Our school offer

After breakfast, children and young people head to their tutor groups, where they start the first 30 minutes with a dedicated to a ‘Ready to Learn’ session, a time for pupils settle in, share thoughts, and engage in reading. The focus on reading is flexible and inclusive. Some days involve quiet independent reading, where each learner chooses a book from the school library. Other days, teachers may read aloud to the class or pupils can volunteer to read aloud, using a system called "popcorn" where they pass on the reading; this method encourages participation without pressure. On certain days, they are free to read non-fiction, such as articles from magazines or content related to personal interests, like gaming. The key is to encourage a love for reading in all its forms.

Our commitment to reading extends throughout the day. It plays a pivotal role in every lesson, and it’s not confined to fiction; it can encompass anything that helps pupils engage and expand their knowledge.

Reading at our school isn’t just about literacy development. It's also about emotional well-being. Many find comfort in reading, using it to calm down when they're feeling overwhelmed. We provide spaces like our library, designed to be a peaceful sanctuary, where pupils can retreat and immerse themselves in a book. For some, especially those with specific interests, such as computers, reading about their passion becomes a form of escapism and relaxation.

Ultimately, reading at our school serves both educational and therapeutic purposes. It enhances vocabulary, promotes critical thinking, and provides an emotional outlet, allowing children and young people to explore new worlds, ideas, and interests in a supportive and welcoming environment.

At Dovetree, we are committed to providing a broad and dynamic curriculum that engages pupils academically, creatively, and practically. Our combination of core subjects with creative arts, outdoor learning, and enrichment programmes ensures that each pupil has the opportunity to explore their passions. By doing so, we have created a learning environment that promotes personal growth, self-expression, and skill development across a wide range of subjects.

We place great value on creative subjects and have woven a diverse selection into our curriculum. These subjects are taught by experienced professionals, many of whom bring extensive industry experience. For instance, drama is taught by a professional actor, and media studies are led by a former BBC TV producer. We also have experts in photography, music, and art, allowing pupils to gain deep insights into both the technical and creative aspects of these fields. This approach helps learners express themselves and develop skills that reach beyond the classroom.

Our Friday afternoon enrichment programme  stands out as a cornerstone of our curriculum. It focuses on six key areas:

1. Drama
2. Photography
3. Food Technology
4. Sports
5. Art
6. Music

Pupils participates in one area for six weeks, working on a specific project that culminates in a final performance, artwork, or presentation. For example, in drama, pupils may create a performance, while music work on composing a song. These projects build technical skills and also encourage teamwork, creativity, and project management.

Through this enrichment, pupils unknowingly work toward BTEC qualifications, earning credits across the year by completing their projects. This approach helps learners to build confidence and skills without the pressure of traditional assessments, enhancing their overall educational experience.

Outdoor learning is an integral part of our curriculum, offering pupils the chance to engage with nature, develop life skills, and build resilience.

All secondary, pupils participate in weekly forest school activities. They engage in fire-building, outdoor cooking, shelter construction, and basic survival skills, all while learning teamwork and trust. This hands-on learning environment allows them to develop problem-solving skills and foster social connections in a natural setting.

The Duke of Edinburgh programme starts with an on-site camping experience where pupils pitch tents, prepare meals, and practice essential outdoor survival skills. This experience fosters self-sufficiency, responsibility, and perseverance, equipping pupils with the foundation they need for more challenging outdoor adventures in the years to come.

These experiences enhance problem-solving and social skills, and also lay the foundations for more ambitious challenges, preparing our children and young people for future success both in and out of the classroom.