SWANAGE MIDDLE SCHOOL in Dorset, Swanage

Education Centre Information: Swanage Middle School:

Establishment Type:Community School
Phase of Education: Middle Deemed Secondary
Status: Open, but proposed to close
Local Authority: Dorset
Reason Establishment Closed: Result of Amalgamation
Establishment Close Date: 31/08/2013
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Does not apply
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 305
Number of boys: 149
Number of girls: 156
Age Range: 9-13
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

Swanage Middle School is set in spacious grounds on the outskirts of the town and offers excellent facilities. Originally opened as a secondary in 1958 it became a middle school in 1975. Numbers have gradually increased and it is now a four-form entry. In addition to classrooms, the original building offers a practical block with a design and technology workshop, art room, science laboratory, two ICT suites, a music room and two additional classrooms. Extensive playing field and grass areas, school pond, tennis courts and hard-surface play area. Winter games include rugby, football, hockey, netball and basketball. In summer: athletics, cricket and rounders; swimming at nearby pool for Year 5 pupils. The school is proud of its many sporting achievements, successes, trophies and shields. It also has a popular house system. Lunchtime and after-school clubs are held every day for sports, games, gymnastics, ICT, science, chess, badminton, the school band and its choirs. Children regularly raise funds for charities such as Children in Need, NSPCC and Cancer Research. The curriculum is broad and balanced to reflect the needs of the pupils and one of the things for which Swanage Middle School has evolved an excellent reputation is the enrichment of its curriculum by educational visits, plentiful resources developed over the years, and varied strategies for teaching and learning. The school aims to provide a positive, secure and challenging environment.