At Dorchester Middle School, the curriculum sits at the heart of everything we do. We provide a rich, varied and ambitious learning experience that enables our pupils to leave us at the end of Year 8 as confident, capable young learners - fully prepared for the next stage of their education.

Our pupils engage with a broad range of subjects, taught by passionate teachers through well‑designed and carefully sequenced schemes of learning tailored to meet their needs.

Our Values

Our curriculum is underpinned by our ROARS values:
Ready • Original • Ambitious • Respectful • Safe

These values guide every aspect of school life and shape the way our pupils learn, behave and engage with the wider world.

Our Curriculum

Pupils in Years 5 and 6 follow the Key Stage 2 curriculum, while those in Years 7 and 8 study the Key Stage 3 curriculum. Across both key stages, pupils study:

• English
• Maths
• Science
• Modern Foreign Languages
• Computing
• Art
• Music
• PE
• Design & Technology
• PSHE

Homebase and Pastoral Care

Homebase Tutors play a vital role in supporting pupils to be ready to learn. Pupils meet with their Tutor twice a day:

• Morning sessions focus on settling pupils and supporting their reading.
• Afternoon sessions are dedicated to shared reading, where Tutors read an engaging and challenging book aloud - a treasured moment in the school day.

Assemblies

Each year group has two assemblies per week:

• One assembly led by a guest speaker or a member of the Senior Leadership Team, exploring spiritual, moral, social and cultural themes.
• The second assembly at the end of the week celebrates pupil achievements. Heads of Year share key messages and award the weekly ROARS certificates to pupils who have exemplified our values—a highlight of the week for many.