On behalf of the Governors, Staff and present pupils, welcome to The Dorchester Middle School (DMS)

In partnership with parents/guardians, the School's broad aim is to provide opportunities for self-development and self-fulfilment for the children here. All pupils are valued equally.

The School seeks to enable every child to develop high standards in every aspect of their work and an independence of mind and spirit upon which success and happiness in the future can depend.

Society and the world of education have changed dramatically in recent years; however, self discipline, good manners, concern for others, hard work and a determination to succeed are firmly embedded within our school philosophy. Within this framework of traditional values and expectations the School fosters personal and social responsibility.

The School offers a caring and stimulating environment in which a wide variety of curricular and extra curricular activities are planned by a talented and committed staff. All staff work closely with parents and value their partnership and support in securing the very best education for our children.

The Dorchester Middle School opened in 1980. It was established in the fine Edwardian building of the former Dorchester Grammar School for Girls. In 1998 a two year refurbishment and building programme began to enable the School to meet the needs of 600 pupils into the new millennium. It is now complete.

The School aims to enable children of all abilities to realise their full potential and self-fulfilment. It promotes intellectual, spiritual, moral, cultural and physical development in a happy, caring environment. Self discipline, good manners, concern for others, hard work and a determination to succeed are firmly embedded within our school philosophy. Within this framework of traditional values and expectations the School fosters personal and social responsibility.

The School is organised into National Curriculum year groups, 5 to 8, age range 9 - 13 years. Each child has a class tutor who has responsibility for his/her academic and pastoral welfare. In years 5 and 6 the majority of time is spent with the class tutor in order to firmly create close links between the pupil, parent and the School.

In years 7 and 8 pupils are taught by a greater number of subject specialists. Most lessons are taught in mixed ability groups although there is some ability setting, for example in mathematics and french. There are daily assemblies and acts of worship.

Children join The Dorchester Middle School from Winterbourne Valley, Cerne Abbas, Damers Road and The Prince of Wales First schools.

The above Act has introduced a new level of entitlement to free home to school transport.

The new entitlement will benefit all those students aged 9 - 11 who are entitled to free school meals or whose parents receive the maximum level of working tax credit providing they are attending their nearest suitable school and reside over two miles away via the nearest walking route.

If you believe that your child may now be entitled to free home to school transport should contact the School Transport Team in writing at the following address providing evidence of qualifying benefit: School Transport Team, Integrated Transport Unit, Environment, Dorset County Council, County Hall, Dorchester DT1 1XJ Tel. 01305 224332

PTA Dates for your Diary

• PTA AGM meeting 24th September 2007 at 7.30 pm
• 9th November - Autumn disco
• 7th December - Christmas Fair
• 7th March - PTA Bingo

Thanks must go to everyone involved with the PTA for all their hard work.

Humanities

Huge thanks to The Thomas Hardye School for the fabulous resources which they have presented to the Humanities Department. These will obviously benefit every pupil across both Key Stages. Mrs Edge