Dear Parents
Thank you for joining us this afternoon for our annual Family Afternoon. It’s a chance to come together as a community, and for parents and family members to get a window into life at Dumpton. As teachers, we can sometimes take for granted what happens on a daily basis here at Dumpton – from the wide range of opportunities and incredible facilities the children enjoy, to the warm, friendly atmosphere created by the excellent relationships we all share. Underpinning it all are the values we hold dear – values that shape everything we do. We hope you sense all that today, and enjoy a special glimpse into life at Dumpton
This afternoon is also an opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you. Your ongoing support means a great deal to us, and it’s something we never take for granted.
So please do enjoy your time with us today. Thank you for being part of what I’m sure will be a wonderful way to round off the half term.
Hound of the Baskervilles Y4 and Y5
The range of performance opportunities at Dumpton continues to amaze me, and the benefits were obvious to anyone watching Y4 and Y5 perform earlier this week. The confidence on stage for such young performers really was rather special, and they certainly had the audience in the palm of their hand with this very amusing take on Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic Sherlock Holmes tale. As Sherlock himself would say... “Excellent!”
IAPS Triathlon
Our IAPS Triathlon team competed superbly at the Nationals at Monkton Combe. All 8 athletes did the school proud, and a special mention to Annabel B, Adam S and Daisy W for top 10 finishes. Most importantly, what a fab opportunity, and well done to these pupils for stepping up to challenge themselves and doing so well at a national competition – you can because you think you can. Thank you to Mr Jeremiah and Mr Randle for supporting the children on the day.
IAPS Sailing
We had more thrilling success and national recognition in the IAPS Sailing Nationals yesterday in Weymouth. Emma B and Stella A securing a hard fought Bronze medal, and alongside Oscar D and Emily F, 2nd place in the team competition. What a test of collaboration, skill and strategy sailing is – well done to them, and a special thank you to Mrs Clemmitt, as well as Dumpton parent Sarah Ayton for her lending her signficant expertise.
Y5 Visit to Corfe Castle – From Mr Tridgell
Y5 enjoyed a wonderful day out at Corfe Castle for a combined Humanities (Geography, History and TPR) trip that included field work across the beautiful hills, a tour of the Castle, and visiting St Edward's church. Bathed in glorious sunshine, the pupils showed great enthusiasm through every part of the trip. They listened to the input from all staff and showed great respect in significant historical and religious settings. A very enjoyable day out and well done to all the pupils, who learnt plenty from their visit and had a wonderful time.
Winner of the British Science Week Poster Competition announced – from Mrs Catton
The British Science Week Poster Competition winners 2025 were announced this week, and you can view the winning posters from across the UK here: British Science Week Poster Competition Winners No national win for Dumpton this time but Heads Commendations and Postcards have been awarded to some of the very impressive Dumpton entries we received. It was a close competition for the top five posters this year, which were by Elizabeth M (Reception); Zara H (Y6); Sebby S (Y6); Ivory J (Y8) and a collaboration between Stella A and Izzy N (Y8). It was a record-breaking year for the number of entries we received and great to see so many posters showcasing superb science research and spectacular creativity. A selection of posters are on display in the teaching block. Well done to all who entered, and we look forward to seeing your entries next year!
UKMT Junior Maths Challenge – from Mr Smith
Well done to the Year 7 & 8 pupils who entered the Junior Maths Challenge and congratulations to the 27 pupils who have been awarded a certificate, as the thresholds for all the certificates have been raised this year. There were 11 bronze, and 14 silver certificates awarded. Special congratulations to Ivory J and Kitto S, who both gained gold certificates and also qualified for the next round of this competition (Junior Kangaroo), which will take place after half term.
Future Schools Success – Winchester College
After some record scholarship and future school success this year, we are delighted to announce that Sean F in Y8 secured a place at Winchester College following a set of rigorous exams earlier this term. Whilst most Dumpton pupils head off to day schools, we’re proud to be able to support children like Sean heading off further afield to to some of the best schools in the country.
Y7 and Y8 Exams
After Y6 enjoyed their first taste of formal assessment this week, Y7 and Y8 will be preparing for some exams after half term, with Y8 sitting their Dumpton Certificate papers. There is plenty of revision support and structure in place thanks to our Heads of Department, and Mr Morgan has spent time reinforcing effective revision strategies. Whilst more important exams await in the future years, we hope this experience can start building the foundations for future success.
Year Group Photographs
There are a number of year group photographs (and some team photos too) ready for collection in the office - do pop in during the course of the afternoon if you can.
Dumpton Summer Club (July)
A reminder that the deadline for booking our activity club (for the first two weeks of the Summer holidays) is fast approaching (Monday 2 June). The sessions are open to pupils from Reception to Year 8 and will include an exciting mix of arts and crafts, cooking and team games.
Dumpton Summer Sports Camp (August)
In addition to our regular summer club weeks at the start of July, we are delighted to be offering a Dumpton Summer Sports Camp. This will take place during the final week of the holidays from Tuesday 26 August to Friday 29 August 2025.
These sessions will be open to pupils from current Reception to Year 7, and will include an exciting mix of sports, outdoor activities and team games.
If you would like to reserve a place for your child please complete the form below (for more than one child please complete a form for each child individually). The days will run from 9am to 4pm and the cost will be £40.00 per day, with bus transport offered as an additional cost, if required.
Dumpton Summer Sports Camp Booking Form
The deadline to book your place is Monday 2 June.
Rugbytots Summer Term Sessions
Tom Brown has asked us to remind parents that they can now book for Rugbytots Summer term sessions - starting on Saturday 31st May and Sunday 1 June - please see attached flyer with QR code.
With best wishes for the half term break.
Christian Saenger
Headmaster
Key Events W/B 2.6.25
WEEK B
Week 6: Theme of the Week: Safeguarding
Monday 2 June
All Day Y8 French Speaking Examinations
16.25-17.15 Verbal Reasoning with Mr Morgan (Y5)
Tuesday 3 June
All Day Reception Visit to the coast
Y8 French Speaking Examinations
Junior Drop In Session
14.15-16.15 Sports Fixtures (Y3-Y4) - please see Dumpton Sports Site for full details
Wednesday 4 June
All Day Y7 French Speaking Examinations
14.15-16.15 Sports Fixtures (Y4-Y7) - please see Dumpton Sports Site for full details
Thursday 5 June
All Day Y8 Dumpton Certificate and Y7 End of Year Exams
Friday 6 June
All Day Y8 Dumpton Certificate and Y7 End of Year Exams
8.30-8.50 Prep School Junior Assembly
Saturday 7 June
All Day Junior Wessex Athletics Championships - Walhampton - see Dumpton Sports Site for full details
IAPS National Swimming Final, Aquatics Centre, London