DODDERHILL School in Droitwich is celebrating its 70th anniversary this month.
The independent girls’ school, on Crutch Lane, has seen many changes over the years, not least of all, its name! But it’s still going strong seven decades on.
From its humble beginnings as a co-ed prep school in Whitford, Bromsgrove, on 25th September 1945, with just six pupils, it has evolved over the years and is now one of the leading schools in the district, offering independent education to over 200 pupils, aged from six weeks to 16 years.
The school that has become Dodderhill School started as Whitford Hall and was founded by Miss Mary Booker, who remained Head teacher until her retirement in 1972. Miss Booker, the daughter of an Eton housemaster, was educated at the Sorbonne and had an enlightened educational philosophy that still imbues the current ethos of Dodderhill School.
It included a varied curriculum, focus on individual achievement, creating a family atmosphere, a focus on the wider community and fundraising; all of which are still very evident in today’s Dodderhill.
In 1969 the school became one of the first girls’ prep schools in the area to introduce a structured science course in the curriculum. Science continues to be a successful part of the school’s achievement to this day and is a popular choice for girls continuing to study at A level.
In 1973 the school merged with Dodderhill and moved from its original site in Whitford, to the current site in Droitwich Spa. Despite retiring in 1972, Miss Booker returned to lead the newly acquired Dodderhill School in 1973, for girls up to 16. She finally retired in 1978.
Today, Dodderhill’s houses are named ‘Booker’, ‘Whitford’ and ‘Davidson’ – in recognition of the first Head teacher, the original school and the Chair of Governors Mrs Jean Davidson, who was instrumental in the merger.
The sale of the Whitford estate enabled the building of the new junior school and the David Street Hall (named after the chair of Governors in 1999). The combined school was originally called Whitford and Dodderhill School. In 2006 the decision was taken to rename it to simply Dodderhill School.
An obituary of Mary Booker, following her death in 1988, included the quotation: “Whitford is not just a school, more a way of life.”
This sentiment has continued to the present and following a quest for a school motto, it was decided to adopt the motto ‘modus vivendi’ – aLatin phrase signifying an agreement between those whose opinions differ, such that they agree to disagree and live harmoniously.
The current Head teacher of Dodderhill School, Mrs Cate Mawston, said: “Dodderhill School has a rich and proud history. From its humble beginnings, Miss Booker laid a strong foundation for the future and we continue to support and encourage a vibrant and vivacious community where good manners and respect for the community are considered to be absolutely normal.
“Since we opened the doors of our first junior school back in 1945, our aim has always been to offer a distinctly different learning experience; a profoundly personalised education that’s designed around the unique needs, talents and aspirations of every girl. We are not just a school, but a family and our girls are extremely happy in their learning, well supported and consistently achieve among the highest grades in the county.
Our staff are happy and well cared for and we have many long serving members of staff, including our catering assistant Mrs Fran Bateman, who has been with us since 1982 a true testament to the positive and supportive ethos here at Dodderhill.
“Our most recent set of GCSE results again reflect the excellent standards we have come to expect from our girls, with 100% of Year 11 pupils securing five or more GCSEs at A* to C grade. We were also named the best performing school in the county for GCSEs in the latest league tables earlier this year.”
The school is a member of the Independent Schools Association and the Girls Schools Association. Girls leave at 16 to a wide range of state and independent sixth forms and pursue subjects in all areas of the curriculum.
The anniversary was marked with a special assembly earlier this month.
An anniversary concert will also be held at the Elgar Hall at Birmingham University on 20 and 21 May 2016, where the choir girls will sing, amongst other musical, theatrical and dance performances.
For more information visit www.dodderhill.co.uk, email [email protected] or call 01905 778290.
