Dorset Studio School
The Centre of Excellence for Environmental Sciences
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Dorset Studio SchoolMainstream academic provision with a Land Based Specialism.
Our Latest News
British Eventing Horse Trials
Kingston Maurward British Eventing Horse Trials took place this weekend. Two students from Dorset Studio School took part in this fantastic event. Oli took part on Saturday and Mia on Sunday, with a fantastic show, both finishing well-placed in their respective competitions. Well done!
NSEA Dressage Competition
Congratulations to the three Dressage riders that competed for the Dorset Studio School at the NSEA congratulations to the three dressage riders that competed for the Dorset Studio School at the National Dressage Qualifiers at Moreton Equestrian Centre on Sunday 22nd June. Poppy E, Taylor and Mia riding their own ponies and horses came a very creditable 3rd as a team.
Taylor had come 4th in her class on the Saturday at Moreton’s own championships and as the 1st rider of the day she set a high standard for others to follow. Poppy was the 2nd in the ring and produced the same high quality of performance that had seen her win her class on the previous day at Moreton’s own championships. Mia, as the last rider of the day, kept us all waiting. Team and individual placings were still at stake at this point. A lovely team spirit with the riders supporting each other produced a strong performance against much more experienced opposition.
Mia progresses to the National finals at Addington Manor in October as the individual winner of the more difficult Novice Class! With a score of 72.5% she had the highest score of all the riders in both classes on the day. Well done Mia.
A special thank you to the parents who have given up their weekend to bring the riders and their ponies and horses to the event.
A big thank you to Mr Hampshire our NSEA lead teacher who gave up his time to attend the event with the students.
Drama Performance
On Thursday June the 12th Creative Arts students took part in their Summer Concert at Kingston Maurward House. The evening began with a devised drama performance exploring the theme 'Providing food for our future.' Featured musical performances included both solo and ensemble numbers. An own composition was performed by Lorna Dallenger on the keyboard and Jacob Wright sung 'Let it Be.' Nellie Lake read her own poem 'Summer Sun' and the choir performed an uplifting version of 'Firework'. The evening concluded with all performers singing 'Three Little Birds' with the Ukulele Club.
Sparx Maths Leaderboard
Harper Adams University Visit
Today we were delighted to welcome Rebecca Housden from Harper Adams University to Dorset Studio School.
Rebecca met with a selection of students from years 9, 10 and 11. Rebecca talked about the different types of degree and also explained the unique nature of Harper Adams University, the style of its courses, the farm that is part of the university and its agricultural and environmental focus.
The year 11 students made excellent use of their time to ask Rebecca a wide range of questions about getting to University and what to expect once there. Year 9 and 10 will have a chance to ask their questions at the Career Fair tomorrow.
Studying at university is an aspiration that many of our students are capable of achieving and hopefully as a result of today’s talks more will want to work towards this goal.
At the end of the day Rebecca commented very positively about the knowledge and enthusiasm of our students and that Dorset Studio School seemed to be a similar special place to Harper Adams University.
There is the possibility of Rebecca meeting with parents at a future date to explain a little bit about university and Harper Adams in particular. If you would be interested in such an event please contact me at the school.
Martin Hampshire, Head of Science Dorset Studio School
martin.hampshire@dorsetstudioschool.co.uk
Open Evening for new Yr 7
Is your child in year 6? Have you not yet chosen a school for September 2025?
Not had a chance to visit our school yet, we have an Open Evening on Thursday 27th February 2025, 5pm-6pm, at Kingston Maurward, Dorchester DT2 8PX.
Please contact the school office on 01305 443600 to book a place or email info@dorsetstudioschool.co.uk and let us know your childs name, current school and year group.
Places are limited, be quick...
Employers Engagement Event
A warm welcome for employers, at Dorset Studio School.
Dorset Studio School was delighted to welcome local employers to Dorset Studio School’s Poundbury site, for their annual careers event.
Organisations representing a wide range of industries across the region, worked with students in years 10 and 11, to give an insight into the extensive employment opportunities and career progression routes available to them, both locally and nationally. Real life scenarios, discussions, practical activities and some high tech machinery brought the world of employment to life for the young people.
Employer engagement is an important strand of the school’s curriculum provision. These events provide opportunities to apply learning, deepen understanding and establish a focus for the future.
Dorset Studio School would like to thank the following organisations for their support:
· Knighton Countryside Management
· Wessex Water
· George Crook Services
· Lynwood School of Veterinary Nursing
· Dorset Council – Animal Health
· Friars Moor Farm Animal Veterinary Services
· Dorset Council – Outdoor Recreation
· Tilbury Douglas (building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out company)
· MJ Frys Agricultural Engineers
Parliament Week
Prom 2024
Dorset Studio School Year 11 students enjoyed a wonderful evening in the sun during the annual Prom event.
Held on site at our stunning 750 acre Kingston Maurward Campus, students enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate the end of the GCSE examination season, as well as five fantastic years with us.
There have been so many incredible success stories with these students. We wish them all well with their results and the exciting careers that lie ahead!
What our students say
"The best school I have ever been to – excellent support in all aspects, both academic and pastoral support"
"Dorset Studio School has given me opportunities I didn’t think about before and would not have been able to access in my previous school"
"Dorset Studio School teachers are passionate about what they do and they work hard to guarantee your success"
"Choosing DSS was one of the best decisions I ever made. The teachers are all friendly and supportive and try to get the best out of all of us for the future"
"Staff support is outstanding during lessons. I have become more confident over the years of attending this school"
"DSS is a great school. I no longer wake up and complain about going to school. The teachers here are supportive and wonderful. They help me in my learning but also mentally. I know if I need help with anything they will support me. I now look forward to coming to school"
"I feel seen more as a person and not just a student / number. The way teachers teach is so much more than reading off a board, they encourage conversations and questions to make the lesson more interesting and inclusive"
Contact Us
Dorchester, Dorset DT2 8PX