SCHOOL FOCUS: Durweston CE Primary School
Durweston Church of England Primary School is a thriving village primary school and preschool within the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust. With around 140 children currently on roll, the school offers provision for children from the age of three until they reach the end of Key Stage Two. New Headteacher, Jenny McMullen, arrived at the school at the beginning of this term and is providing the school with a strong sense of purpose and direction as it embarks on its next stage of development.
The school proudly embraces its rural setting. Its vision: 'Feed the mind, nurture the spirit and free the imagination' underpins a rich and diverse curriculum, and children experience a wide range of outdoor learning opportunities. The local farmer kindly allows the school to explore his fields and forests, enabling a dedicated Forest School area to which all children are regular visitors. Visits to a local farm are also a regular occurrence, with children transported by tractor and trailer. Just recently, a cow decided to repay the favour by escaping onto the school field during playtime, resulting in an exciting whole community effort to move her safely back into her own paddock. This type of experience sums up the unique spirit of the school – no two days are ever the same!
Durweston is situated right next door to St Nicholas Church, in which Collective Worship (assembly) is held three times per week. Teachers promote understanding throughout their day-to-day teaching, encouraging deep thinking, reflection and the ability to confront both challenge and opportunity. Achievements, no matter how big or small, are celebrated so that children develop confidence and self-worth, and as well as keeping expectations for achievement and behaviour high, staff ensure that learning is fun.
The school plays a vital role within the local community. One of the most unique examples is the pupils' participation in the annual 'Shroving' event, a lovely tradition where pupils take flowers to all residents of the village.
Durweston's values of Courage, Compassion and Joy are tangible throughout the school. "We want to help broaden the horizons of our children," explains Headteacher, Jenny McMullen. "We want to teach them about the wider world, and make sure they are well prepared to succeed wherever life takes them as they leave our school."
St Nicholas & St Laurence CE Primary School have held a highly moving Remembrance service, run by one of the school's teaching assistants who previously served in the forces
St Michael's CE Primary School recently welcomed the Mayor and Mayoress for afternoon tea, and the visit received some lovely coverage in the local community magazine, Lyme Living!
Just before the Half Term break, our schools travelled to Salisbury Cathedral to take part in one of the highlights of the academic year - our annual ISingPOP concert
SCHOOL FOCUS: Durweston CE Primary School Durweston Church of England Primary School is a thriving village primary school and preschool within the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust. With around 140 children currently on roll, the school offers provision for children from the age of three until they reach the end of Key Stage Two. New Headteacher, Jenny McMullen, arrived at the school at the beginning of this term and is providing the school with a strong sense of purpose and direction as it embarks on its next stage of development. The school proudly embraces its rural setting. Its vision: 'Feed the mind, nurture the spirit and free the imagination' underpins a rich and diverse curriculum, and children experience a wide range of outdoor learning opportunities. The local farmer kindly allows the school to explore his fields and forests, enabling a dedicated Forest School area to which all children are regular visitors. Visits to a local farm are also a regular occurrence, with children transported by tractor and trailer. Just recently, a cow decided to repay the favour by escaping onto the school field during playtime, resulting in an exciting whole community effort to move her safely back into her own paddock. This type of experience sums up the unique spirit of the school – no two days are ever the same! Durweston is situated right next door to St Nicholas Church, in which Collective Worship (assembly) is held three times per week. Teachers promote understanding throughout their day-to-day teaching, encouraging deep thinking, reflection and the ability to confront both challenge and opportunity. Achievements, no matter how big or small, are celebrated so that children develop confidence and self-worth, and as well as keeping expectations for achievement and behaviour high, staff ensure that learning is fun. The school plays a vital role within the local community. One of the most unique examples is the pupils' participation in the annual 'Shroving' event, a lovely tradition where pupils take flowers to all residents of the village. Durweston's values of Courage, Compassion and Joy are tangible throughout the school. "We want to help broaden the horizons of our children," explains Headteacher, Jenny McMullen. "We want to teach them about the wider world, and make sure they are well prepared to succeed wherever life takes them as they leave our school."
DSAT Family of Schools Update I am thrilled to share an overview of the wonderfully active and successful start we've had across the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust this year. It has been particularly heartening to see our new Reception children settling in so beautifully across the Trust, forming new friendships and embracing school routines with confidence, which is a real testament to the nurturing environment provided by our staff. Our schools have been buzzing with activity, both inside and outside the classroom. Children at St Michael's CE Primary School have created some beautiful block prints, inspired by the insects they've been studying, whilst Year 4 pupils from St John's CE Primary School had a fantastic educational visit to the Dorchester Museum and Art Gallery. Making the most of the changing seasons, children at Broad Chalke CE Primary School have been revelling in the autumn colours in their beautiful setting, as well as spending quality time with Crumble, the school dog. St James' CE First School and Nursery's little ones have also been busily exploring the emerging signs of autumn. Wimborne St Giles CE First School and Nursery's children have greatly enjoyed their weekly sessions with the school's talented Artist In Residence, producing some stunning autumnal artwork. Trent Young's CE School football team got their season off to a winning start. Some of the children at St Bartholomew's Primary Academy have been developing their fencing skills, whilst others enjoyed a very exciting visit to the Houses of Parliament at the beginning of term. A magical residential trip to Avon Tyrell was a highlight for Wilton CE Primary School pupils, with mountain biking and kayaking featuring among their adventures. Meanwhile, the Sports Leaders at Cranborne CE First School and Nursery set a brilliant example at a recent Play Leader event, making everyone incredibly proud. Marden Vale CE Academy also thoroughly enjoyed celebrating World Porridge Day, whilst Beaminster St Mary's Academy was delighted to welcome back Benny the elephant after his 'Stampede By The Sea' adventures. St Nicholas and St Laurence CE Primary School has achieved the well-deserved Eco Schools Green Flag Award, and St Nicholas CE Primary were delighted to be awarded the Music Mark of Recognition for Ambition and Quality. The term also saw important developments in our physical spaces. St Michael's CE Primary School unveiled lovely outdoor learning spaces and a revamped playground, whilst Whitesheet CE Primary Academy unveiled a beautiful new mural, and we were excited to see St Martin's Primary School open their doors to their first nursery pupils. Archbishop Wake CE Primary School and Dunbury Church of England Academy have also proudly launched their own on-site nurseries. Community spirit within the DSAT family is thriving, marked by the many wonderful Harvest Festivals celebrated across the Trust. Our schools also came together earlier this week for our wonderful iSingPop event in Salisbury Cathedral, always one of the highlights of our school year. Thank you to all our staff for their hard work and dedication, and to our parents for their continued support. Enjoy a restful half term break, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for an adventure-filled second term. Mark Lacey (Chief Executive)
ISingPOP 2025
ISingPOP 2025
ISingPOP 2025
ISingPOP 2025
ISingPOP 2025
ISingPOP 2025
What a wonderful way to finish this term Today, schools from across the Trust came together in the spectacular surroundings of Salisbury Cathedral for our much-anticipated ISingPOP concert Well done - and thank you! - to all who put so much time and effort into the organisation of this event - and to the parents, carers and families who attended to support their children
Our Trust Bears have each found a comfy space to sit and enjoy our Trust-wide ISingPOP concert at Salisbury Cathedral!
A big well done to the football team from Trent Young's CE School
The end of a wonderful residential trip for Wilton CE Primary School