Dumpton Review 2024 by DumptonSchool

The Autumn Term Review

Despite the best efforts of the weather, it has been wonderful to see so many smiling faces as we have started the school year – from our youngest and newest pupils, to our oldest and most experienced. The first few days of term are always such an exciting time for all concerned, full of hope and joy, and the optimism that comes from a new beginning: every child is starting a new chapter of their story.

As a staff, we spend the first few days of the Autumn Term re-establishing our expectations, routines, and the special culture here at Dumpton. The cornerstone of this is our values: Be Kind and Aim High. At Dumpton, these four words are more than just words – it is our aim that they live and breathe here in the corridors and the classrooms, in our conversations and in our actions. They provide a shared understanding of what matters to us most, binding us together as a community.

Ultimately, these values shape our culture – what our pupils see, hear and feel around them each moment they spend here – and what could be more important than that?

It was an utter pleasure, therefore, to wander round the school and see doors held open for teachers and peers, to see new pupils welcomed so warmly, to observe acts of empathy and thoughtfulness, as well as seeing children try new things for the first time, showing bravery and courage, and being so determined to make a positive first impression on their teachers. Well done to our brilliant Dumpton pupils for living the values so well in the first term... a most promising start to the year indeed.

Christian Saenger Headmaster

Nursery

Pre-School

The Pre-School had a great time searching for pumpkins

read the book ‘Five Little Pumpkins’ and they carved Pumpkins of their own.

Pre-School picked and ate apples from the Dumpton Orchard for snack.

The children loved playing outside rain or shine this term.

The children watched the grounds machinery in action.

Nursery planted some seeds ready for the Spring term.

Nursery enjoyed exploring mark making in the snow.

on the Autumn Pumpkin trail.

Nursery children enjoyed a dance lesson with Miss Sophie.

Pre-School children found a nest at Forest School.

Autumn leaves were great fun at playtime for Nursery.

Pre-School

Pre-School harvested many pumpkins.

Pre-School

We celebrated Odd Sock Day together, learning to appreciate our differences.

The children loved this art activity painting with their feet!

Nursery enjoyed the farmyard station in the classroom.

developed balance and coordination skills this term.

developed great gymnastic skills this term.

Children enjoyed the willow den in Forest School.

The children observed how much rain the school had this term.

Year 1 worked with clay to create aliens as part of their Space topic.

Reception loved making festive mince pies in Food Technology.

TheYear 2 children produced some fantastic ‘Becoming a Knight’ work as part of their topic of Knights and

Year 2 produced some wonderful dragon eye artwork.

Year 2 played the part of Knights when they visited Highcliffe Castle.

Year 1 made the most of our rare snow day in Dorset.

Reception visitedWimborne Minster ahead of our school Carol Service.

Year 1 learnt all about comets, made planet pizzas and created their own rocket for Space Day.

Year 2 visited Highcliffe Castle and learnt about local history.

Castles.

Prep

The children enjoyed ballet as a hobby.

The children learnt what food people ate historically as part of the Castles and Knights topic.

Year 1 learnt about space metals and experimented with dry ice as part of Science.

Reception enjoyed porridge in the outdoor classroom for snack.

Reception made wishes as they stirred the school Christmas pudding.

Year 1 had a fascinating time at Marwell Zoo.

Pre-Prep harvested and sampled apples from the Dumpton orchard.

Year 2 explored castle architecture at Highcliffe.

Reception got creative during our snow day.

Year 8 enjoyed a merry Christmas lunch with all the trimmings.

Year 8 had a festive shopping trip as a reward for all their hard work in their leadership roles.

Parents got to see the pupils work in progress with a parent drop-in session.

Year 7 explored rocky shore and ecosystems at the marine protected zone of Kimmeridge Bay.

Year 4 discovered many wonderful live animals with a classroom visit from

Year 5 pushed outside their comfort zones with some tree top activities.

Ava inYear 7 represented Dumpton very successfully in the National Schools Equestrian competitions.

We all enjoyed Christmas musical performances from the Prep children this term.

Year 5 explored our local coastline with a field trip to Corfe Castle.

Crazy Creatures.

Prep

All the children worked together to build snowmen on a rare snow day in Dorset this term.

Year 5 enjoyed beach activities together at the start of term.

Juniors ran together to fundraise for charity on our astro pitches.

U13 Hockey girls brought home the shield as County Champions.

Year 7 boys developed their rugby skills with Alumni and professional rugby player Will Butt.

Year 3 visited the ancient historical site of Stonehenge on a field trip.

Year 5 enjoyed team building exercises on their residential.

Year 8 loved spending time together outside the classroom.

Year 6 investigated meandering rivers in the New Forest.

Year 8 Leadership Adventure

“The best week of my life”

Year 8 pupil

Nativity 2024

“When they saw the star they were overjoyed”

Christmas Performances

“At Christmas play and make good cheer, for Christmas comes but once a year”

Thomas Tusser

Dumpton Friends

Thank you for supporting our Christmas Fayre 2024 and thank you to all the parents who helped organise and run this memorable event.

Dumpton Podcasts

We have been delighted to launch termly podcasts as part of our Dumpton Talks series.

We listen to the Headmaster, Bursar, teachers, wider staff, guest speakers, alumni and pupils share their insights, wisdom and anecdotes on the world of independent education.

Whether you are a parent, educator or just curious about independent school life, tune into one of our podcast episodes to learn more.

You can find our podcasts on Spotify, Amazon Music, and via our website.

Episodes this term include

‘ GIVING YOUR CHILD THE BEST START’

We all want the very best start for our children in life and education. What foundations can we give? Head of Pre-Prep at Dumpton School, Kellie Wort together with Becky Taylor (Nursery Manager) and Alice Fisher (Y1 Teacher) have years of experience in giving the best start and share with you some insights into Nursery and Pre-Prep life at one of the most successful and established Prep Schools in Dorset. Their approach to learning, development and care is refreshing, honest and answers questions you didn’t know you had!

‘SCHOOL FEES’

The controversial and hot topic of newly introduced VAT on school fees. Headmaster, Christian Saenger and Bursar, Justin Perry discuss how independent schools are navigating this change and how parents can look to plan for their children’s future education. For some families a full independent school educational journey may now be cut short and they may be asking which part can we fund and when will this have to end? Christian and Justin discuss how Dumpton are looking to support all their families and future families and offer their advice and thoughts on navigating this change.

‘DUMPTON DRIVE HOME’

A Christmas sing-a-long episode. We join some of Dumpton’s talented singing staff - Sam Moulton (Assistant Head), Sarah Oakes (Director of Performing Arts), Jillie Wilcock (Singing Teacher) and Natalie Warde (Performing Arts Teacher), as they share their favourite Christmas songs.