DUMPTON SCHOOL
In the ever changing world in which we live, we can’t afford to stand still.
It was Charles Darwin who said ‘It is not the strongest species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.’ Schools, like the giant tortoises of the Galápagos, must evolve if they are to remain successful. As a result, Dumpton is continually reviewing its provision for the children in its care, whether in the classroom, or the many co-curricular activities that we pursue.
At Dumpton, we want to give all our children and staff the best facilities in which to grow, learn and develop. The Governors ensure that the funds available are carefully prioritised providing maximum benefit for the Dumpton community.
I hope this booklet goes some way to show you how the school has developed over the last 10 years, how it is developing now and how it will develop in the future.
Best wishes
Andrew Browning Headmaster
PROJECT OVERVIEW
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2011
2012
2014
2015
2013
2010 -
2014
All Weather Synthetic Sports Pitches
Woodlands, Allotments, Campsite and Ponds
New Library and ICT Suite
Science and Mathematics Block
New Art Suite
Refurbished Kitchens and Dining Room
Swimming Pool Enclosure
New English Department New All Weather Cricket Facilities
Learning Support Centre, Retractable Seating in the Assembly Hall, Resurfaced Tennis Courts and Refurbishment of the Early Years Foundation Stage New Performing Arts Centre, Enhanced Music School and a Prep School Adventure Playground New Design & Food Technology Department, All Weather Pitch Flood Lighting, Adventure Playground Upgrade and Outdoor Classroom Twenty Classroom Refurbishments
2005-2009
DEVEL
OPMENT PROJEC
TS
In Autumn 2005, the long awaited full-sized synthetic hockey pitch was opened.The woodland nature trail, dipping ponds (complete with pontoons), campsite and allotments were completed in Summer 2006, allowing children to develop their understanding of the natural world outside the confines of the classroom.
The Library was relocated alongside the Learning Support Department in Autumn 2007, and a new forty PC ICT Suite was opened on the ground floor.
Early in 2009 the Art Room was relocated to the eves of the old Stable Block, providing the perfect garret for the department. At the same time, the new kitchens were opened after a complete refit - the only thing that survived was the radio (and the staff)!
NEW
SCIENCE
& MATHS
BLOCK
In Autumn 2008 the new Science and Mathematics Block was opened by Ali Hood of the Shark Trust, including two fully equipped science teaching laboratories.
“The only thing that
survived was the radio
(and the staff)!”
2010-2014
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
“We now
have our very
own Flushing
Meadow!”
In 2010 we started a 4 year project to refurbish all twenty Prep School classrooms, with new furniture and lighting, and at the same time we replaced every window in the school with sealed double-glazed units. This was completed in 2014.
The Swimming Pool enclosure was completed in 2011, with a complete relining of the pool, allowing Pre-Prep and Prep School pupils the chance to swim on-site whatever the weather, the whole year round.
During the summer of 2012, the English Department was moved into the huge roof space above the Assembly Hall, linking with the Drama Department below. New cricket nets and two new artificial wickets were also installed.
There were many projects through 2013, including the new Design and Food Technology Department, floodlights for the all-weather hockey pitch, a new Outdoor Classroom and an upgrade to the Pre-Prep Adventure Playground.
The summer of 2014 saw a new Learning Support classroom and retractable seating in the Assembly Hall, along with new staging, sound system and lighting. The Nursery and Reception Classrooms were also completely refurbished including new flooring, furniture and equipment. In addition the four tennis courts were
We are currently building a new Performing Arts Extension, linking the Music School with the Assembly Hall. This will include a new performance area, teaching space and extra music practice rooms. A beautiful Arts Courtyard will result, perfect for outdoor performances. At the same time, the Music School is being totally refurbished.
A new Library is being developed in the centre of the school, opposite the ICT Suites, incorporating a new outdoor study area.
Discussions at the pupil-led Dumpton Parliament have resulted in lots of new ideas, which are being put into place this year. We will soon have a permanent giant outdoor chess set, two fixed outdoor table-tennis tables and a new adventure playground for the Prep School. Plenty of options at playtime!
CURRENT
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
NEW
PERFORMING ARTS CENTRESchools are ever-changing environments, and new ideas and needs are constantly coming to the fore. Over the next five years the Senior Management Team and Governors will identity new projects which will be added to the School Development Plan.
The main initiative in the short term will be a rebuilding of the Sports Hall to house full-sized netball and tennis courts, along with an indoor hockey
pitch and full-length cricket nets. In addition we will look to purchase local fields to increase our provision for both sport and outdoor study.
At the same time we will continue our rolling programme of the refurbishment and upgrading of facilities to ensure that Dumpton is future-proofed for the next stage of its development.
FUTURE
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
FUTURE PROOFING
DUMPTON
Dumpton School Deans Grove House
Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7AF T 01202 883818
F 01202 848760
www.dumpton.com
‘Home to Growth and Learning’
Registered in England and Wales No. 936623 Registered Charity No. 306222 Registered Office: Deans Grove House, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7AF
