit and join the same house as any older siblings and a great deal of effort goes into ensuring a balance of interests within all of the houses.
Within each house, pupils are allocated a Tutor who will remain with them throughout their time in Lower School, providing continuity and stability across the three years. Pupils will also be assigned to a mix-house class, which allows for friendships to develop outside of the houses. Classes are changed on an annual basis.
Support comes from all aspects of the school community, be that the on-site counsellors, prefect mentors, First Form buddies, Tuck Shop staff, the catering team, or one of a number of other members of staff. Pupils are also encouraged to support each other and throughout the term are awarded ‘Random Act of Kindness’ awards when they have gone above and beyond for a fellow pupil.
The Lower School benefits from their own Lower School Centre. This is a base where all houses and year groups, day pupils and boarders can come together at break to relax and socialise. Boarders are also able to invite day pupil friends to The Manor for ‘Friends on Friday’, the ever-popular Friday night sleepover.
THE LESLIE RENDELL TROPHY
Inter-house competitions are an integral part of life in the Lower School. There are numerous opportunities for pupils, regardless of their ability, to participate in a variety of different competitions, including Cross Country, Chess, Table Tennis, Football, Rifle Shooting, General Knowledge, Badminton, Tennis and many more. Points are collected throughout the year and the house which has the most points at the end of the year wins the Leslie Rendell Trophy.
Learning in a digital world
At Dauntsey’s we educate our pupils for the future - giving them the skills, confidence and resilience to be successful in whatever they choose to do.
We recognise the central role that technology will play in the future lives of our pupils and take responsibility for preparing them to take full advantage of this. Interactive and digital technology can enhance pupils’ everyday learning experiences and we are determined that our pupils will benefit from this.
All teachers and pupils are well established on Microsoft 365 and its associated products and apps, all classrooms are equipped with high quality interactive boards and an increasing amount of teaching uses digital technology.
To support this, we require all pupils to bring in their own device from the First Form. As a ‘Microsoft School’, we strongly recommend that where possible, pupils should have either a Microsoft Surface Pro or Surface Go device. These are designed for education and are widely used in schools.
MANAGING SCREEN USAGE
Our pupils do not spend all day looking at a screen and teaching pupils responsible use of technology is essential. We encourage all pupils to use devices positively and for productive reasons, not excessively.
Our pastoral care system regularly addresses e-safety issues in addition to topics such as screen time, managing the pressures of social media and emotional health and general wellbeing.
MOBILE PHONE USAGE
Lower School pupils may bring mobile phones into school, but they are required to hand them to staff on arrival where they are safely secured for the day. Phones are returned to pupils at the end of the school day, just prior to getting on the buses.
Manor pupils leave their phones locked away at the boarding house.
What’s next?
By the time pupils reach the end of the Third Form, they are ready for the move into the Upper School. It is at this point that they start studying towards their GCSEs and move into the Upper School houses.
Pupils are required to select their GCSE options in the Spring Term of the Third Form, but they are given a great deal of support and advice in advance of this point.
Moving into Upper School houses is met with great excitement, as pupils feel ready for an increased level of independence and interaction with older pupils. House allocations are determined through in depth conversations with Form Tutors, Lower School house staff, Deputy Head (Lower School) and, of course, take into account existing friendship groups.
The final term in Lower School is a fitting tribute to a memorable three years. Pupils set off on Moonrakers Week, which not only marks the end of the Moonrakers Programme but allows the Third Form to come together as a whole and celebrate all that has been achieved in the previous three years. There is also the highly-anticipated Third Form Summer Ball at the end of the Summer Term, an evening to remember for staff and pupils alike.
“One word I would use to sum up my time is Lower School is ‘fun’. It was the perfect introduction into Senior School life, and whilst the academics definitely moved up a level from primary school, it is the huge number of clubs and activities that I really remember. I know the friendships that I made in those first three years will stand the test of time.”
-Middle School pupil reflecting on Lower School years
Dauntsey’s
