Dear Parents
In Monday’s assembly, I presented the children with a series of intriguing images and asked if they could spot the connection:
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An apple falling on Isaac Newton’s head
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The opening few bars of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5
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A photograph of Dick Fosbury performing his revolutionary high jump technique
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The front cover of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species
Together, we explored the meaning behind each image. And, impressively, the children pieced it all together: the power of diversity and the value of thinking differently.
Newton’s curiosity and questioning mind reshaped science. Beethoven’s bold arrangement of notes created music that stirs the soul. Fosbury’s refusal to do things the usual way revolutionised athletics. Darwin’s theory revealed the extraordinary outcomes of variation in nature, and how intrinsic differences and diversity are to life itself.
This theme tied beautifully into our school’s focus this week: Neurodiversity, and thank you to 8R for their great assembly on neurodiversity in sport. We celebrated the wonderfully different ways our brains work — the unique strengths, perspectives, and challenges each of us brings. It was a powerful chance to remind children of a key element of our Be Kind ethos: that we never judge others for being different to us.
Whether it's beliefs, gender, ethnicity, appearance, ability — or how someone thinks — difference should never be a cause for exclusion or criticism. It should be celebrated and appreciated. Everyone in our school community deserves to feel they belong – and kindness and respect for all is the key to achieving this.
As ever, the children make us proud each week with their empathy and support for one another. It’s a genuine pleasure to watch them grow into such kind, inclusive, and respectful young people.
Prospective Parent Open Morning
A big thank you to ALL our Y8s, who demonstrated what super role models they are during Open Morning earlier today, supporting tours, lessons and activities with certain teachers. They really are such a brilliant advert for Dumpton, and we’re very proud of them!
Y8 Talk
Ahead of joining Y8 in September, I spoke to lots of Y7 parents about the final year at Dumpton, the exciting leadership opportunities, the academic journey, as well as going into a little more detail on the scholarship process. A recording and the slides have been sent round soon for anyone who couldn’t make it.
A Busy Sporting Week
There has been plenty of cricket, tennis, and athletics this week, and all in such gorgeous weather! Well done to all the children who played, in tournaments at Bryanston, fixtures against Sandroyd, and also the IAPS cup match against Sherborne. Well done also to the 13 girls who went to Canford for extra swim training in their 25m pool ahead of the IAPS Nationals which are coming up soon.
Y3 Visit to Kimmeridge – from Mrs Williams
Y3 had a fantastic day out at Kimmeridge, filled with fun and learning. The trip began with an engaging talk about the Jurassic Coast, where the children learned about rocks, fossils, and the remarkable Mary Anning. They enjoyed a guided museum tour, examined fossils under a microscope, and even took part in a fun Design-o-saur competition. After a scenic walk down to the bay, everyone tucked into their picnics before heading off on an exciting fossil hunt along the beach. The children were so captivated by their discoveries that they didn’t want to leave, and many are now eager to return with their families!
Y2 Visit to Brownsea Island – from Mrs Morton
What a fantastic day we had yesterday on Brownsea Island. All of the children in Y2 represented the school wonderfully with their excellent behaviour and consideration for the other visitors. They should all be very proud of themselves. The children spent the day spotting the different environments, habitats and animals found at Brownsea on their scavenger hunt and we were even lucky enough to see some red squirrels and the peacocks – all topped off with a yummy ice cream at the end of the day!
Good Luck to our Triathletes!
We are sending a team of intrepid triathletes to the IAPS Triathlon Nationals on Sunday. A huge well done to all the children for taking on this exciting opportunity, to parents for taking them along, and to Mr Jeremiah who will be supporting them on the day and imparting some of his triathlon expertise. Whilst it is not a sport we can squeeze into our busy sporting curriculum for everyone, we’re delighted to be able to support this opportunity this year.
Family Afternoon – Friday 23rd May - Action Required!
Our Family Afternoon, takes place one week from today! We are so excited to open our doors to you all on Friday 23 May at 1.15pm for all families. Pupils whose family are not able to attend will, of course, be looked after and will still have a fantastic time. Thank you to everyone who has already confirmed their plans by completing the form. Please, please please can we ask you to click here to let us know if you are able to attend. We need this back by Monday at the latest... Please don't give us too many people to chase!
From Dumpton Friends
Congratulations to Edward D in Y1 for winning a £25 Go Ape Voucher for the Smarties Challenge Prize Draw. Thank you to everyone that supported this, we raised a wonderful £275.00.
Tickets are selling fast to the Dumpton Friends Summer Party which will be held on Thursday 26 June at South Deep, Poole – please see poster attached for full details. Tickets can be purchased on Classlist.
We will be offering the Prep School children an opportunity to create a lovely Father’s Day gift. You will be able to sign up for this on Classlist next week.
Staff Goodbyes
As the academic year draws to a close, we prepare to say goodbye to two much-loved and longstanding members of the Dumpton staff team.
Firstly, Madame Curson, who has taught Modern Foreign Languages at Dumpton for an extraordinary 23 years, will be embarking on a new adventure next year. We will miss not just her inspiring languages teaching, but also her energetic contribution to Games and PE, and her all-round dedication to education and school life.
In addition, Miss Anson, for many years our Head of English, will be taking early retirement to focus on family, health, wellbeing, and a variety of exciting creative projects. Having completed an incredible 35 years of service to Dumpton, she has always been known as the most nurturing and caring of teachers and colleagues.
Both Miss Anson and Madame Curson have played an integral role in the life of the school, and their contributions have been enormous, with nearly 60 years of service between them. We look forward to thanking them properly for their incredible dedication and service, along with our other previously announced departing staff, at Speech Day
New Staff for September 2025
As sad as it is to say goodbye, it is also always exciting to welcome new members to the staff team. Mr Tim Bradbury joins us as our new Y3 teacher alongside Miss Goodhew, as well as becoming our Outdoor Learning Lead. Mr Bradbury is currently the Forest School Lead at Canford Heath Junior School, and has fantastic experience as both a Year 3 teacher and Key Stage 2 Year Leader. Mr Matt Perryman joins us as our new Y1 teacher. Mr Perryman is currently teaching Y2 at Livingstone Road Primary Federation, and has responsibility as a Teaching and Learning Coach across his trust, as well as a Masters in Educational Leadership. Both Mr Bradbury and Mr Perryman shone in very competitive interview processes due to their experience and qualifications, but also their affinity to the school’s values and ethos.
Mr Perryman will be joined in Y1 by a more familiar face in Mrs Gemma Limpenny. Mrs Limpenny, who has been acting as Mrs Sowden’s maternity cover in the Prep School, has impressed us all with her dedication, teaching skill and kindness. After excelling this year, we’re delighted to be able to offer her the Y1 role. Mr Perryman and Mrs Limpenny are going to be a fantastic team next year.
The Dumpton Ducks Cricket Team
Good luck to the Dumpton Ducks, the parent and staff cricket team who play some very friendly cricket fixtures on week day evenings over the summer. They play against Sandroyd Sandpipers and the Blandford Flies over the next two weeks. Do get in touch with John Micklewright or Dave Scott if you are interested in joining the squad – a high level of cricketing ability is not a pre-requisite!
A Plea – Drop-Off Zones
Thank you to all parents who consistently follow the rules in the mornings by using the drop-off zones correctly. These areas are designed to ensure a smooth and safe start to the day for everyone.
Unfortunately, when even a small number of drivers park in the drop-off zones, it can cause significant disruption and delay. To help address this, Mr Perry and Craig have been providing extra supervision this week, and we hope this will lead to a smoother and more efficient drop-off for all families.
Your cooperation really does make a difference—thank you for your continued support.
With best wishes for a lovely weekend.
Christian Saenger
Headmaster
Key Events W/B 19.5.25
WEEK A
Week 5: Theme of the Week: Celebrating Other Cultures
Monday 19 May
All Day Y6 Assessments
8.30-8.50 Prep School Assembly
15.00-15.25 Reception Pet Show
16.30-17.15 Y4&Y5 Production ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ (Cast 1-4A/5P)
Tuesday 20 May
All Day Y6 Assessments
8.30-8.50 Prep School Senior Class Assembly (7C)
14.15-16.15 Sports fixtures (Y3-Y4) - please see Dumpton Sports site for full details
16.30-17.15 Y4&Y5 Production ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ (Cast 2 4B/5T)
Wednesday 21 May
All Day Y6 Assessments
8.30-9.30 Parent Feedback Session (Prep School) - please sign up here in advance
14.15-16.15 Sports Fixtures (Y5-Y8) - please see Dumpton Sports site for full details
Thursday 22 May
All Day Y6 Assessments
Y5 Visit to local castle
U13 IAPS sailing – Weymouth – see Dumpton Sports site for full details
Friday 23 May
13.15-16.00 Dumpton Family Afternoon (all parents invited) family members are invited to accompany their child to look at all aspects of Dumpton life and enjoy afternoon tea on the front lawn