Dear Dorchester Families,

As we head into SATs week, I want to take a moment to wish our Year 6 children the very best of luck. We are always incredibly proud of how highly our learners achieve academically at our school, consistently performing well above national averages. The children have worked hard, staff have prepared them carefully, and they should feel proud of everything they have accomplished during their time at Dorchester.

At the same time, SATs are only one small part of a child’s story.

Alongside academic success, we place enormous importance on the wider qualities that help children flourish in life: kindness, collaboration, empathy, resilience, curiosity and responsibility. As an inclusive school, we work hard to ensure that every child feels that they belong and that every child has the opportunity to thrive. We want our children to leave us not only as capable learners, but as well-rounded young people with strong relationships, confidence in themselves and positive mental health.

Research increasingly tells us what many parents and teachers already know instinctively: children who feel secure, connected and emotionally supported are happier — and are also more likely to succeed academically and socially over time. Achievement matters, but wellbeing matters too.

So, if you are a Year 6 parent, I encourage you to focus on presence more than pressure this weekend. Go for a walk in the park. Put phones away for a while. Bake together. Watch a favourite film. Notice the changing trees and spring flowers. Talk. Laugh. Rest. Today also marks Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday — a timely reminder, perhaps, to slow down occasionally and help children notice the wonder of the natural world around them.

SATs week itself is never quite as daunting as many children imagine. After the initial nerves, the children usually have a brilliant week together — with extra breakfasts, treats, encouragement and a few additional playtimes helping to keep spirits high. There is always a wonderful sense of camaraderie and pride amongst children and adults by the end of the week.

Meanwhile, in a perfect illustration of the balance we try to strike as a school, our Year 5 children head off on their two-night PGL residential on Monday: building confidence, independence, teamwork and memories that will stay with them for years to come.

Both weeks matter. Both experiences help children grow. And both remind us that education is about far more than a set of test results.

Enjoy the weekend.

Cathy Bell
Headteacher