Summer Review 2024 by DumptonSchool

The Summer Term Review

Excerpt from Speech Day 2024

“I’d like to start my speech by travelling back in time to 490 BC. Yes children, that’s nearly before even your parents were born!

In Ancient Greece, a teacher called Protagoras, was asked by a potential customer what his son would stand to gain if he was taught by him. “Why should I part with my money and pay you for an education for my child?” It’s a question as relevant today as it was 2500 years ago. Protagoras’ response was elegant in its simplicity: “Each day he spends with me, he will become a better person.”

I think this perhaps the purest, noblest, most beautiful view of our role as teachers, and indeed as parents. All those years ago, Protagoras recognised that for all the importance of the knowledge he would impart –geometry, philosophy, literature - the most important outcome of his education was not to build intellect, but build character.

Parents will know that this notion lies at the heart of a Dumpton education too. And I would argue in the strongest terms that as we prepare these amazing children sitting here today for their futures - a future full of opportunity, but one where robots and AI will be a dominant force, it will be even more the case that it is our children’s character, not simply simply their cognitive ability, that will provide the key to their success, and, of course, their happiness.”

Christian Saenger Headmaster

Nursery have enjoyed playing camping as part of their holidays topic.

Dandelions visit Reception class as part of their orientation and transition to starting Pre-Prep.

there was lots to see.

Nursery

We spent a lot of time outside making full use of our bikes and scooters.

Bluebells worked hard on their counting skills.

Dandelions explored shapes and puzzles in the outdoor Nursery garden.

Blue Bunny visited Nursery and joined in snack time.

Bluebell class has a visit from a farm tractor owned by parent.

Dandelions use bricks to count and build.

Bluebells explored imaginative roleplay.

Nursery children are really improving their confidence in the water as part of their weekly swimming lessons.

Dandelions used the sand to explore textures and sculptures.

Nursery love to play in the different areas of the outdoor Nursery garden.

Painting the sun really helped to bring out the sunshine!

Dandelions played puzzles in French and English.

Both Nursery classes enjoyed expressing theselves in paint.

Bluebells visited Dandelions classroom.

Dandelions enjoyed getting creative and messy body painting in our Art Room.

Pre-Prep loved to help look after the Dumpton ducks on the allotment.

Pre-Prep children took part in a range of traditional Sports Day races.

Pre-Prep children impressed parents with their Country Dancing show.

Pre-Prep aimed high competing at Sports Day.

Pre-Prep performed for parents and their class with an instrumental

Year 1 enjoyed a great day out on a Pirate ship as part of their topic.

Reception enjoyed revisiting the Nursery outdoor garden areas.

Reception produced some beautiful artwork.

Reception had a trip to Hengistbury Head and learnt all about coastal erosion and how to look after our coastline.

concert.

Prep

Year 1 identified who lives in ponds.

Year 1 made some natural islands as part of their topic of island life.

Year 1 explored our Nature Reserve ponds and discovered a range of creatures in their habitats.

Year 2 had a great day together in the

Year 1 & 2 enjoyed exploring our local coastline and an ice cream!

Reception welcomed their siblings into class to meet their friends.

Year 2 did some scavenger hunts around Brownsea Island and discovered a range of wildlife.

Year 2 loved exploring

Year 1 had a wonderful day dressing up as pirates!

sunshine at a local beach.

Brownsea Island.

Prep children conducted science practical experiments for families as part of our Family Afternoon.

OurYear 8 Leavers dressed smartly and celebrated their last term with their peers and staff.

Prep children loved showing families around the school and showcased some of their work during our Family Afternoon.

Year 3 enjoyed their first camp out at school.

Year 7 practiced for Scotland with a hike through the Purbecks.

Year 3 enjoy a residential camp on site at Dumpton.

Year 5 visited and learnt all about the history of Corfe Castle.

The Junior and Senior Swim Galas were full of fun and House spirit.

Prep children held a zero wastage plant and cookie sale to raise funds for United World Schools.

Prep

Year 4 enjoyed some sunny weather and slip slide action on their camp.

Year

Year 7 visited the unique bay of Mont St-Michel a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Year 7 stopped for lunch at Old Harry Rocks during their hike.

Year 7 visited the World War cemeteries as part of their trip to Normandy.

Year 6 made their own seabass and salad supper using locally sourced ingredients and herbs from the allotments.

8 enjoyed a range of watersports together at Poole Harbour.

Year 6 tackled team building and resilience activities together at Skern Lodge.

Year 6 visited our Jurassic coastline to study the land formations and history of some of our iconic Dorset landmarks.

Year 6 learnt how to descale, gut and cook fish on the firepit.

Summer Sports Days

"The summer term started in typical fashion with torrential rain, wet pitches and usually when we wanted to be outside! However, it wasn't long before this all made way for long, hot summer days and plenty of opportunities for sport across the school. A resurrected sailing team took on the IAPS regatta at Portland, cricket teams entered IAPS competitions and many pupils competed in athletics events and sports days. By the end of the summer the smiles on all their faces said it all!"Aissa

Randle

- Director of Sports

Peter Pan

"What a swashbuckling performance from our wonderful Year 4 and 5! Enjoyed by all, the audience were hooked and the energy was flying high! Hurrah to all the crew and the Performing Arghh - ts!"

Natalie Warde - Performing Arts

Leavers’ Programme

“This year group tackled the Leavers programme with a desire to learn new skills, determination, and a fantastic sense of humour. Over the four weeks, it was lovely to share new experiences with them and finish off what had been a fantastic final year. Lots of laugh out loud moments, memories created, and lifelong friendships cemented. A wonderful end to their time at Dumpton.”

Heidi Clemmitt - Head of Seniors

Speech Day

“Speech Day was a wonderful occasion this year.The Performing Arts team produced some magic as usual, with the whole school singing in an incredibly uplifting opening performance. In our 120th year, we were joined by past Heads Andy Browning and Garth Watson, and speaker Sam Roberts enthralled the audience with his speech which covered resilience, grit, leadership and the art of being supportive parents. As usual we celebrated the achievements of all the children, but particularly our Y8 Leavers who received their Dumpton Diplomas - a wonderful record of their academic and personal achievements at Dumpton, as well as a poignant memento of their time here.”

Christian Saenger - Headmaster

Summer Ball

“Magical sunlight, magical surroundings, magical people! With fabulous food from Rebecca Green Catering, followed by dancing until the early hours, it simply was a brilliant evening. Our warm thanks to all the sponsors and all those who attended to make it so special.”

Hilary Shaw