The schools reputation was tarnished by widespread reporting that HRH Kate Middleton left Downe House for Marlborough after two terms following bullying in 1996. Alison joined Downe House in 2015 and has enjoyed being immersed in all aspects of School life; initially working within the Foundation, being part of the team that fundraised to build the Murray Centre. Her career in education spans nearly twenty years and she is passionate about educating girls. Downe House is not an easy school to get into, particularly at Sixth Form and at any age will not be a bankable option for the less than talented. Read the latest interactive digital edition now for free, By Independent School Parent | Tue 1st Dec 2015, https://www.independentschoolparent.com/school/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-living-at-school/. The swimming pool is also a good place to experience. I think Kate was miserable from the start.". <br>As an RS Teacher, I get to explore different religious and philosophical worldviews with my students every day. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. Over eight years on, Sofie hasnt looked back and in addition, she worked within the Learning Skills Department providing one to one support for a number of girls at Downe House. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. And soft drinks are available from 7-20. Breakfast is ok, a typical eauropian food served. She worked as a Deputy Housemistress in Essex and worked in marketing across two schools. A nice stay with an upgrade to the junior suite. This will provide the girls with a contemporary library and a vibrant digital learning centre, a state-of-the-art auditorium, as well as art gallery areas and a caf. Miss Rawlinson enjoys making Geography relevant to her pupils own lives and creating a sense of ownership. Principal. After becoming a member of the Downe House community, she became an Upper School Housemistress before accepting the role of Head of Upper School. An adventure in education at Downe House is built on a sense of community, enriched by a full boarding ethos, where every girl is encouraged to be true to herself. The diminishing number of places means potential applicants should aim where possible for entry at 11. With years of experience working at independent boarding schools, Kim Collingwood joined the Downe House staff in 2016. Clare Wagner, Head of The Henrietta Barnett School in north London, has chosen the fascinating topic: helping our pupils to find their voices Pupils in the Upper School and Sixth Form took part in the in augural House Debating Competition, taking on challenging and thought-provoking motions to see which house would be crowned the best debaters. These, together with a plethora of other activities, are run from a deliberately separate wooden cabin situated away from the whitewashed bricks and mortar of the main buildings, to hint at the differentiation of academic and extra-curricular life. A nightmare before a business meeting not a good thing. Luckily,Katedidn'tjust go quiet (opens in new tab)and not say anythingshe actually spoke up about the situation to her parents andtransferred to another school, Marlborough (opens in new tab), that was a better fit and a place where she made lifelong friendships andsang theFriendstheme song at school events (opens in new tab). As a parent, this makes you feel . Dr Atherton ensures our girls have a whole host of exciting enrichment and learning opportunities which go above and beyond the curriculum. Anna has worked within a boarding environment for the past twelve years and fully values the benefits of this model of education. Mrs Mortimer loves finding places to display the girls artwork it inspires the whole community and brings a great sense of pride and achievement. Cambridge Short Courses are offered in languages and mathematics, whilst traditional AS and A Levels are retained in twelve subjects, including design, politics, drama, and sports science. He is a graduate of Durham University and holds a Masters Degree in Education. In September 2020, Sophie took up the role of Director of Boarding (House Management). Headmistress. While this can be convenient for some parents, at Downe House our girls are full-boarders and we believe that we have a distinct advantage when it comes to ensuring that our girls receive a broad and valuable educational experience. Book a personal tour or join us at one of our Open Mornings, available throughout the year. RE is a compulsory subject at I/GCSE and faith is centred around the belief that we should treat others as we ourselves should be treated.. Charles and Emma Darwin, with their first two children, settled at Down House in the village of Down (later 'Downe') in Kent, as a young family in 1842. Philippa graduated from the University of Leeds in 1996 with a degree in Theology and Religious Studies and then completed her PGCE at Canterbury Christ Church College. Downe House UK Our History Admissions Admissions Enquiries Fees & Charges Life at Downe House Muscat Life at Downe House Muscat Lower School (Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7) Upper School (Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10) Sixth Form Pastoral Care Academic Academic Subject Guides Academic Calendar The Curriculum Learning Support Higher Education Newbury, Berkshire, United Kingdom. The duke is fully leaning into American customs. The most uncomfortable bed I ever had in a hotel, while the AC also works poorly and very noisy.Couldnt sleep and woke up at 3.30 am. The restaurant is open: Monday- Sunday: 9.30am- 6.00pm. PROMOTING BRITISH VALUES Downe House recognises the importance of placing emphasis on fundamental British values in Jade previously worked and lived in Spain, where she was an Assistant Housemistress at an international school, and gained her teaching qualifications. "It is a very cliquey school and there was a lot of pressure," she said. Build: 2023.03.15 09:36 UTC. I joined Downe House in 2004, first as a housemistress, and then as head of Upper School, before taking on the role of deputy headmistress (boarding), where I am responsible for the residential welfare of the girls in our care. It provides a large selection of hot food, salads, snacks and drinks. How to Apply In order to apply, please click on the Apply Now button beneath the advert text - here you will be able . The Department is an integral part of Downe House and will focus on individual progress. Core subjects at GCSE and IGCSE include English (including English literature), mathematics, science (at least two sciences, but usually three), a modern foreign language, physical education (non-examined), and Religious Studies (examined or non-examined). No toiletries provided. After Staff College and a tour in the MOD, he took command of 9 Parachute Squadron Royal Engineers when they deployed to Bosnia and then Kosovo . Even some of the most popular girls in my school had a hard time when they came in at thirteen.". While at the same school, Georgina also worked on the safeguarding team. Indicative of its highly selective intake, Downe House claims to achieve success without having to adopt an academic hot house approach, although its a million miles away from the relaxed and informal atmosphere of the progressive schools which that might imply. Downe House As Deputy Head (Pastoral), Genevieve has introduced and is constantly developing the unique-to-Downe Wellbeing programme, Finding Balance, which seeks to promote self-care, healthy minds and bodies. David joined Downe House as Network Manager before becoming Director of Digital Delivery and Innovation. News and views from AGS, one of five Upper School boarding houses @DowneHouse School, an independent full boarding school for girls aged 11-18 Downe House is an archetypal all-girl, selective English boarding school that scores consistently in the top five of all UK schools for academic attainment. Jane previously led in both pastoral and academic roles including Head of Humanities and History, and Assistant Head of Years 10 and 11. Each day looks different for a Downe House girl whether she is a science-loving lacrosse player or an actress who wants to learn Italian, we provide her with a real adventure in education. In light of the excitement of World Book Day, our Library Manager shares her top tips to help inspire a love of reading from a young age. Known for. Matthew enjoys writing and, for a period, wrote a column about teaching in the Daily Telegraph. She has a great deal of experience as a Governor of a variety of independent Senior and Prep Schools and was a member of the Independent Schools Examination Board. Down House and the surrounding area was added to the UK World Heritage List in 1999 but its World Heritage status is yet to be . Mr Matthew Godfrey joined Downe House in September 2021. He started his career with the global consultancy firm Accenture but decided to switch to teaching after seven years in business. More than twenty-five subjects, countless language options, and a non-examined course in food are on offer. Georgiana is currently studying remotely for a Masters in Education at the University of Bath. Whether you're new to our community or an old friend we'll be delving deeper, sharing stories and finding out what it really means to be a pupil at Downe House. Where it can, it also recognizes that some children not only require 100% fee remission, but also further help with extras to keep up. Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. New York, She has also been a pastoral assistant and Academic Tutor for Upper School pupils. She is also a Governor at a local school and enjoys tutoring. Downe House offers a dedicated Learning Support Department, equipped to oversee the requirements of students with mild to moderate Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). With a specialist background and degree in Childhood, Education and Society, Jade has an extensive background in childcare, running her own nannying agency, and working for an education-based NGO which uses education as a force for good and leading trips to Uganda and Ecuador. Staff are not that friendly in answering queries and even extending assistance of you queries. I have found great satisfaction in being part of a team that helps them to realise their ambitions and go forwards into university or a career as confident and independent young women. Please see our partners for more details. For what it's worth, Cameron, the headmistress (who apparently met with the Middletons several times during this period, presumably as they were like, "Hey, our daughter seems miserable, so can you help?") She then worked as a founder member of staff in a state free boarding school, as a Resident Fellow. Sophie brings a wealth of school leadership and Physical Education experience to her Housemistress role at Downe House. Downe House School. This article contains a list of the Top 100 Boarding Schools based on their A-level results. Who is the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, mother of Lord Oliver Cholmondeley? Youre getting a reduced rate because this partner is offering a discount when you book from a mobile device. She will be teaching Chemistry at all levels and, along with creating interactive and exciting lessons, Agnese is keen to develop opportunities that stimulate and inspire an interest in all areas of Science within the whole School community; she plans to spend time with pupils outside the classroom in clubs and extra-curricular activities. Our latest offering within our Global Strategy, DH Global Internships is off to a fantastic start! It is a rare gift, to be able to spend your life doing what you love best. With its unique place in the history of science and evolution, Down House, the family home of world-renowned scientist Charles Darwin, is a must-see. Sophie said, I believe that your school years are a truly special time and my aim is to support the girls in every aspect of their school life. Biology. 20 November 2022. . Please help us keep prospective parents up to date with your latest information. Further posts at Downe including Examinations Officer and Director of Studies have allowed Philippa a significant amount of contact with girls, staff and parents around the School. A Level French pupils had the exciting opportunity to interview Charline Pouillet, Director of 'On Detonne Contre Huntington' - an association fundraising for a cure to Huntington's Disease. Academic excellence is generally regarded as the most important factor in choosing a school so the schools contained in this table have been ranked based on the percentage of results that were either A* or A, the two highest possible results. Login . Everyone wanted to be the best, the fittest, the prettiest. "You have two years of bonding, your first time away all together. White House officials . Our new Lower School boarding houses opened this September and builds on our already excellent home-away-from-home boarding provision, providing spacious bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and common rooms for all girls in their first two years. Director of Digital Delivery and Innovation, Director of Finance and Business Enterprise, Aisholt Housemistress, Teacher of Religious Studies and Lyceum Learning, AGS Housemistress, Teacher of Learning for Life, Tedworth Housemistress, Teacher of Religious Studies, Willis (GO) Housemistress, Higher Education Team member, Teacher of French, Willis (VKR) Housemistress, Drama Teacher, Head of Sixth Form General Education, York (GNH) Housemistress, Teacher of English and PE. Georgiana joined Downe House as an Assistant Housemistress in 2020 and is delighted to be taking on the role of Housemistress this academic year. The school focuses on its major sports: netball, lacrosse, athletics, tennis, and hockey, although swimming, squash, gymnastics, cross country, and rounders are included within the curriculum and supported by diverse co-curricular sporting options ranging from wall climbing, sailing, and badminton, to horse riding, fencing, and ballet. Stephanie started her career at a boarding school The Armidale School in Australia, while studying a Bachelor of Education at the University of New England. Head: Emma McKendrick, PGCE, since 1997; previously Head of the Royal High School, Bath, Term fees: Day: 10,435; boarding: 14,730, Admission: Schools own exam and interview, Alumnae: Clare Balding, Miranda Hart, Geraldine James, Who is the new Earl of Wessex? Dr Andrew AthertonMICHAELMAS IMrs Katharine Henson and Mr Joshua Kersley Miss Sara PalmerMr Tim BreezeLENT (FRIDAY)Mrs Joanne HarropMs Marya Akhtar and Miss Sara PalmerMr Andrew HobbsSUMMER. (Last year, 27 of them were on means-tested bursaries.) Every girl at Downe House is valued, supported and challenged as an individual and provided with an exceptional range of opportunities to explore and develop her strengths. The original whitewashed Moorish inspired school building, The Cloisters, was built during the First World War by the architect Maclaren Ross, and has been subject to sympathetic additions and new buildings across more than 110 acres of school grounds. Leading and managing a Sixth Form boarding house and being responsible for the pastoral and academic development of each individual girl throughout their two years in the Sixth Form. He then moved to school business management becoming the Director of Finance and Business Operations (Bursar) for Canadian Academy, Kobe, after which he moved to the British School in Tokyo to become the first Director of Operations. Living and learning in an all girls, all boarding environment provides the time and opportunities for each girl to develop and flourish, to confidently discover herself, and I bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to my role to support and facilitate each girl in AGN in their personal and academic development.. Anna joined Downe House from Rugby Schools international sister school in Thailand, where she was both Head of Art and Design and Housemistress. In February, Liberty and Honor (LV) spent ten exciting days attending Dr Nassau College in the beautiful Netherlands. David is joined at Downe House by his wife Sofia McClymont, who is our Director of Boarding. In 2013, the Downe House Annual Leavers Ball was cancelled by the Head following a widely publicised drinking incident at the school. Request Details Close. With plenty of experience, and a warm, welcoming personality, the Tedworth girls will have a supportive and exciting atmosphere to call home. Philippa is now Assistant Head (Operations), managing the ins an outs of life at Downe House. In his role, he manages the AV, IT and Software Support teams to ensure that all the technology is optimised to facilitate learning and the sharing of information and, importantly, makes working easier for staff, pupils and parents. work co-operatively and supportively with all members of staff. The school was founded in 1907 in the home of the English naturalist Charles Darwin. Genevieve graduated from the University of Bristol with a degree in Theology and Religious Studies. Dance is catered for through hip hop, tap, modern, and Zumba. This is a free service for our readers. As Assistant Head (Upper School), Mrs Anna Dourountakis oversees the academic progress and pastoral care of the Upper Fourth, Lower Fifth and Upper Fifth during which girls complete their GCSEs. Matthew holds a wealth of experience in educational leadership and boarding environments and will bring much to our community. Anna joined Downe House from Rugby Schools international sister school in Thailand, where she was both Head of Art and Design and Housemistress. Following her qualification, she moved to a permanent position at Royds Withy King in Wiltshire. Downe House Riyadh offers a co-educational (boys and girls) setting from Pre School to Year 4. Sofie gained her OCR Diploma in Teaching Learners with Dyslexia and Specific Learning Difficulties and continued studying her Level 7 Diploma in Dyslexia Assessment and Intervention. In a word, Downe House wascliquey (opens in new tab). From the first phone call to checking out the staff at the hotel could not do enough to help us. Main Downe House USP though is the schools separate school in France. ', all our guest speakers will be focusing on different ways in which their schools aim to achieve this goal. Sixth Form is such an exciting part of a young persons education, I am looking forward to being involved in this aspect of their individual journey and helping to shape their futures during and beyond Downe House.. Mrs West loves the shared experience of a text and taking pupils on a journey of discovery in English. Rosie graduate from Warwick University with an undergraduate degree in Theatre and Performance Studies, and a PGCE. At our Academic Conference in June, 'Maximising Pupil Progress - What are the keys to success? The longstanding head Emma McKendrick (known affectionately to the girls as Kenny) is outstanding, taking a real interest in all her girls and their individual pursuits. has a growth mindset, positive and flexible attitude and is prepared to go the extra mile. Downe House DNA; Our History; Meet the Staff; Christian Ethos; Term Dates; Explore our Campus; Location; Working for Us; Inspection and .
