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  • Take your child to work day

    Published 12/11/25

    On our recent inset day, students had the opportunity to participate in “Take your child to work day” .

    This involved students accompanying and work shadow a parent/carer. We believe it is beneficial for students to experience the world of work in as many different environments as possible.

    Josh went to Knoll House Hotel for the day with his dad, and by all accounts had a worthwhile and rewarding experience:-

    Work Experience at My Dad's Workplace

    Josh van Staden – Year 8

    I recently had the chance to spend a day at my dad's work as part of 'Take Your Child to Work Day'. It was a really cool experience that taught me some useful skills.

    I got to try out a few different jobs. First, I worked in the restaurant as a waiter. I helped lay the tables, making sure everything was just right for the customers. This taught me how important it is to pay attention to details and work efficiently.

    I also spent some time in housekeeping. I did tasks like hoovering the carpets and taking out the rubbish. These might seem like simple jobs but they showed me how everyone plays a big part in making sure a business runs smoothly.

    Working with the teams in the restaurant and housekeeping helped me improve my teamwork and communication skills. I learned how to work well with others towards a common goal and how to clearly ask for help.

    This experience has given me a better understanding of what it's like to work in a real-world setting. The skills I've picked up, like teamwork, communication, and attention to detail will definitely be helpful in my future career. I'm looking forward to using what I've learned in future work experiences.

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  • What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Pokémon TCG Pocket

    Published 12/11/25

    Pokémon TCG Pocket has brought the world-famous trading card game onto smartphones – and with over 100 million downloads, it’s already captured the attention of countless fans. The app combines quick-fire card battles, collectable decks, and the thrill of opening booster packs. For many children, it’s a blend of strategy, fun, and Pokémon nostalgia that’s hard to resist. 

    Beneath the colourful exterior, there are risks that parents and educators should know about. In-game purchases, monthly passes, and limited-time expansions encourage ongoing spending, while the competitive online play may lead to frustration, over-investment, and extended screen time. This guide helps adults understand these hidden challenges.

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  • Many Faiths Together

    Published 12/11/25

    The Purbeck Sixth Form had the pleasure of welcoming back the Many Faiths Together team. Many Faiths are indeed this, a combination of speakers representing faiths across a broad spectrum: Lynda (Judaism), Sister Tama (Islam), Sali (Buddhism), James and Gary (Christian) and David (Humanist). Over the course of two sessions, the group addressed questions from the Year 12 and 13 cohorts which included what happens after we die, attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals and communities, to what degree religious parents should influence their children and discrimination due to one’s faith.

    The overriding message came in the agreement that having love and compassion for our fellow humans is key. It was recognised too, as David noted when discussing Humanism, that the core values of our sixth form and school promote care, compassion and also ambition for oneself through our commitment to kindness, aspiration and perseverance.

    Our visitors, students and staff benefited from a very positive coming together, one that was particularly fitting on Remembrance Day. We look forward to working with Many Faiths again.

     

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  • Year 11 Explore Their Next Steps at Futures’ Morning

    Published 10/11/25

    On Thursday 6th November, Year 11 students at The Purbeck School took part in our annual Futures’ Morning—a dedicated morning designed to give students a valuable insight into life beyond GCSEs.

    Students chose between two tailored pathways. Those interested in continuing their journey at Purbeck Sixth Form experienced a series of taster lessons and heard first-hand from current sixth formers about the academic opportunities and fantastic enrichment programme on offer – all designed to support their Growth both academically and personally.

    Alternatively, students explored a broader range of post-16 options through talks from local colleges, apprenticeship providers, and a session on what makes you employable—equipping them with practical knowledge for the world of work.

    A highlight of the morning was an inspiring talk from Pete Thompson, who shared his incredible story of running 44 marathons in 44 days, raising over £20,000 for men’s mental health. His message of resilience and purpose left a lasting impression on students and staff alike.

    Futures’ Morning is a key part of our commitment to preparing students for life after school, helping them make informed, confident decisions about their next steps.

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  • Pull a pine trip

    Published 10/11/25

    Day Two of the enrichment Pull a Pine trip was a powerhouse of effort and enthusiasm! A brilliant group of 54 students headed out to Slepe Heath, where Swift House tackled the task with focus and determination, clearing gauze, pine, and birch trees. Meanwhile, Skylark House—despite having fewer students and less time—absolutely smashed it, creating the biggest clearance pile seen in eight years of running this trip! The NT will need their ‘destroyer’ tractor to flatten the piles created today.

    The energy, teamwork, and commitment from all students has been nothing short of inspiring. In total, 119 students have taken part in this year’s pine pulling activity, and every single one has given it their all. Please congratulate and praise everyone involved.

    Huge thanks to the amazing staff who’ve supported throughout the week, but today special shout-out to Matt, Tony, Adie, and Will for rolling up their sleeves and getting stuck in today.

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  • Purbeck pupils achieve Level 2 Environmental Leaders Award

    Published 03/11/25

    The Purbeck School and National Trust collaboration to run a Level 2 Environmental Leadership course was recently featured in the Bournemouth Echo. Several of our students have now fully completed the course and been awarded their certificate, and we hope very much to be able to offer the course again this year.

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  • Super 7's Well Done

    Published 20/10/25

    As part of our behaviour policy, in every lesson, each student is given a score.  Students receiving a 7 have exceeded expectations for the lesson. The following week, the names of the students will be compiled, and they will each receive 7 house points. Shortly after this, they will be presented with their Super 7 wristband which provides them with:

    1. Queue-jump for themselves and one friend for all break times and lunch times throughout the week.
    2. An invitation for a Friday hot chocolate with the Headteacher and House Leaders.
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  • Introducing Our First Lower School Student Leadership Team

    Published 16/10/25

     

    We are proud to announce the launch of our very first Lower School Student Leadership Team at The Purbeck School, made up of 12 exceptional Year 10 students.

    Following a rigorous application and interview process led by our Sixth Form Leadership Team, these students have been appointed to a variety of important roles, including House Captains, Leaders of Student Voice, and Literacy Leads. Each role carries a key responsibility in supporting and shaping school life for all students.

    Today, our new leaders took part in an inspiring Leadership Day, organised and delivered by our Sixth Form Leadership Team. They were joined by fellow student leaders from Year 11 and Year 12, as well as visitors from other local secondary schools. The day focused on teambuilding, leadership activities and they listened to a number of motivational speakers.

    After half term, the team will meet again to begin creating a shared action plan, identifying the areas of school life they are passionate about developing and improving. Their drive, maturity, and commitment to our school community already show that they are true ambassadors for The Purbeck School, embodying our values of Kindness, Aspiration, and Perseverance.

    We are very excited to see what this team can achieve throughout the year course of the and we will be looking at developing the leadership team into year 8 shortly after half term.

    Please see the names and roles of the students selected:

    Skylark House Captains

    George Ralls

    Thomas Warren

     

    Kestrel House Captains

    Poppy Giddings Wilson

    Izzie Cutler

     

    Swift House Captains

    Noah Downs

    Betsy Curtis

     

    Kingfisher House Captains

    Lily May Wilson

    Grace Woodford

     

    Media Lead

    Elijah Gratton

     

    Leader of Student Voice

    Maisie Kerley
    Aimee Holford

     

    Literacy Lead

    Ethan Le Sueur

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  • Literary Festival

    Published 16/10/25

    We were very happy to welcome two well-known authors into school this week, as part of the Dorchester Literary Festival. Tia Fisher spoke to the whole of Year 10 about her verse novel ‘Crossing the Line’, a powerful exploration of the effects of County Lines on the life of a vulnerable young person, as well as their friends and family.

    Based on a real life story, it was a real eye opener and pupils were fully engaged with the narrative of the story, as well as the unusual structure of the novel as a series of poems.

    Clare Furniss spoke to the whole of Year 9 about her dystopian novel ‘The Things We Left Behind’, an unnervingly familiar potential scenario of the country in a dystopian future where normal rules have been thrown out of the window and we are all living as refugees.

    We were joined by some Year 8s who had read this book as part of a book award and were thrilled to meet the author behind the book they knew so well. Both authors also spoke about their journey into writing and gave a window into their life as a published author.

    Thank you very much to them both for coming to visit us.

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  • The Purbeck School Production of Aladdin JR.

    Published 13/10/25
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  • Top Tips for Dealing with Traumatic and Challenging Events

    Published 10/10/25

    When children and young people experience traumatic or difficult life events, their emotional world can be shaken, and the impact may show up in their behaviour, mood, or relationships. Whether it’s bereavement, a family breakdown or witnessing something distressing, the support of trusted adults can be key in helping them feel safe again. This guide looks at how to create a nurturing environment to help young people process difficult feelings. 

    It also shares clear, actionable strategies to promote recovery – from building emotional literacy and creating a predictable routine to recognising signs that further help may be needed. Sensitive language, patience, and presence all play a part in empowering children to move forward at their own pace. With the right support, they can rebuild a sense of security and resilience.

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  • ​Year 11 Netball League

    Published 10/10/25

    Potentially, yesterday was the last netball fixtures these girls will play. Five years of regular training, commitment, and really coming together as a team have paid off, I couldn’t be prouder of their achievements. The first game was against Ferndown, who again were a formidable team, most players playing outside of school in local leagues, sadly, there are not many local leagues within travelling distance for our girls to take part, so they do not have the luxury of this. Due to injuries and other commitments, we were two players down, Izzy and Hettie slotted into the team perfectly and they played absolutely brilliantly. In this game the girls were winning all the way through, but due to a couple of silly mistakes where Ferndown scored and then it was goal for goal. Immi was back in her favourite position at WA and she has now consistently perfected her feed into the circle.

     

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