Education

Fairplay the watchword at tag rugby tournament

PUPILS from across North Dorset took part in a tag rugby tournament hosted at Sherborne Primary School.

Teams of Year 5 and 6 pupils from St Andrew’s Primary in Yetminster, Buckland Newton Primary School, Thornford Primary, All Saints Primary in Bishop’s Caundle and Sherborne Abbey Primary joined the hosts in a fun tournament, which emphasised the importance of fair play.

The tournament was played in two groups but it eventually came down to a final between All Saints and Sherborne Abbey. After an actionpacked match, All Saints were crowned winners, with Sherborne Abbey finishing second, followed by Sherborne Primary in third and Thornford in fourth place.

Evie C from Sherborne Primary was named player of the tournament for her excellent handling skills and superb team play.

But the largest trophy of the day was the Fairplay Award, presented to St Andrew’s Primary School for their attitude to each other, the officials and their perfect approach to the tournament – despite not progressing to the final stages of the event.

Sherborne headteacher Ian Bartle said: “I am incredibly grateful to Nigel Roberts – head of All Saints, Bishop’s Caundle – for refereeing throughout the event, the eight Gryphon students who were so kind in organising the timings, scoring systems and supporting the referees.

“I also want to thank the excellent Sherborne Rugby Club for sponsoring all the trophies distributed during the tournament.

“Finally, I have to thank ALL of the children and teams for producing such a hard fought, close and highly competitive tournament – completely played with the right attitudes of fairness and sportsmanship. A huge congratulations to Bishop’s Caundle for winning this exciting competition.”

Bishop’s Caundle were the winning team in the event at Sherborne Primary School

Celebrity artist’s visit

THE Gryphon School in Sherborne has been delighted to host a visit from celebrity painter Adebanji Alade.

Adebanji (right) is a television presenter on BBC’s The One Show, vice-president of The Royal Institute of Oil Painters and a motivational speaker, among other accomplishments.

Some 27 students spent a day experiencing a professional portfolio viewing, inspiring painting demonstration/workshop and one-toone guidance on creating a portrait of their own in oil paint and mixed media. They gained valuable insights and skills in traditional and contemporary portraiture techniques in oil and mixed-media, while producing successful and advanced portraits.

Head delighted at watchdog’s report

STAFF and pupils at Durweston Primary School are celebrating after schools watchdog Ofsted rated the school ‘Good’ following an inspection.

Headteacher Nicola Brooke said: “We have always believed that Durweston is a great place to learn and a great place to work, and are delighted that Ofsted has recognised that our school is a very special place.

“I am enormously grateful to my fabulous staff, amazing children and hugely supportive parents. What a super way to start the year!”

In its report Ofsted said: n Everyone is proud to be part of Durweston school n Relationships between all members of the school community are warm and nurturing n Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum. The sequence of content, including in the early years, means that pupils build on the knowledge they have and know more over time n There is a vast range of enrichment opportunities for pupils of all ages – leaders are rightly proud of the rich experiences that pupils have n Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school. They see the school as an asset to the community

The inspectors, who visited the 133-pupil school on 21 and 22 September, praised the children’s good behaviour and the warm relationships between pupils and staff and between pupils. Inspectors also praised the ambitious curriculum and the high expectations the school has for all its children, including those with special educational needs.