The Dominie School

The Dominie is an independent co-educational school which specialises in providing education for dyslexic and dyspraxic children. We welcome children from the age of 6 to 12. The maximum number of children at the school is 32. The school is built around the children. We consider the whole child in terms of their needs, whilst recognising their strengths and potential. Our aim is to secure the child's confidence and help them to re-discover the joys of learning. We plan lessons carefully and adapt our teaching sensitively to meet the requirements of each individual child.

Our distinctive difference is that we are small, which enables us to develop a deep understanding of each and every child. Specialist provision is an integral part of our approach in delivering a broad and balanced curriculum. We offer a wide range of after school clubs and educational visits. The majority of Dominie children go on to succeed in mainstream schools. The Dominie is registered with the Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexics (CReSTeD) Category DSP and is a member of The British Dyslexia Association (BDA).

The Dominie is a school for children with different learning styles where dedicated teachers deliver a stimulating and supportive education and learning environment for the benefit of children. We provide a sympathetic school environment by giving each child a sense of dignity through achievement. Respect, co-operation and team spirit are nurtured throughout the school.

The children are individuals with strengths and talents which we value. Our aims are:

• For our children to reach their potential in a focussed environment.
• To promote individual strengths and talents.
• To help families help their children.

The Dominie is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and parents to share this commitment.

We have a broad and balanced curriculum which at its core covers literacy and numeracy. Topic work encompasses science, geography, history and religious education. We take full advantage of our central London location to explore the culture of the capital to enrich the pupils' learning. We make visits to museums, galleries and the theatre, and the children enjoy participating in workshops from time to time. Our year 5 and 6 pupils have the opportunity to take part in the annual PGL trip, which is a positive and confidence building experience. We are proud to provide a stimulating and happy school environment, in which our pupils thrive.

We use the National Curriculum for our teaching, which has been carefully adapted to meet the requirements of our pupils. Lessons are taught in a class, group or individually. Working alongside the teachers are classroom assistants and specialists in the fields of speech and language and physiotherapy. Many of our teachers have additional qualifications in specific learning difficulties (dyslexia). Music and drama are taught by specialist teachers. Each pupil has an Individual Education Plan (IEP), which is reviewed on a regular basis, in order to continually monitor the pupil's achievements.

Art lessons teach the children about art theory and the work of great artists from the past and how they relate to the contemporary world. Using a wide range of materials, the children are able to explore creative processes from drawing and painting to design and sculp.

Drama lessons at The Dominie are an opportunity for the children to discover and explore their creativity. Lessons are designed to give plenty of scope for working individually, in pairs and in groups to encourage the exchange of ideas. The interpretation of poetry and drama are explored through a variety of approaches, and there are many opportunities for the children to perform each year. Our annual school musical takes place at Christmas and is much anticipated by children and parents alike.

Music lessons develop the children's musical skills and also help the children to improve their speech, motor skills, coordination and confidence. The children are encouraged to collaborate by performing in group activities using percussion instruments. The Dominie also offers after-school musical activities.

Sport is an important part of the curriculum at The Dominie and is extremely beneficial in developing good hand-eye co-ordination, manual dexterity and physical confidence. Sport includes weekly swim and gym lessons together with games at Battersea Park, which is on our doorstep. Our annual Swimming Gala and Sports Day motivate and inspire the children.