Dear Dorchester Families

This week I had the opportunity to visit a primary school in Corsham, Wiltshire for two days.  This visit was part of our Challenge Partners network, where leaders from schools visit schools beyond their own area to review practice and share expertise.  It is always wonderful to go and see other schools in action and reflect on what we can learn from them to make our children's experiences even better at Dorchester, as well as sharing our practice to positively influence their school.  A really valuable learning experience all round.

Things in school continue to be busy with our Year 6 children participating in their World War 2 day today ; evacuees visited different areas of the school and were issued with jobs by different members of staff - some of whom treated them well and others not so much - just as it would have been for children away from home during the war.  We have also had a visit from a representative Damien Dalton, a Senior Engagement and Educational Officer from UK Parliament, who spoke to the children about how Parliament works, how laws are made and how to have your voice heard. The session showed our children that their voices are not just noise, but powerful tools for change, and that understanding the system gives them the lifelong ability to make it better.

Have a lovely weekend.

Cathy Bell
Headteacher