recent developments

Second All Weather Astro Turf Pitch

Construction of a new all weather astro turf pitch, located on green land alongside the hard tennis courts began at Easter and is well underway. It is hoped that completion of this project will be in time for the new academic year in September 2008. The new pitch, alongside the existing (recently refurbished) astro pitch will greatly enhance the hockey sports programme in the autumn and spring terms.

Extension to Fitzmaurice House now complete

The extensive refurbishment of Fitzmaurice House has now been completed. This has added an entire new floor and includes the refurbishment of the existing bedrooms. This is an impressive refit that has given the House a major lift.

Manor House refurbishments

Work on the Manor House continues and, although not yet completed, excellent progress has been made and will continue into October. This will include the provision of new bedrooms and study areas, bath and shower rooms and a new sanatorium. The transformation is already impressive with new furniture and redecoration throughout.

Other areas have also been given a facelift, notably the new school shop which has had a compete makeover and is now a "proper shop" according to the pupils, with new carpet and fitments and 2 new fitting rooms. The common room kitchen in Mercers House has also been completely refurbished with the addition of a breakfast bar; the House has also benefited from 2 new bathrooms as well as new carpets and decoration throughout. All rooms now also have internet access points.

The replacement of the astro mat has now been complete in time for the hockey season. Additionally, an order has been placed for a second astro turf pitch to be positioned beyond the present netball courts. Work should start at Easter with the aim of having the pitch ready for September 2008.

New Accommodation for Boys’ Day Houses

On 8th November 2005, the new accommodation for the senior day boys was officially opened. Following the completion of the new Science Centre in 2004, the original 1929 Farmer Laboratories have been sympathetically and carefully extended and refurbished to accommodate both senior boys’ day houses, Farmer and Hemens. The building, which still retains many of its original architectural features, now houses over 140 boys, with common rooms, locker facilities, work rooms and office space for tutors and the two housemasters. The previous rooms used by Farmer and Hemens at the front of the school have, in turn, been transformed into classrooms and facilities for the Modern Languages Department.

IT in the Classroom

At Speech Day in July 2005 the Head Master, Stewart Roberts, told parents and pupils of Dauntsey’s future plans, which included the School's commitment to cherry pick the very best ideas in Information Computer Technology and use them to enhance both teaching and learning. To this end the IT support staff worked tirelessly over the summer, laying over 4,000 metres of cabling, installing hardware and accompanying software. Subsequently a large number of classrooms have now been fitted with state-of-the-art interactive whiteboards, projectors, networked computers and some have also been fitted with surround speakers for audio interaction.

Extension to the Design & Technology Department

December 2004 saw the opening of the new extension to the Design & Technology Department. The new building provides the Department with two large classrooms, a new entrance and a spacious foyer which also serves as a display area for pupils’ project and design work. There is also a new materials and store preparation area which greatly enhances the teaching facilities already provided.